Identifying Bed Bug Bites & Symptoms

Bed bugs feed on blood as their only source of nutrition. In order to mature into adults, they must feed once during each of their immature stages. Adult females also need blood in order to produce eggs. Blood spots found on one's sheets, bites and the presence of bed bug feces and cast skins are some of the indications of a bed bug infestation.

What do bed bug bites look like?

Bed bug bites typically appear as small, flat or slightly raised areas on the skin that may become inflamed, itchy, red, or blistered. These bites are often not immediately noticeable or painful, as bed bugs use their elongated beaks to pierce the skin and extract blood for up to 10 minutes without detection.

The appearance of bed bug bites can vary depending on several factors:

• Anti-coagulant reaction: Bed bugs inject an anti-coagulant with their saliva, which largely determines how a person's skin reacts to the bite.

• Individual sensitivity: People have different levels of sensitivity to bed bug bites, affecting the size and intensity of the reaction.

• Frequency of bites: The number of times a person is bitten can influence the size and severity of the reaction, though responses may become more or less intense over time.

How do bed bugs bite?

Bed bugs have a unique feeding pattern that often results in multiple bites from a single insect. Their biting process begins with the bed bug inserting its mouthparts into the skin, probing for a suitable blood vessel. Once a suitable vessel is found, the bed bug begins extracting blood. Bed bugs are highly attuned to their host's movements. If a sleeping person shifts, the feeding bug will likely withdraw its mouthparts and relocate. Interruptions or difficulty finding a good blood vessel may cause a single bed bug to create several bite marks during one feeding session. When undisturbed, a bed bug can feed for up to 10 minutes straight.

It's important to note that the number of bites on a person's body doesn't necessarily correlate with the number of bed bugs present. A single bug can cause multiple bites, while multiple bugs might feed from the same site. This feeding behavior contributes to the line and cluster pattern of bed bug bites on skin.

Where do bed bugs bite?

Bed bug bites typically occur on areas of the body that are most exposed while sleeping, including the hands, neck, face, shoulders, legs, and arms. These bites often appear in clusters or may manifest in a distinctive line or zigzag pattern, reflecting the bed bug's feeding behavior as it moves from one spot to another. If you suspect that you’ve been bitten by bed bugs, examine your face, neck, arms, and hands for any irritation. It’s also wise to inspect your bedding, comforter, and pillows for signs of a bed bug infestation to address the issue promptly.

Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bite reactions can vary significantly among individuals. While some people may develop symptoms within hours, others might not show any signs for several days, and some may not react at all. This variability makes bed bug bites challenging to identify based solely on symptoms. Common symptoms of bed bug bites include:

• Itchy, red welts or swelling

• A slight burning sensation initially

• Small, red marks that may appear in tight lines or clusters

• In some cases, more dramatic swelling or blister-like skin inflammations

If you develop a rash or any other symptoms after suspecting bed bug bites, resist the urge to scratch the affected area, as this can lead to secondary infections. If the rash persists or becomes infected, contact a medical professional immediately.

Are bed bug bites dangerous?

Although bed bugs do bite humans, they are not known to transmit diseases to people. However, scratching bed bug bites and failure to keep the bites clean and disinfected may lead to a secondary infection that can cause further swelling and bleeding. Children, the elderly, and individuals with weak immune systems, particularly those who are bedridden, are more susceptible to secondary infections that result from bed bug bites.

Do bed bugs bite dogs or cats?

Bed bugs can bite cats and dogs, and the bites often resemble those on humans, which may lead pet owners to mistake them for mosquito or flea bites. Unlike fleas, bed bugs do not live on pets; they feed and then return to their hiding spots. Signs of bed bug bites in pets include small, red marks and unusual irritation or restlessness, especially at night. To confirm bed bug presence, look for dark fecal spots on bedding, shed skins, or live bugs in pet sleeping areas. Regularly inspect and wash your pet's bedding in addition to grooming them frequently to check for signs of infestation. While bed bug bites can be bothersome, they typically don’t pose serious health risks to pets. If you notice unusual symptoms in your pet, consult a veterinarian for advice.

Flea Bites vs. Bed Bug Bites

While bed bug bites and flea bites may look similar, there are a few ways to tell the difference between them. Although treatment is necessary for flea and bed bug infestations, the process and strategy differ. If you’re noticing flea or bed bug bite symptoms on you, your pets, or children, here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to identify which pest you’re dealing with:

How to Identify a Flea Bite

Flea bites can be easily identified by their resemblance to mosquito bites, featuring a dot-shaped appearance with a dark red center from the flea's puncture. Initially, these bites are extremely itchy and may appear randomly placed on the skin. Over time, they typically become less swollen but can sometimes develop into open sores if scratched excessively. Recognizing these characteristics can help differentiate flea bites from those caused by other insects.

How to Identify a Bed Bug Bite

Bed bug bites typically appear as small, red, raised welts on the skin. They often occur in clusters or linear patterns, reflecting the bug's feeding behavior along the edge of exposed skin. Unlike flea bites, bed bug bites may not be immediately noticeable, sometimes taking several days to develop. The bites usually start as painless but gradually become itchy over time. Because bite patterns can vary, and some individuals may not react to bed bug bites at all, it’s important to inspect your sleeping area to confirm you’re dealing with an infestation.

Bed Bug Bites vs. Spider Bites

Typical of tiny biting pests, we often don’t see them until they’ve already bitten and symptoms appear. To know which course of treatment is required to effectively get rid of a potential bed bug or flea infestation, you need to properly identify which bug you’ve encountered. A solid way to decipher which type of bite you’re experiencing is learning how to tell the difference between bed bug bites and spider bites. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

How to Identify Spider Bites

Spider bites have a few telltale signs that can help you identify them. One of the most noticeable features is two small puncture marks left by the spider's fangs. Unlike other insect bites, spider bites are usually isolated, with only one or two bites at a time. It’s worth mentioning that spider bites are pretty rare—most spiders only bite when they feel threatened. Most spider bites are harmless. However, bites from venomous species can cause more serious symptoms like nausea, muscle cramps, or trouble breathing. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

If you’re trying to figure out whether a bed bug has bitten you, take a look around to see if you can find any telltale signs of a possible infestation. For help getting rid of bed bugs, contact your local Orkin branch.