Mosquito on edge of orange mushroom
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Similarities Between Mosquito Bites and Bed Bug Bites

No one likes bug bites, no matter where they come from. Knowing the difference between different types of bug bites can help you treat affected areas or even prevent more bites in the future. All bug bites may look similar at first glance, but there are key differences that you can look for to help you tell them apart. 

Appearance

Almost everyone has been bitten by an annoying mosquito at some point in their life, so these bites should be easier to identify. Mosquito bites often become puffy immediately after the bite, with red, irritated skin surrounding the bite. Some time after, the redness may reduce if left alone and a white pit may form at the center of the bite. Mosquito bites don’t usually go unnoticed since they tend to be itchy and sensitive. More times than not, mosquito bites will be spread out  on exposed skin, like ankles or the neck area. 

Bed bug bites will be more clustered on one area of skin that was exposed while sleeping. Bed bug bites usually aren’t noticed until the morning after, since bed bugs feed at night when the victim is most likely sleeping. These bites will appear as red bumps in clusters with less redness and irritation surrounding the bite than a mosquito bite. The bites will possibly have dried blood around them or on your bed sheets. Where mosquitos will take a nip and fly off, bed bugs will bite, feed, move a little, and then repeat, causing their bites to appear in clusters or lines. By the time you wake up in the morning, the bites from bed bugs will most likely be closed and scabbed over, giving you an indication that they happened some time ago.  

Seasonal Effects

Mosquitoes will attack any exposed skin, especially during warm, humid weather. They are often found near bodies of water where they prefer to breed and lay eggs. Again, they enjoy the warm weather, so they will slow down during cooler weather, but aren’t gone entirely. However, it is still rare to get a mosquito bite during the winter months, so if you are getting bit-up around then, this may help you narrow down your bug search. 

Bed bugs will also begin to slow down in the winter; however, if they have a host to feed on, they will take as much advantage of that food source as they can, for as long as they can. Since bed bugs feed off of live hosts, they usually make their homes inside your own home where they stay nice and warm, despite the weather. 

Bed bug image in magnifying glass with bed in background

Signs of bed bugs

Bed bug bites will come with some additional warning signs other than the bite on your skin. Often you will find dark-red or almost black spots on sheets and bedding. This comes from either blood from the bites or feces from the bugs. These will be easier to notice on lighter colors, but if you find yourself waking up with bites, make sure to check your sheets and the linings of your mattress and other fabrics. However, bed bugs can be hiding anywhere and like to hitch rides to different places. Be sure to check your things after visiting high traffic areas, public transportation or staying at hotels. 

Found Bed Bugs?

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, call the experts at Bed Bug BBQ! We follow all CDC health guidelines according to COVID-19 to keep you and your family as safe as possible. Located in Lakewood, OH, Bed Bug BBQ offers free local home inspections! Using safe and effective heat treatment, we aim to eradicate your bed bug problem in less than 24 hours! Call today at (216)-206-6717 or visit our website!

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