Bed bug bites are often mistaken for other insect bites, rashes or skin conditions because of their similarities. For that reason, you can’t identify a bed bug bite or a bed bug infestation just by looking at the bites alone. They do leave small traces of evidence behind though. You should go through all the common signs and bed bug bite symptoms, so you can take action the moment you become aware of their presence. The symptoms don’t always show right away after you have been bitten, which makes the diagnosis of bed bug bites even harder. Sometimes it takes days and there’s a chance they won’t even develop.
What do bed bug bite rashes look like and do they itch?
Bed bug bites are usually red and swollen, with even darker red spots in the middle of the affected area. They are almost always arranged in a straight line or in clusters, much like flea bites. Specialists call these series of bites breakfast, lunch and dinner signs. You will find the bites on the arms, hands, neck and even in the face. Bed bug bite symptoms can show for a period of time and then suddenly stop for a month, and then return once again. That’s because they have abnormal feeding habits and don’t feed every night.
Please note that while the bite itself is completely painless and won’t even wake you up, some people have much worse bed bug bite symptoms than others. They may feel a burning sensation when the bugs bite, and the bites can sometimes cause an allergic reaction with serious blisters, hives and endless itching in and around the area.
Yes, bed bug bites do unfortunately itch. You should try not to scratch the bites, as this could cause severe infections and make the situation even worse. Should you experience a severe skin reaction or an allergic reaction to bed bug bites, then I would advise you to contact your doctor for professional treatment. The bites are not known to carry any diseases, so the only things you should worry about are allergic reactions and the symptoms. Even without the allergic reactions, bed bug bite symptoms can be really frustrating to deal with.
Other bed bug bite symptoms
If you experience other symptoms than the ones mentioned above, please share it in the comments section below. This will help us determine if it is in fact a bed bug bite symptom or something entirely different.
Typical signs of a bed bug infestation
Other than waking up with a body that’s full of red, itchy bites, you can always spot a bed bug infestation by the signs or traces they leave. Look for dark spots of excrement in your bed and on the walls. Sometimes you will also find bloodstains on sheets, pillows and bedding. The bed bugs tend to leave evidence where they hide, so this is where you have to look for them. There will often be a certain musty odor coming from their scent glands. Use this to your advantage and take any means necessary to locate the intruders.
If you find something that indicates a bed bug infestation, you should check your bed thoroughly for signs of bed bugs or their droppings. They can live inside your bed, so it can be really difficult to get rid of them once they are there. First things first though. If you haven’t found them yet, look around the bed and in your carpets. Next is furniture, books, radios, telephones, electrical outlets and anything that’s large and dark enough for them to hide in. Remember that bed bugs are very small, so they can fit almost anywhere. You might also find them inside your closet. They have no problem at all attaching to your clothes.
What now?
As soon as you find bed bug bite symptoms or signs of a bed bug infestation, you should immediately start focusing on getting rid of the bed bugs and treating your bed bug bites.
