Identifying Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood while we sleep. Although bed bugs used to be rare, infestations have made a major resurgence in recent years. When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic so you won't feel anything as they feed. However, those bites soon turn into red, swollen marks that can cause intense itching.
Knowing how to identify bed bug bites is important so you can take action if you suspect an infestation. Let's take a close look at some bed bug bites close up pictures so you know what to look for.
The Appearance of Bed Bug Bites
Fresh bed bug bites typically resemble small red spots similar to mosquito bites. The bites often occur in lines or clusters of three to five bites. This pattern occurs when a bed bug is disturbed while feeding and moves to a nearby location to try feeding again.
Although the bites usually don't hurt at first, they soon become extremely itchy and irritating. Scratching the bites can cause infection or permanent scarring over time. The swelling and itchiness can last up to two weeks, although the bites typically heal within one week.
Differences Between Bed Bug Bites and Other Insect Bites
Sometimes it can be challenging to tell whether bites came from bed bugs or another pest. Lets go over how to distinguish bed bug bites from other common insect bites.
Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites also resemble small, red bumps and often occur in similar clustered or lined patterns. However, mosquito bites usually stop itching after a few days. The swelling also tends to go down more quickly than bed bug bites.
Spider Bites
Spider bites can look similar to bed bug bites. However, spider bites sometimes have a blistering or necrotic area in the center showing that venom was injected. The skin around a spider bite also tends to become hardened and painful.
Flea Bites
Flea bites commonly occur around the legs and ankles in clusters of small red dots. Flea bites are often more spread out than bed bug bites. They also tend to be more painful with sharply defined edges, while bed bug bites have softer edges.
Mite Bites
Mites can also leave small, red bites scattered across the skin. However, mite bites tend to create burrows or slightly raised tunnels on the surface of the skin. The bites may also form crusty patches over time.
As you can see, figuring out what insect is biting you can be complicated. Having photographic examples of bed bug bites close up pictures helps narrow it down.
What Bed Bug Bites Look Like
Now let's examine some close up photos of real bed bug bites so you know exactly what to look for. Here are the most common characteristics of bed bug bites:
Small red bumps - The bites appear as raised red bumps, similar to mosquito bites. They often occur in a zig-zag pattern or clustered together when bed bugs feed along the skin.
Intense itching - While the initial bite feels similar to a mosquito bite, it soon becomes extremely itchy. The itching and swelling gets worse for 3-5 days before gradually going away.
Appears across any skin - The bites can appear on any area of skin exposed during sleep, not just the legs or ankles. Common areas include the face, neck, arms, and hands.
Heals within 1-2 weeks - Individual bites tend to heal within 7-14 days. However, the itching, swelling, and potential scarring can last longer without proper treatment and bite prevention.
Treating Bed Bug Bites
Treating bed bug bites usually involves techniques to control pain, itching, and infection until the bites heal:
Anti-itch cream
Over-the-counter anti-itch creams containing menthol, hydrocortisone, or calamine can help manage itching and swelling around the bites.
Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines like Benadryl can control allergic reactions and itching from bed bug bites.
Antibiotic ointment
Applying antibiotic cream helps prevent infection in bites that have been scratched open.
Cold compress
A cold washcloth pressed against the bites can temporarily ease itching and swelling.
While these self-care methods help with symptoms, addressing the underlying infestation is crucial. Contact a pest control professional as soon as possible if you suspect bed bugs. An inspection and targeted treatment plan helps eliminate bed bugs and prevent further bites.
Preventing Bed Bug Bites
In addition to professional bed bug control methods, there are steps you can take to avoid introducing bed bugs in your home:
Inspect Secondhand Furniture
Carefully check all secondhand or inherited beds, couches, and other furniture for signs of bed bugs before bringing them home. This helps avoid transporting bed bugs into your house.
Reduce Clutter
Get rid of any unnecessary clutter such as stacks of paper, materials, or cardboard boxes to eliminate bed bug hiding places.
Cover Mattresses and Pillows
Encase mattresses and box springs in bed bug proof covers that fully seal to prevent bed bugs from getting inside to nest.
Launder Bedding Frequently
Wash sheets, blankets, pillowcases and other bedding weekly in hot water then run through the high heat dryer cycle to kill any bed bugs or eggs.
When to Seek Medical Care
In most healthy adults, bed bug bites resolve on their own without any complications. However, in some circumstances it's important to seek medical care for bed bug bites:
Allergic Reactions
Some people may have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic in bed bug saliva. Seek emergency care if bites cause severe swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, or other signs of a systemic allergic reaction.
Severe Itching
Uncontrolled itching can lead to infection or permanent skin damage from scratching. See your doctor if over-the-counter treatments don't relieve itchiness.
Signs of Infection
See your healthcare provider promptly if bites become infected. Signs include pus, worsening redness and swelling, streaks extending from the bite, and fever.
The Takeaway
Learning to identify bed bug bites close up pictures helps detect infestations early. While the bites can be extremely uncomfortable, the health risks are relatively low compared with other pests. With prompt treatment, most bite symptoms resolve within about two weeks.
Implementing prevention methods reduces your risk of bringing bed bugs home. An inspection by a licensed exterminator can also determine whether your home already has bed bugs before they spread further and cause additional bites.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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