Can You Die From Bed Bugs?

Get ready to get the itchies… yes. Bed bugs aren’t typically carriers of any deadly disease, but their bite can lead to complications and even death. Don’t believe us?

Medics rushed Mary Stoner, age 96, to the emergency room just two days after being removed from her caretaker’s home in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Ms. Stoner passed away; her body covered in a rash. The rash led to an autopsy that revealed Ms. Stoner developed a sepsis infection.

Sepsis is a blood infection caused by a body’s immune system working overtime to fight other infections. In a worst-case scenario, sepsis can result in death due to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Ms. Stoner’s infections were caused by bed bug bites – a result of a massive infestation of insects throughout the home, including bed bugs. The caretaker was charged in this case with manslaughter. An officer who visited the house reported insects crawling on the walls and bed in the room where Ms. Stoner was staying. Another disabled adult in the home was covered in bugs as well. Yikes. In the event you have a problem, there’s no time to waste.

Because bed bug infestations are becoming more commonplace, some bed bug species are becoming more resistant to typical pesticide treatments. The caretaker stated that she tried to rid the house of the bugs but was unsuccessful and could not afford an exterminator. It’s critical that you contact us immediately so we can put an end to the infestation.

So, although quite uncommon, complications from a bed bug infestation could lead to life-threatening conditions!

If you travel frequently, be sure to read our article on how to prevent bed bugs from hitchhiking home with you. We provide details on how to check your hotel room, what kind of luggage to purchase, and what to do when you get home. And, given the chance that you have brought them home, you can download our bed bug pre-treatment checklist and give us a call.