Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. While they do not transmit diseases, their bites can cause skin irritation, itching, and discomfort. For many, the thought of bed bugs is alarming, but recognising their bites is the first step in addressing an infestation, so let’s now take a look at what bed bug bites actually look like.
What do bed bug bites look like?
Below is a photo of a cluster of bed bug bites on the hand. These occurred in a bed bug infested hotel. The image has been changed to black and white with the bites remaining in colour to help you see the bite locations. The bite on the little finger is hardly visible.
Below is a very clear cluster of large bites on the back of the victims neck. Large clear welts have formed because the subject has been scratching the itch.
Characteristics of Bed Bug Bites
Red and Swollen: The most common sign of a bed bug bite is a small, raised, red bump, similar to a mosquito bite. These bumps can become red and swollen due to the body’s reaction to the insect’s saliva, but a fresh bite will normally be invisible to the naked eye. The itchiness of the bites is relatively immediate, but the redness often appears hours or days later. Some people never develop red welts from bed bug bites.
Linear or cluster Pattern: Unlike other insect bites, bed bug bites often appear in a straight line or in a small cluster. This linear pattern is because they might bite multiple times while moving across the skin.
Itchiness: One of the distinguishing features of bed bug bites is their
Itchiness: While not everyone reacts the same way, most people report intense itching that can last for several days.
No Central hole: Many insect bites, like those from fleas, have a clear central red hole in the middle of the swollen lump. Bed bug bites typically do not.
Location: Bed bug bites are often found on areas of the skin exposed while sleeping, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. Very rarely will bed bug bites appear under clothed parts of the hosts body.
Why Do They Bite?
Bed bugs feed on blood as their sole source of nutrition. To grow, they need to feed. The bite itself is painless, and many people do not realise they’ve been bitten until the itchiness starts.
Reactions Vary
Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way. While some people may develop red, itchy bumps, others might have little to no reaction.
How to Treat Bed Bug Bites
Avoid Scratching: Scratching can cause the bites to become more pronounced and even infected. Keep nails short and clean to reduce the risk. For advice on soothing the itching visit Mayo Clinic website.
What to do if you have bed bugs
Contacting pest control is the only solution because diy solution have a very low success rate. The most effective treatment is whole room heat treatment, where rooms get heated up to a above 50 degrees C. You may also opt for help from specially trained sniffer dogs to find the bed bugs with pinpoint accuracy. If you need help with bed bugs, drop us a message.
