Distinguishing Bed Bug Bites vs Mosquito Bites
Getting bitten by insects can be an annoying and sometimes painful experience. However, being able to identify what bit you can help you seek appropriate treatment and prevent further bites. Two of the most common biting pests are bed bugs and mosquitoes. But how can you determine whether that itchy welt is from a bed bug or mosquito?
Appearance of Bites
Examining the appearance of the bite itself as well as the pattern of bites can provide clues as to whether it is from bed bugs or mosquitoes.
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites typically appear as itchy red welts on exposed skin. They often occur in linear groups of 3 or more bites, sometimes referred to as breakfast, lunch and dinner. The welts are reddish and slightly swollen, roughly the size of a pencil eraser or even larger.
Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites also appear as itchy, red, slightly swollen welts. However, they are usually singular rather than in grouped clusters. Mosquito welts are often smaller than bed bug welts.
Location of Bites
Looking at where the bites occurred on your body can also help distinguish their source.
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs typically bite exposed skin at night while you are sleeping. Common areas include the face, neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Sparse areas of the body with thinner skin are especially targeted such as behind the knees, between fingers or even along the rib cage.
Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes can bite any exposed area of skin, but seem to favor the ankles, legs, arms and hands. Unlike bed bugs, they will feed in the daytime as well as at night when hunting for a blood meal.
Presence of the Pest
Actually spotting the insects themselves or signs of their presence can confirm what is biting you.
Bed Bugs
Catching a bed bug in the act of feeding would definitely solve the mystery! More likely, you may spot their small red-brown shed skins, black fecal spots or see them hiding near sleeping areas. Bed bugs are sneaky and tough to spot, but these traces give away their presence.
Mosquitoes
Sometimes you might hear the high-pitched whining sound of mosquitoes flying around your ear. And you could possibly spot a mosquito with the naked eye. More often though, youll just feel the itchy sting when they bite, but not necessarily see the tiny insect itself.
Reaction to Bites
The timing and type of skin reaction to the bites also differs between bed bugs and mosquitoes.
Bed Bug Bites
It can take up to two weeks after being bitten by a bed bug to experience a reaction. Reactions range from no visible mark at all to itchy red welts appearing in a linear or clustered pattern. In some cases the bites become severely swollen or blistered.
Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites usually result in almost instant itchy red bumps at the bite site. Because mosquitoes inject an anticoagulant when they bite, people sometimes experience immediate localized swelling due to a mild allergic reaction. But typically the bumps flatten out within a few days.
Getting Relief
Taking steps to avoid being bitten by blood-sucking insects in the first place goes a long way toward preventing discomfort. But when pesky bites do happen, there are some remedies to alleviate the itchiness and swelling.
Soothing Bed Bug Bites
An antihistamine pill or cortisone cream reduces swelling, redness and itching from bed bug welts. Cool compresses also help ease itching. Be sure to thoroughly inspect your sleeping quarters for signs of an infestation and contact an exterminator promptly before the population grows.
Soothing Mosquito Bites
Over-the-counter anti-itch creams containing pramoxine, hydrocortisone or calamine lotion can help ease mosquito bite discomfort. Applying a cold pack or cool, wet washcloth on bites brings relief too. Be diligent about removing any standing water breeding grounds and make sure window screens will keep mosquitoes out.
When to Seek Medical Care
Occasionally, bites can become infected or provoke a severe allergic reaction. Signs of infection include honey-colored crusting, swelling, warmth and redness. Seek medical care promptly if bite areas seem infected or if you experience any concerning symptoms:
- Rash spreading from bites
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling at bite sites or elsewhere
- Fever, headache, swollen glands
With prompt treatment for symptoms and reducing exposure, most insect bites resolve without serious complications. Learning how to distinguish bed bug from mosquito bites allows for quicker relief.
FAQs
What do bed bug bites look like?
Bed bug bites often appear as red, itchy welts, similar to mosquito bites. However, bed bug welts tend to be arranged in a line or clustered together. They also tend to be larger than mosquito bites.
Do mosquito bites appear in clusters like bed bugs?
No, mosquito bites tend to appear singularly rather than in groups or clusters like bed bug bites.
Where do bed bugs tend to bite on the body?
Bed bugs often bite exposed skin on the face, neck, arms, hands and other body parts near sleeping areas at night. They target thinner skin regions.
How soon after a bite will symptoms appear?
Mosquito bites usually become itchy and swollen almost immediately. Bed bugs bites can take up to 14 days to trigger visible skin reactions like welts or blisters in some people.
What helps soothe itchy insect bites?
Antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream, cold packs and cold compresses can help relieve itching and swelling from mosquito or bed bug 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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