What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

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When unexplainable bites appear, it makes sense to wonder if those bites are bed bug bites. The bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is a tormenting pest that can leave painful itchy welts on the skin. When they get into a home, they can mean misery for an entire family. When they get into a business, they can cause serious financial strain. So how can you know that those bites were caused by bed bugs? Thankfully, there are a number of characteristics that can help you figure this problem out.

Do Bed Bugs Cause Rashes?

Bed bug bites are often associated with a rash. If you have a significant, dark rash that has appeared around your bites, and it makes all the bites appear as one big, blotchy mess, you may have bed bug bites. But be aware that other bugs can cause rashes, and some skin conditions can be mistaken for insect bites. Sometimes it is a combination of these two factors. The carpet beetle, for instance, can cause a skin irritation that looks like bites, even though it is not an insect that bites people.

Bed bug bites are usually red welts on the skin, but not always. It is important to understand that bed bug bites don’t always look the same. They can appear different depending on skin type, allergy conditions, the age of the bed bug, how many times they have fed, and other factors. Sometimes bed bug bites appear flat and have a pale discoloration at the center. This can make it frustrating to figure out what insect is leaving those bites.

The Signs of Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites usually follow a trail. Most insects bite once. Bed bugs are not one of them. For this reason, bed bug bites will sometimes appear in a line, and sometimes be in groups of three. Other signs that the bites on your skin are from bed bugs include:

• While bed bug bites can have a bump to them, these bumps are more firm than puffy.
• Bed bug bites sometimes have a scab at the center.
• These bites are extremely itchy.
• Although rare, bed bug bites sometimes have pustules. This will make the center look yellowish or tan.
• Bed bug bites are usually on the neck, shoulders, arms, and upper body, and areas of the body exposed at night.
• Bed bug bites sometimes don’t appear at all or may take time to develop. It can take some time, and multiple bite incidents, for an allergy to these bites to form.

How to Stop Bed Bug Bites

If you’re still not sure whether or not those bites are bed bug bites, reach out to us. The best way to deal with bugs is to have a pest professional help. We can help you figure out what bug—if any—is biting you, as well as outline what treatment options and protective protocols will be most effective to arrest the issue.

Reach out to Active Pest Control today for a free inspection and practical advice for your pest problem.
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