What Is and Isn’t a Bed Bug Bite?
Everyone at some point in their life has gone crazy trying to figure out if the bug bite on their body is from a bed bug or not. It can be a scary thought to come across when you are deciding whether you have to deal with a bed bug infestation or if it was just another insect bite. I promise you, you are not alone. We are here to help set your mind at ease! Here are some characteristics to help identify the difference:
Bed Bugs
Bed Bugs usually attack at night when you are sleeping in your bed. Therefore, the parts of the body that are usually bitten are the skin that is exposed while you sleep. Most cases of bed bug bites are all clustered together in a small area that may form a line pattern on your skin. Many times the bite can cause a burning and itching sensation. There can also be signs of small blood stains on your bed sheets that alerts you with the presence of bed bugs. Not everyone has an immediate reaction to a bed bug bite, so it is good to always keep an eye out for blood on your bed if you feel discomfort on your skin. Â Â
Some bug bites that are commonly mistaken as bed bug bites are:
Mosquitoes
Similar to bed bugs, mosquitoes feast on blood, and go after the parts of your skin not covered by clothing. This is why a lot of times people get confused between mosquito bites and bed bug bites. Mosquito bites can also cause a burning and itching sensation on your skin where you were bitten. These bites usually show up as red bumps similar to bed bugs. Except, they do not show up in a small line or zig zag pattern like bed bugs. They are usually single red bumps that are scattered in a random pattern.
Fleas
Flea bites often appear as small clusters of red dots, bed bugs also appear as red dots but with a darker red spot in the center of the bite.Flea bites appear on the skin in a random pattern, while bed bug bites stay in a linear pattern. Fleas usually bite people on their legs and ankles because that is where it is easiest for them to bite people. Bed bug bites appear all over the body because they bite whatever skin is exposed in your sleep.However, both flea and bed bug bites will irritate your skin with swelling and itchiness. Another key factor in identifying flea bites is if you have pets, check their fur to see if they have fleas. If they have fleas that is the most likely answer to your problem.
Spiders
Unlike bed bugs that usually only bite at night, spider bites can happen at any time of day. Spider bites usually takes around a week to disappear, while bed bug bites take around 1-2 weeks to disappear. Typically, with spider bites you can see an insertion of two fangs where your skin is swollen and red. If you see the entry site of two fangs, it is important to keep an eye on the bite to make sure it is not poisonous. Spider bites usually appear as only one swollen spot on your skin, showing no sign of a pattern. Spider bites are usually presented with some type of mild pain that accompanies the itchiness and swelling.
We hope these differences can help set a lot of people’s mind at ease. If you cannot make up your mind about your insect bite then you may benefit from a professional opinion. Always remember, if believe you that you might have a bed bug infestation in your home it is important to get it taken care of right away.Bed Bug BBQ in Lakewood, Ohio even offers free local bed bug home inspections! Bed Bug BBQ is always ready to tackle any bed bug challenges that come their way with their safe heat treatment. If you need an expert’s opinion feel free to contact them and give them a call at (216)-206-6717.