Bedbugs and reduviid bugs are species of Hemiptera. They inhabit mattresses, and cracks and crevices within the home, as well as the straw roofs of buildings, from which they emerge to feed at night. The bite marks are usually clustered on the human body. Bedbug bites seldom induce more than discomfort. However, bedbugs are of major importance as vectors wherever American trypanosomiasis is endemic. Reduviid bugs tend to produce more severe lesions that occasionally induce anaphylactic reactions.

Prevention and management

Indoor spraying with insecticides such as malathion has only a transient effect. Long-term control is dependent upon improved housing and the eradication of potential breeding sites such as rubbish heaps. Simple analgesics, such as paracetamol and aspirin, can be given to relieve pain, if necessary. Calamine lotion may be used to relieve pruritus.