We have always clung to the fact that, unlike ticks and mosquitoes, bed bugs do not carry diseases that affect humans. A research team at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine has alerted us that these unwanted parasites might be more than an itchy nuisance. 

Over the past century, researchers have monitored bed bugs for diseases such as the plague, leprosy, hepatitis, and AIDS. The scientists fed bed bugs with blood-laced viruses to see if any diseases could be transmitted via biting. All testing showed that no diseases were capable of spreading from bed bugs to humans.

Now, this certainty is under review. 

A study with Michael Levy shows that it's not definitive proof that bed bugs are transferring Chagas disease. Still, they did show that bed bugs could pass along a parasite that causes Chagas disease. Chagas disease is mainly an infection in South and Central America as well as Mexico that causes intestinal complications or, worse, cardiac disease. We can all agree that neither of those sounds appealing.

Mr. Levy has stated that bed bugs don't infect people but could play a role in the transference. His study showed how bed bugs and mice were qualified to infect each other with Chagas disease. Mice would become infected with Chagas if they came into contact with bed bug feces laced with the disease through a skin tear.

At Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Melissa Nolan Garcia, an epidemiologist, confirms that the Triatominae insect, aka the "kissing bug," carries Chagas disease. This large bloodsucking bug received its name from biting victims around their mouths. When they bite their prey, the bug's feces enter the bloodstream, injecting the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas. They are also related to the dreaded bed bugs. 

Up to eight million people in Latin America are contaminated with Chagas, and around 50,000 will succumb to death from Chagas-related ailments.

As long as you are not around anyone who has Chagas disease, your bed bug will not poison you with the disease. You will suffer typical symptoms of bed bugs, such as itching, welts, and bites. Some good news, eh?

However, there are effective and convenient ways to kill bed bugs yourself using family-friendly ingredients without breaking the bank. Our Natural Bed Bug Patrol Killer Spray provides a plant-based solution to infestations of bed bugs, as well as fleas, spiders, and other common indoor bugs. Our 100% natural solution is made in the USA and relies on the power of natural ingredients like citric acid, clove, and peppermint oil to naturally deter these bugs from living in your furnishings and upholstery. Just spray our solution on affected surfaces twice per day, and it will get to work on exterminating your bed bugs and preventing their return.