Bedbug Infestations Cause Persistent Bites and Sleep Loss Among Israeli Children

Many Israelis have recently reported relentless itching and sleepless nights due to bedbug infestations. These tiny insects hide in mattresses, cracks, and furniture, causing widespread discomfort. Itamar, 35, from Holon, shared his experience of waking up with numerous bites and intense itching, initially mistaking them for mosquito bites. After spotting the bugs on his bed, a pest control expert confirmed they were bedbugs and recommended discarding his mattress and bed frame, advice that shocked him.

Professional exterminator Avi Mizrahi explained that bedbugs are not limited to private homes but are also found in hotels, military bases, and prisons. Their ability to hide in tiny crevices makes eradication challenging, requiring a thorough three-step treatment involving steaming, vacuuming, and spraying. However, Mizrahi noted that discarding furniture is not always necessary, as many items can be saved, reducing costs.

Dr. Ilan Yehoshua, head of family medicine at Maccabi Health Services in southern Israel, described how bedbug bites vary in appearance and severity among individuals, often worsening in summer due to increased travel and shared accommodations. While bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases, the intense itching can lead to secondary skin infections, sometimes requiring steroid or antibiotic treatment. Yehoshua emphasized the importance of addressing the infestation source through professional pest control to prevent ongoing problems.