Conditions Often Mistaken for Bed Bug Bites

Dealing with a bed bug infestation can be an absolute nightmare. Unfortunately, they’re also notoriously hard to detect until it’s too late. To make matters worse, the bites that bed bugs leave behind can often be mistaken for other conditions or skin irritations. That’s why it’s important to know what bed bug bites look like, as well as what other conditions could possibly be confused with them.

Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites are probably the most common thing that is mistaken for bed bug bites. Mosquito bites tend to appear as small red bumps and may cause mild itching, which is similar to the typical signs of a bed bug bite. However, mosquito bites usually appear in random areas of exposed skin, while bed bug bites are more likely to appear in lines or clusters on areas that are exposed while sleeping,  such as arms and legs.

Spider Bites

Spider bites can resemble bed bug bites but there are some key differences between the two types of bite marks. Spiders typically only bite one person, often only once,  while bed bugs will bite multiple people, multiple times. Also, spider bites tend to be localized and isolated whereas bed bug bites usually occur in groups or lines across the body.

Flea Bites

Flea bites can easily be mistaken for bed bug bites since both insect species feed on blood from their hosts, and leave behind similar looking red bumps on the skin. However, because they live fairly low to the ground, fleas tend to feed mostly around the ankles and feet. Bed bugs prefer feeding on any exposed areas of skin such as arms and legs.

Allergies

Allergies can sometimes present themselves as red bumps that look like insect bite marks, but they don’t typically look like a true insect bite would. Hives caused by an allergic reaction will typically cause large, puffy red bumps all over the body, while bed bug bites are smaller and generally grouped together in a row. Also, allergies tend to affect the whole body instead of being localized like an insect bite would be.

Scabies

Scabies mites burrow into the skin and leave behind small red bumps or blisters that may itch severely if left untreated. These mite-induced sores can sometimes be mistaken for bed bug bites, since they both cause itching and redness on the affected areas of skin. However, scabies mite infestations will usually spread rapidly throughout the body if left untreated, whereas a true insect bite wouldn’t spread unless bitten repeatedly. 

Heat Rash

Heat rash is another condition that can sometimes be mistaken for an insect bite due its rash-like presentation on the skin. Heat rashes are generally caused by sweat glands becoming blocked, which results in small red bumps appearing on parts of your body that become overly warm during physical activity or exposure to hot temperatures outside.

It’s important to know what different kinds of insect bite marks look like so that you can avoid mistaking them for bed bugs, should you ever find yourself dealing with an infestation in your home or business space. Knowing how each type of mark looks and feels will help you identify exactly what kind of pest problem you’re dealing with so that it can be handled quickly before it gets out of control! That said, if you suspect you may have a case of bed bugs, then contact a professional exterminator immediately so they can come out and assess your situation before things get too out of hand.

Bed Bug Barbeque Bites Back!

Call Bed Bug Barbeque for bed bug extermination services today! Our experienced eradicators  will use advanced techniques to quickly identify bed bug bites and get rid of the infestation. We are committed to providing you with a safe and effective solution that will eliminate bed bugs and help you rest easy knowing your home or business is free from bed bugs. Contact us now on our website, or by calling (216) 221-1227 for a consultation.