Signs of a Bed Bug Bite
One of the problems in both the pest control industry and the medical community is that most bug bites have exactly the same symptoms. Even though some people call some bites “spider bites” and other bites “mosquito bites,” the truth is that nearly all itchy bites are just allergic reactions to the bite. There aren’t necessarily any differences between them, and the size, shape, or appearance of the bite doesn’t necessarily tell you anything about where the bite came from.
Because it’s difficult to identify the cause of the bite, there are some itchy bumps that people attribute to the wrong pest. For example, many blame some of the itchier mosquito bites on spiders. Many people mistake flea bites for rashes, and so on.
How to Tell if You Have a Bed Bug Bite
Luckily, most biting pests do not survive indoors, so the cause of the bite is less important. The exception to this is the bed bug. It’s very important that you identify whether or not you have a bed bug bite, because if you do you’ll need to get your home treated right away.
Bed bug bites do not look very different from other types of bites. They cause raised skin, and while the bump is often smaller, it’s not always smaller. The best way to tell if you have a bed bug bite isn’t by the bite itself, but by how it bites.
Three Meals a Day
Bed Bugs like to bite more than once, often in a relatively straight line. A bed bug will crawl along your skin, bite you, crawl forward, bite again, crawl forward, bite again, and so on.
This is sometimes referred to as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” because it often occurs in groups of three. If you see a bite sequence that appears to be in a set, chances are you have a bed bug problem.
Not Quite That Simple
Now, just because bed bugs bite in these sets doesn’t mean you do or don’t have a bed bug problem. Note that:
- Fleas also bite in sets.
- Not all bed bugs bite in sets.
- Not all bites create a reaction.
- Bed bugs can attack in group, making it harder to see a set.
So whether or not you have the telltale 3ish bite pattern doesn’t necessarily tell you enough. You still may need to call for a bed bug examination.
But if you DO see the multi-bite pattern, that tends to be a fairly big warning sign – especially if it occurs on exposed skin. Contact Green Pest Solutions today at 855-312-7157 if you’re worried about bed bugs, and we’ll happily provide you with a free inspection to determine if you have anything to be concerned about.