Uh Oh! Did the Bed Bugs Bite?
You usually won't feel bed bug bites when they happen, unlike other pests such as mosquitoes and fleas. Because these sneaky bloodsuckers inject a mild anesthetic substance that deadens the pain.
In fact, before you even notice bites, you may see traces of these pests in your bed linens and bedding. Distinctive signs include:
- actual bed bugs
- exoskeletal debris after molting
- rusty-colored blood spots from fecal droppings
- eggs which look like translucent rice grains
- a sweet musty odor
Bed Bug Bite Symptoms
Since they're nocturnal, bites usually happen while you're asleep. An indication of an infestation is the location of the wounds on your body; the parts of your skin exposed during sleep.
Do Bed Bug Bites Itch?
It's only later that you might feel itchy or see the bumps!
Could I get a Bed Bug Bite Rash?
On occasion, the bitten person can develop a rash or hives as a reaction to the anticoagulant in bed bug saliva. This substance prevents your blood from clotting so the bug can get a steady two- to three-minute blood meal.
Are they Dangerous?
They aren't known to transmit diseases. Whew! But they can cause discomfort and lead to secondary skin infections if scratched excessively.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
The bite produces a small, red to purplish, itchy welt on the skin. Bites can appear in random patterns across the skin. Multiple bites often appear as clusters in a zig-zag or line pattern.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like on Black Skin?
Skin coloring can affect how the bite appears. A light-complected person will see red bites. Whereas, a dark-complected person may notice pink or purple marks. The bites can also be harder to see.
How Long Do Bed Bug Bites Last?
In most cases, they heal and go away within a week or two.
What Other Bites Look Like Bed Bug Bites?
They are often confused with bites from mosquitoes and fleas. They look similar, but there are ways to differentiate them.
First, consider where the bites are on your body and when they happened. Second, were you recently exposed to mosquitoes or fleas?
What's The Difference Between a Bed Bug Bite and a Mosquito Bite?
A mosquito bite has a pale red bump surrounded by a rash. A bed bug bite will be a darker red. Usually, only the bump will retain color, and there won't be an accompanying rash.
How Can You Tell Between Bed Bug Bites vs Flea Bites?
If you don't have pets or you're sure they don't have fleas, then bed bugs are reasonable suspects.
Flea bites appear as three small bumps together, and tend to affect your feet and ankles.
How to Treat Bed Bug Bites
Not everyone reacts to the bites in the same way, so the severity of the reaction can vary from person to person. In most cases, washing the bites with soap and water will ease the itching and prevent infection.
Some people may never feel the bite, while others suffer.
- Extreme itch can be soothed with antihistamine taken orally or a corticosteroid applied to the bites.
- Skin infections from scratching might require an antibiotic or an antiseptic.
- Allergic reaction may require an injection of an antihistamine, corticosteroid, or epinephrine.
If you have multiple bites, blisters, oozing, rash, hives, or symptoms of an allergic reaction, see a dermatologist.
How Do I Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
Bedbugs are difficult to exterminate and require multiple treatments. It's imperative that you follow the instructions of your pest control technician between bed bug treatments. Retail products such as sprays, traps, and other methods aren't effective for an infestation.
Croach® Pest Control starts with a free comprehensive inspection. Then we recommend the best treatment and preventive measures for your situation.
Get in touch to schedule your inspection and don't let the bed bugs bite!
Croach® Bed Bug Treatment Service Area
Seattle, WA (with branch offices in Mukilteo, Sumner, Kirkland, Tacoma, and Mount Vernon. Tri-Cities, WA (located out of Kennewick). Portland, OR (with a shop in Beaverton). Spokane, WA (headquartered in Post Falls, ID). Kooskia and Lewiston, ID. Boise, ID. Denver, CO with offices in Aurora and Frederick.
Salt Lake City, UT (operating out of Sandy). Columbia, SC and Greenville, SC.