Goodnight. Don’t let the bed bugs bite. Turns out that it was very good advice.

Bed bug bites are usually one of the strongest indicators that you are currently experiencing a bed bug infestation and may need a bed bug exterminator. As discussed here, bed bugs are creatures that feed on our blood during the night. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide that we exhale and can travel 1-6 metres to find a host. Bed bugs in Melbourne are becoming increasingly more rampant as well as throughout the rest of the world.

So with that in mind, we have written an all-inclusive guide on how to identify bed bug bites and how they differ from other bites that you may receive from other creatures.

 

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like

Bed bug bites are small, red and itchy. They’re usually dark in the middle with the surrounding area being lighter, however the same can also occur, but with a clear centre. Bed bug bites can appear all over the body, however the parts that are most-at-risk are those that are exposed during sleep:

• Feet and legs
• Face and neck
• Shoulders
• Hands and arms

 

Bed Bug Bite Symptoms

Due to the fact bed bugs inject an anaesthetic as they bite, most people will not feel it as the bite takes place, nor will they feel it until the symptoms occur some time later, usually after waking up. Bed bug bite symptoms usually present themselves the following way(s):

• Bites are usually in zig-zags or a line (see below). This is usually due to the bug(s) having to make multiple attempts to draw blood due to movement in sleep.
• Sensations can range and rotate between being itchy or burning, usually being the result of each other.
• How much you’re impacted by bed bug bites can vary greatly. There are some who don’t feel the effects of bed bug bites at all, whereas some are on the opposite side of the spectrum and are hypersensitive where they may experience increased symptoms.
• Serious (albeit, uncommon) symptoms can include:
  • Nausea or fever
  • Blisters
  • Swollen tongue or difficulty breathing

Finally, the often-understated impact that bed bug bites can have is usually of a psychological nature. It is quite hard to sleep properly when you are getting bitten by bed bugs, as the prospect of it will often remain at the back of your mind. This means that you aren’t waking up feeling as refreshed as usual, and it’s likely to accentuate other symptoms.

How Long Do Bed Bug Bites Last?

Most bites are usually cleared up within a few weeks. Those who are more prone to scratching will often experience a longer recovery time. You might also experience a lingering rash after the itching has stopped.

 

 

Bed Bug Bite Pictures

           

 

 

Bed Bug Bites vs Mosquito Bites

Are they bed bug bites or mosquito bites? What’s the difference? Well mosquito and bed bug bites are quite similar, and they’re often mistaken for each other. It’s important that you don’t jump to conclusions. Read below to find the main differences between the two bites:

Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites will often appear as white, red-tinted bumps on the skin that will often appear minutes after being stung. These will slowly become darker over time, until they are gone. Mosquito bites won’t last as long either, at most a couple of days, whereas bed bug bites can last for weeks.

In terms of patterns, mosquito bites are randomly distributed across any part of the body that is uncovered by clothing.

Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites will, first, take longer to appear on the skin, they will also be far quicker in turning red on the skin. They will then also lead to the aforementioned symptoms, accompanied by a rash.

Bed bug bites will also appear in clusters or lines, as bed bugs will often have to make multiple attempts at feeding on blood.

Check Your Surroundings!

It’s always best to check the bed and surrounding area for blood stains, exoskeletons and egg shells. Blood stains are usually the biggest giveaway, however. Bed bugs will often excrete blood, which is usually rubbed onto your sheets. You will find bed bugs in structurally sound areas, such as a bed frame, bed base, corners of the mattress, couches or even bed-side tables. With mosquitos, if you live in a place with a warmer climate, it’s prudent that you shut the windows or get a fly guard attached – open windows are the easiest way for mosquitos to make it into your house.

A bed bug stain on a sheet – usually crushed during sleep!

Bed Bug Bites vs Flea Bites

Similarly to mosquito bites, flea bites are also often wrongly mistaken for bed bug bites. This is the major difference when it comes to flea bites vs bed bug bites:

Flea Bites

Flea bites will, like bed bugs, leave small red marks on your skin that lead to itching. They usually occur on the lower extremities, armpits, elbows and knees. They are more commonly found on pets, and you’ll often see them trying to itch or bite themselves if they’ve been struck down by fleas.

Check Your Surroundings!

Like previously mentioned, it’s always best to check your surroundings before jumping to conclusions. Pets are always the best place to start (if you have them). Also, check your socks, as you’ll often see fleas attached to them if you’ve walked through an infested area.

Conclusion

Bed bug bites aren’t fun. They’re extremely itchy, stress inducing and just down-right annoying. They’re also very often confused for mosquito bites, as well as flea bites. We’re seeing a rise in bed bug infestations across Melbourne, however they are treated very quickly and efficiently by the staff at All Guard Pest Control.

We are one of Melbourne’s best bed bug exterminators, we offer an extremely reliable service – every bed bug treatment comes with a 6 month warranty.

Our bed bug treatments start from $200, and we service all of Melbourne as well as varying parts of Victoria. Visit us here to request a free quote today!