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How To Recognize Bed Bug Bites -- And What To Do About Them

13 October 2017

Evan Patterson

Many people may have bedbug bites without even knowing it because they can look quite similar to mosquito and flea bites. However, if you know the telltale signs of those blasted bedbugs, they're fairly easy to identify and deal with. Here's what you should know about bedbug bites:

The Signs That its Bedbugs Instead of Other Insect Bites

As with flea bites and mosquito bites, bedbug bites leave red marks on your skin. The indicators that it's bedbugs rather than other insects can include: 

• Bites Are Flat: bedbug bites are flat. However, if you've been scratching at the bedbug bites, they may become inflamed enough to be slightly raised (but not as much as a mosquito bite.)  
• Bites Are Small: bedbug bites are usually smaller than mosquito bites but may be around the same size or slightly larger than flea bites.
• Bites Are in a Group: bedbug bites tend to show up in either tiny clusters or in a continuous line. Flea and mosquito bites are usually more random and won't typically be grouped together.
• Bites Are in Odd Places: bedbug bites may be on virtually any part of your body that's exposed -- this includes areas like the face and the neck, which the mosquitoes may not touch. Flea bites are more likely to appear on the legs. 

Biting Back Against Bedbugs

If you're dealing with bedbug bites, the first and most important step to take is getting those unwanted visitors out of your home. Contact local bedbug exterminators who can eradicate the infestation. Once the bedbugs are gone, there are several things you can do to get relief and stay bedbug free. 

• Apply ice compresses to any lingering bedbug bites.
• If you're itching, speak to your doctor about whether an antihistamine could help.
• Vacuum your home frequently.
• Change sheets regularly.
• Use a protective mattress cover on your bed -- and wash it regularly.
• Keep your home as uncluttered as possible, throwing out old books and papers when they're not needed.
• Never bring secondhand items into your home without checking for live bugs, spots of blood, or rusty stains that indicate bedbugs.

Simply being careful about home cleanliness and having regular bedbug inspections after an infestation can be enough to make sure that you'll never have to deal with bedbug bites again. You've now got the knowledge you need to recognize bedbug bites -- and to bite back against them!

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