Spider Bite vs Bed Bug Bite

Ouch! What bit me? If you have signs of a bug bite but are unsure where it came from, it can leave you feeling vulnerable in your own home and beyond. There are quite a few pests that can bite and leave you with bumps and welts, but how can you tell them apart so you can prevent further bites? Learn the differences between a spider bite and a bed bug bite so you know what steps to take next.

Spider Bite vs Bed Bug Bite

Symptoms

Spider Bites

At the location of a spider bite, you might experience red skin, swelling, soreness, or pain. Oftentimes, you won’t know you were bit until you see or feel the irritated area of skin. In extreme cases that require medical attention, you might experience trouble breathing, muscle pain, and nausea. It’s always best to contact your doctor if you think you are having an adverse reaction.

Bed Bugs Bites

When you have bed bug bites, you will likely find tiny bumps in a line down your skin. That’s because the bugs are munching as they walk along your skin! Bed bug bites can be itchy or burn a few days after exposure. You will likely find these marks on extremities that are uncovered when sleeping, like arms and legs.

Why They Bite

Spider Bites

While spiders are often seen as scary, aggressive pests, they are usually quite the opposite. Unlike other pests, spiders only bite when they feel threatened and will not attack unprovoked. Unfortunately, however, spiders don’t know the difference between you accidentally crossing their path versus a predator that is out to cause them harm.

Bed Bugs Bites

Bed bugs bite because blood is their source of nutrition. It is required for nymphs to grow into adulthood, and adult females need blood in order to produce eggs.

Outcome

Spider Bites

While spider bites might be the things of nightmares, most people are able to recover at home with minimal discomfort. Though uncommon, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to a spider bite. You should seek medical attention immediately if you have any breathing problems, swallowing difficulties, or facial swelling.

Fortunately, if you are bitten by a spider, it is most likely an unfortunate incident and not something to cause alarm going forward—unless you have a spider infestation. Every home has spiders, but an excessive number of spiders can point to a bigger pest infestation.

Exceptions: Bites from the feared brown recluse and black widow spiders are serious and can cause a severe reaction. Within eight hours, you may experience muscle pain and rigidity, stomach and back pain, nausea, or breathing problems. Medical attention is required immediately.

Bed Bugs Bites

Bites are generally harmless, but people who are allergic to bed bug saliva can develop welts, hives, and inflamed skin bumps that require medical attention to heal properly.

A bed bug infestation will not go away without treatment, so you must take steps immediately to amend the invasion and prevent future bites.

Spider Bite or Bed Bug Bite? Call Green Pest Solutions.

You don’t have to worry about which bug is biting you—that’s what we’re here for! Call the pest experts at Green Pest Solutions at the first sign of any bug problem and to take preventative measures to ensure you don’t deal with any creepy crawlies. Serving only the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, we know the ins and outs of the pests in our part of the country. Call us today at 855-312-7157 to learn more.

Spider bite photo by David~O on Flickr