How to Identify Bed Bug Bites Compared to Other Pest Bites

Bed bugs are oval, chestnut-brown insects that are relatively flat. They are small, only about 1/4″ in length full-grown. Bed bugs grow by molting several times (five total), and they need a blood meal each time before they can molt. That’s why you’ll find bed bug bites on your skin, plus why one of the signs is finding molts in your bed.

Identifying Bug Bites

Bed bug bites are small, clustered, red, and possibly itchy or burning a few days after exposure. But bed bugs aren’t the only bug that can leave little bite marks on your skin. So, before you start treating for a bed bug problem, make sure it’s not one of these other pests that bite:

Mites

Mites are tiny bugs that live most commonly on rodents and pets, but every once in a while they will hitch rides on humans too. They leave a little trail of tiny bite marks on their way. Mite bites hurt while bed bug bites don’t, so this feeling will be the biggest indication of whether you are confusions mites for bed bugs.

Fleas

Don’t count fleas out! It is possible for fleas to hop from your pooch to your carpet, your bed, and even you. These tiny, bouncy bugs leave humans with little red bumps over large areas of the body.

Bat Bugs

These pests feed on bats, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make their way into your home—it’s not uncommon for people to have a bat reside in their attic from time to time. So how could someone mistake these bugs for bed bugs? After bats leave, bat bugs will feed on other living things in the area, like pets and even you! If you haven’t had a bat problem in a while, don’t count these out; they can survive up to a year without feeding.

Spiders

Spiders in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are non-venomous (with a few notable exceptions, like black widow spiders). These bites are less common than bed bug bites, as spiders usually just bite when they feel threatened. Spider bites show up as swollen, painful, red skin and two fang marks. If a spider bites comes accompanied by nausea, cramps, vomiting, or seizures, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Try to trap the spider and bring it to the doctor with you for identification purposes.

Fear Bed Bug Bites No More

The pest pros at Green Pest Solutions have a zero-tolerance for bed bugs and other bugs that leave similar marks, and we are equipped to deal with your infestation immediately. Call us today at 855-312-7157 for a free estimate.