How to Identify and Treat Bed Bug Bites

Distinguishing Bed Bug Bites from Mosquito Bites

Being bitten by insects like bed bugs and mosquitoes can cause red, itchy bumps on the skin. While the bites share some common symptoms, there are differences in how they look and feel. Recognizing these distinctions can help identify if you are dealing with bed bugs or mosquitoes.

Appearance of Bites

Bed bug bites often appear as:

• Small red bumps or welts in a line or clustered pattern.
• Raised or flat bumps that may look like a rash.
• Bumps that are flush with the skin and do not have a dark dot center like mosquito bites.
• Found on areas of the body that were exposed while sleeping such as arms, legs, neck, face.

Mosquito bites tend to look like:

• Small round bumps with a central red dot or swollen white welt.
• Bumps that are more spread out rather than bunched together.
• Bites located on commonly exposed areas of the body like the lower legs.
• Skin reactions that vary from person to person.

Number of Bites

Bed bugs often bite in clusters or lines along the body, resulting in multiple bites in close proximity:

• Usually 3-5 bites together, though there can be many more.
• New bites may continue to appear for weeks after exposure.
• The number of bites varies based on number of bugs feeding.

Mosquito bites tend to be more spread out and random:

• Generally just 1-3 bites at a time.
• Bites stop appearing after the mosquito is killed or leaves.
• The number depends on how many mosquitoes are present.

Size of Bites

Bed bug bites are usually small raised or flat bumps:

• Bumps range from 1-5mm across.
• Some bites may develop into larger itchy welts.
• Bite reactions can vary from small dots to large hives.

Mosquito bites also cause small bumps on the skin:

• Bumps are usually 3-5mm in diameter.
• The center of the bite may have a puncture point.
• Mosquito bites can form small or large raised bumps.

Color of Bites

The color of bed bug bite reactions can include:

• Red, itchy bumps or welts.
• Pale, swollen bumps that may resemble a rash.
• Skin reactions that are white, pink, or flesh-toned.
• Bumps that turn red and inflamed from scratching.

Mosquito bites often produce red bumps as well:

• Red, round bumps sometimes with a clear or white center.
• Redness and inflammation spread around the bite.
• Dark red, purple, or brown marks after healing.

Itch and Pain Level

Bed bug bites usually cause moderate to intense itchiness, especially if scratched:

• Itchy red bumps that cause desire to scratch.
• Itching may be mild at first but get worse over time.
• Scratching can increase irritation and inflammation.

Mosquito bites also produce an itchy sensation on the skin:

• Mild to severe itching at the bite site.
• Itching sensation starts right after bite occurs.
• Itching typically resolves faster than bed bug bites.

Bite Patterns and Distributions

Bed bugs often bite in lines or clusters on exposed skin:

• Bites arranged in straight lines or zig-zag patterns.
• Multiple grouped bites in close proximity.
• Commonly found on legs, arms, face, neck, and shoulders.

Mosquito bites appear more randomly on the body:

• Bites scattered randomly without defined pattern.
• Usually only 1-2 bites within a given area.
• Often on lower legs, feet, hands, and arms.

Treating Bites

Bed Bug Bites Treatment

To help relieve bed bug bite symptoms try:

• Anti-itch creams and antihistamines.
• Steroid creams to reduce inflammation.
• Cold compresses to ease itching and swelling.
• Avoid excessive scratching to prevent infection.
• Over-the-counter pain medication if bites are painful.

Mosquito Bites Treatment

For mosquito bites, you can help ease symptoms by:

• Using anti-itch lotions, gels, or creams.
• Taking an oral antihistamine for swelling and itching.
• Applying a cold pack or cloth to the bites.
• Using OTC hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation.
• Avoiding scratching the bites to prevent infection.

Preventing Bites

Avoiding Bed Bugs

To prevent bed bug bites:

• Inspect sleeping areas thoroughly for signs of bed bugs.
• Use encasements and interceptors on mattresses and beds.
• Reduce clutter and vacuum regularly.
• Inspect secondhand furniture and clothing before bringing into home.
• Treat infestations quickly using heat, steam, or pesticides.

Avoiding Mosquito Bites

To prevent mosquito bites:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear loose, long sleeved clothing outdoors.
• Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors.
• Eliminate standing water breeding sites in your yard.

When to Seek Medical Care

See a doctor for any of the following reactions:

• Signs of a skin infection, like oozing pus, spreading redness, or fever.
• Large, painful, or severely itchy welts that do not respond to over-the-counter treatment.
• An allergic reaction with symptoms like trouble breathing, nausea, or swelling away from the bites.
• Intense itching or scratching that leads to scarring or dark discolored marks.

Rarely, bed bugs and mosquitoes may transmit other diseases through bites. Seek medical care if you experience flu-like symptoms after being bitten.

The Bottom Line

While bed bug bites and mosquito bites can appear similar at first glance, they exhibit important differences in the number of bites, bite patterns, and bite response. Being able to distinguish these characteristics can help identify if bed bugs or mosquitoes are causing the bites. Paying close attention to bite symptoms and getting rid of the pests quickly can help prevent further discomfort from itchy 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.