BED BUGS

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Bed bugs are parasitic insects from the Cimicidae family. They live purely off the blood of a host animal. Different species of bed bug prefer to feed off the blood of particular animals, for example the Cimex Pipistrelli species in Europe prefer bat blood. The Cimex Lectularius and Cimex Hemipterus species prefer the blood of humans. Cimex Lectularius prefers temperate climates and are common in the UK and the USA. In Myanmar's more tropical climate, Cimex Hemipterus are more common. Bed bugs are attracted by their host by primarily carbon dioxide emitted when breathing, as well as warmth. They pierce the skin using a rostrum, a type of 'beak', and inject saliva that contains anticoagulants and anaesthetic. Bites can produce a small bump and, if repeatedly bitten in the same area, may create a small red dot. Bites may lead to skin rashes and allergic reactions, however, they are not known to transmit diseases or pathogens.