Bed Bugs In Belize: What You Need To Know

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown, flattened, oval, and wingless insects with microscopic hairs that give them a banded appearance. They are known for being elusive, transient, and nocturnal, making them difficult to detect. While they are not commonly associated with Belize, there have been reports of bed bug infestations in certain locations within the country.

In this article, we will explore the presence of bed bugs in Belize, the potential risks they pose to travellers and residents, and provide practical tips for preventing and managing infestations. We will also discuss other common insects in Belize that may be mistaken for bed bugs, such as sand fleas and mosquitoes, and offer advice on how to protect yourself from these biting insects.

Bed bugs' appearance and behaviour

Bed bugs are reddish-brown, flattened, oval, and wingless, with microscopic hairs that give them a banded appearance. They are about the size of an apple seed (5-7mm or 1/8-1/4 of an inch long). Newly hatched nymphs are translucent, lighter in colour, and become browner as they moult and reach maturity. Nymphs are smaller, and if not recently fed, can be nearly invisible to the naked eye.

Bed bugs are attracted by warmth and the presence of carbon dioxide. They pierce the skin of their host with two hollow tubes, injecting their saliva, which contains anticoagulants and anaesthetics, while withdrawing blood. After feeding for about five minutes, the bug returns to its hiding place. Bed bugs are primarily active at night, but if hungry, they will seek hosts in full daylight. They can survive and remain active at temperatures as low as 7°C (46°F) but die when their body temperature reaches 45°C (113°F).

Bed bugs hide in a variety of places, including mattress seams, mattress interiors, bed frames, nearby furniture, carpeting, baseboards, inner walls, tiny wood holes, bedroom clutter, and even in electrical appliances. They can squeeze into very small spaces—if a crack can hold a credit card, it could hide a bed bug. They are known to be elusive, transient, and nocturnal, making them difficult to detect.

Female bed bugs can lay up to five eggs per day and 500 during their lifetime. The eggs are visible to the naked eye, measuring 1mm in length, and are a milky-white colour. The eggs hatch in one to two weeks, and the newly emerged nymphs begin feeding immediately. They pass through five moulting stages before reaching maturity, and they must feed at least once during each of these stages.

How to identify bed bug bites

Bed bugs are reddish-brown, flattened, oval, and wingless, with microscopic hairs that give them a banded appearance. They are often compared in size to lentils or apple seeds, growing to 4–5 mm (1/8th – 3/16th of an inch) in length. Bed bugs are elusive, transient, and nocturnal, making them difficult to detect.

Bed bugs feed on human blood, and their bites can be identified through the following signs:

• Bed bug bites are commonly found on body parts that are more likely to be exposed during sleep, such as the face, neck, hands, arms, legs, shoulders, and ankles.
• Bites often appear as small, flat, or raised red bumps or welts that may become inflamed, itchy, or blistered.
• Bites are often grouped together in a small area and may occur in a line or zigzag pattern.
• The bites might not be noticeable at first and can take a few hours to several days, or even weeks, to develop.
• Some people may have allergic reactions to bed bug bites, resulting in enlarged red welts, painful swelling, or even anaphylaxis.
• Bed bug bites can be itchy and irritating but do not usually cause rashes. However, excessive scratching can lead to broken skin, which may result in secondary infections.

If you suspect bed bug bites, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Preventing bed bug bites

Bed bugs are tiny, flat, brown or reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They are usually found in mattresses, bed frames, headboards, bedroom furniture, and bedroom clutter. They are most active before dawn and at night, and their bites can cause itchy, tiny marks. Here are some ways to prevent bed bug bites:

Wash and Dry Your Bedding on High Heat

Bed bugs can be effectively killed by washing your bedding, including pillows and comforters, in hot water and drying them in a dryer at the highest temperature for at least 30 minutes. Regularly doing this can lower the risk of getting bitten. Items that cannot be washed or dried can be placed in a sealed trash bag and left outside in direct sunlight for a day.

Vacuum and Steam Clean

Bed bugs often hide in mattress seams, bed frames, and headboards. Vacuuming these areas, along with floors and other infested surfaces, can help remove bed bugs. Using a vacuum with a suction wand can be especially effective in reaching tight spaces. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag and dispose of it immediately. Steam cleaning is another useful method, as bed bugs are susceptible to high temperatures.

Use Mattress and Box Spring Covers

Investing in good-quality mattress and box spring covers can help trap bed bugs inside, preventing them from reaching you while you sleep. Look for covers specifically designed for bed bug protection, ensuring they have a good seal and can be securely zipped around the mattress.

Sleep in Long-Sleeved Clothing

Bed bugs primarily target exposed skin. Wearing long-sleeved pajamas and pants while sleeping can provide a layer of protection. Ensure the clothing fits more snugly around the wrists and ankles to prevent bed bugs from reaching your skin.

Reduce Clutter

Bed bugs thrive in cluttered environments as they provide more hiding places. Reducing clutter and maintaining a clean living space can help limit their hiding spots and make it easier to locate and treat infestations.

Use Interceptor Traps

Bed bug interceptors are small plastic dishes placed under bed posts or furniture legs. They have grooves that trap bed bugs trying to climb up. These can be purchased or made at home using simple supplies.

Contact Pest Control Professionals

If bed bugs persist despite your best efforts, consider hiring a qualified pest control professional. They can provide guidance on treatment options and effectively eliminate infestations.

Treating bed bug bites

Bed bug bites are itchy welts that usually appear in a zigzag pattern. They may also look like hives or blisters and are often found in lines or clusters. While bed bug bites typically get better on their own within a week or two, there are several treatments that can help relieve the symptoms.

Home Remedies

If you do not have any signs of an infection or a serious reaction, you can treat bed bug bites at home. Here are some recommended home treatments:

• Wash the bites with soap and water to prevent infection and reduce itchiness.
• Apply a corticosteroid cream to the bites to reduce inflammation and itching. A weak form of this cream is available without a prescription, while stronger corticosteroids require a prescription from a dermatologist.
• Apply a cold cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the bites.
• Apply a thin paste of baking soda and water to the bites.

Medical Treatments

If you experience a severe allergic reaction or infection from bed bug bites, it is important to seek medical attention. A dermatologist or doctor may prescribe the following treatments:

• Injection of an antihistamine, corticosteroid, or epinephrine (adrenaline) for a severe allergic reaction.
• Antibiotics for a skin infection. For mild infections, your doctor may recommend an antiseptic medication that can be purchased over the counter.
• Prescription antihistamine pill or liquid to reduce itching and burning.
• Oral pain reliever to reduce swelling and pain.
• Stronger antihistamine prescribed by a doctor.

Preventing Bed Bug Bites

To prevent bed bug bites, it is important to take measures such as decontaminating luggage, clothes, and belongings when returning home from travel. Use luggage racks to keep your clothes off the floor and away from hotel furniture. Keep your suitcase away from your bed and wash your clothes before putting them away. Additionally, seal items that cannot be washed in plastic bags for several weeks to contain and eliminate any possible bed bugs.

Where bed bugs are found in Belize

Bed bugs have been reported by travellers in a few locations in Belize. In 2010, a traveller reported bed bugs at Bella's Backpackers in Caye Caulker, which ruined their trip. In 2009, another traveller reported bed bugs at the same location, as well as aggressive and unhelpful owners who denied the presence of bed bugs at the hostel.

Bed bugs have also been reported at the Princess Hotel in Belize City, and a few travellers suspect that they encountered bed bugs on Ambergris Caye, although this is not confirmed.

Bed bugs are usually found in mattress seams, mattress interiors, bed frames, nearby furniture, carpeting, baseboards, inner walls, tiny wood holes, or bedroom clutter. They are known for being elusive, transient, and nocturnal, making them difficult to detect.

Frequently asked questions