How do different bug bites appear on human skin. What are the common symptoms of various insect bites and stings. How can you identify and treat different types of bug bites effectively.

Bed Bug Bites: Characteristics and Identification

Bed bug bites are a common concern for many people. These tiny insects feed on human blood, causing discomfort and anxiety. But how can you identify bed bug bites?

Bed bug bites typically appear as small, raised bumps on the skin. They often have these characteristics:

• Red or pink in color
• A darker red spot in the center
• Clustered in groups of three or more
• Found on exposed areas during sleep (arms, legs, neck, face)
• Accompanied by mild to intense itching

It’s important to note that bed bug bites don’t always appear immediately. They can take several days to develop, and some individuals may not show any visible symptoms at all.

Differentiating Bed Bug Bites from Other Insect Bites

Distinguishing bed bug bites from other insect bites can be challenging. Here are some key differences:

• Mosquito bites: Usually appear as isolated, puffy bumps
• Flea bites: Often found around ankles and lower legs
• Spider bites: Typically leave two puncture marks
• Tick bites: Often accompanied by a bullseye-shaped rash

If you’re unsure about the source of your bites, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.

Common Symptoms of Bug Bites and Stings

Bug bites and stings can cause various symptoms, ranging from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions. Understanding these symptoms can help in identifying the culprit and seeking appropriate treatment.

General Symptoms of Insect Bites

Most insect bites share some common symptoms:

• Redness and swelling at the bite site
• Itching or burning sensation
• Pain or tenderness
• Small bump or blister formation

Specific Symptoms of Different Bug Bites

Different insects can cause unique symptoms:

1. Mosquito bites: Itchy, puffy bumps that appear quickly
2. Bee stings: Sharp pain, followed by redness and swelling
3. Wasp stings: Intense pain and possible burning sensation
4. Ant bites: Burning or stinging pain, followed by itching
5. Spider bites: Two puncture marks, possible pain and muscle cramps

Are there any bug bites that require immediate medical attention? Yes, certain bites can cause severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, dizziness, and nausea. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

The Biology of Bug Bites: How Insects Feed on Humans

Understanding how insects bite or sting can provide insight into their behavior and help in prevention and treatment. Let’s explore the feeding mechanisms of common biting insects.

Bed Bug Feeding Mechanism

Bed bugs use specialized mouthparts called stylets to feed on human blood. The process involves:

1. Piercing the skin with sharp stylets
2. Injecting saliva containing anticoagulants
3. Feeding for several minutes
4. Retreating to hiding spots after feeding

Bed bug bites are typically painless due to the anesthetic in their saliva, but itching and redness may develop hours later.

Mosquito Feeding Process

Mosquitoes have a unique feeding apparatus:

• A proboscis with six needle-like mouthparts
• Two tubes: one for injecting saliva, one for drawing blood
• Anticoagulants in saliva to prevent blood clotting

Female mosquitoes are the ones that bite, as they need blood for egg production.

Identifying and Treating Common Bug Bites

Proper identification of bug bites is crucial for effective treatment. Let’s examine some common bug bites and their treatments.

Mosquito Bites

Identification: Small, round, puffy bumps that itch intensely

Treatment:

• Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream
• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Take antihistamines for severe itching

Bee and Wasp Stings

Identification: Sharp pain, redness, and swelling at the sting site

Treatment:

• Remove the stinger (for bee stings) by scraping with a straight-edged object
• Clean the area with soap and water
• Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling
• Take pain relievers if necessary

Tick Bites

Identification: Tick attached to the skin, possible bullseye rash

Treatment:

• Remove the tick carefully with fine-tipped tweezers
• Clean the bite area thoroughly
• Monitor for signs of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses

When should you seek medical attention for a bug bite? Consult a healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, spreading redness, fever, or signs of infection.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Bugs at Bay

Preventing bug bites is often easier than treating them. Here are some effective strategies to reduce your risk of insect bites and stings.

Personal Protection Measures

• Use EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes or scented products
• Stay indoors during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk)

Environmental Control

Modifying your environment can significantly reduce insect populations:

1. Eliminate standing water around your property to prevent mosquito breeding
2. Keep lawns mowed and bushes trimmed to reduce tick habitats
3. Seal cracks and crevices in your home to prevent bed bug infestations
4. Use screens on windows and doors to keep insects out

How often should you reapply insect repellent? Reapply every few hours or as directed on the product label, especially after swimming or sweating.

Allergic Reactions to Bug Bites: When to Worry

While most bug bites cause only minor discomfort, some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions. Understanding these reactions is crucial for prompt and appropriate action.

Types of Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to bug bites can range from mild to severe:

• Localized reactions: Excessive swelling, redness, and itching at the bite site
• Systemic reactions: Hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or nausea
• Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening reaction causing throat swelling and difficulty breathing

Managing Allergic Reactions

If you suspect an allergic reaction to a bug bite:

1. Remove the stinger if present (for bee stings)
2. Take an antihistamine to reduce mild symptoms
3. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
4. Seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms or signs of anaphylaxis

Can you develop an allergy to bug bites later in life? Yes, allergies can develop at any age, even if you’ve never had a reaction before. It’s important to be vigilant and prepared.

Natural Remedies for Bug Bite Relief

While over-the-counter treatments are effective, many people prefer natural remedies for bug bite relief. Here are some time-tested natural solutions:

Herbal and Plant-Based Remedies

• Aloe vera gel: Soothes itching and reduces inflammation
• Tea tree oil: Has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
• Basil leaves: Can be crushed and applied to relieve itching
• Plantain leaves: Known for their healing properties when applied to bites

Kitchen Remedies

Your kitchen may hold several effective bug bite treatments:

1. Baking soda paste: Mix with water and apply to reduce itching
2. Apple cider vinegar: Can help neutralize the bite and reduce swelling
3. Honey: Has antibacterial properties and can soothe irritation
4. Cold tea bags: The tannins in tea can help reduce swelling and itching

Are natural remedies as effective as commercial products? While natural remedies can provide relief, their effectiveness may vary. For severe reactions or persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.

The Impact of Climate Change on Bug Populations and Bites

Climate change is altering ecosystems worldwide, including the habitats and behaviors of biting insects. Understanding these changes can help us prepare for potential increases in bug-related health risks.

Expanding Habitats

Rising temperatures are allowing insects to survive in new areas:

• Mosquitoes carrying diseases like Zika and West Nile virus are moving into new regions
• Ticks are expanding their range, increasing the risk of Lyme disease in previously unaffected areas
• Tropical insects are migrating to temperate zones as winters become milder

Changes in Insect Behavior

Climate change is also affecting insect behavior:

1. Longer warm seasons extend the active period for many biting insects
2. Altered rainfall patterns can create new breeding grounds for mosquitoes
3. Warmer temperatures may accelerate insect life cycles, leading to larger populations

How can we adapt to these changes? Staying informed about local insect populations, using appropriate protection measures, and supporting climate change mitigation efforts are key strategies.

As we navigate the changing landscape of bug bites and stings, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared. By understanding the characteristics of different bug bites, recognizing symptoms, and knowing effective treatment and prevention strategies, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones from the discomfort and potential health risks associated with insect bites. Remember, when in doubt, always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like? | Blog

March 16, 2023 – Bed Bugs

Author – Tom Miche

Bed bugs rely solely on blood as their primary source of nutrition, requiring at least one feed during each of their immature stages to mature into adults. Moreover, adult females require blood for egg production. Although bed bugs do bite humans, there is no evidence to suggest they transmit diseases to people. While their bites can cause discomfort, itching, and irritation, bed bugs are not considered a major health concern. Proper identification and swift action can help prevent and control infestations.

What do bed bug bites look like?

Bed bug bites can vary in appearance and size, but they generally share some common characteristics. Bed bug bites are typically small, raised or flat bumps on the skin. They can be red or pink in color and often have a darker red spot in the center of the bite.

Bed bug bites are usually clustered together in groups of three or more and tend to appear on areas of the body that are exposed during sleep, such as the arms, legs, neck, and face. The bites may be accompanied by mild to intense itching and irritation, which can sometimes be mistaken for other types of insect bites or skin conditions.

Bed bug bites do not always appear immediately after the bite occurs. It can take several days for the bites to develop, and some people may not experience any visible symptoms at all. In some cases, the bites may become infected, leading to more severe symptoms such as pus-filled blisters or a fever.

It’s important to note that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way. Some people may have no reaction at all, while others may experience more severe symptoms. Additionally, the appearance of bed bug bites can be influenced by factors such as the person’s sensitivity to the bites, the number of bites received, and the length of time the bed bugs have been feeding on the person’s blood.

Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites are usually painless and may go unnoticed initially, but they can cause symptoms that vary in severity from person to person. The following are the most common symptoms of bed bug bites:

• Itching: The most common symptom of bed bug bites is itching. It can be mild or severe, depending on the person. The itching usually starts within a few hours of the bite and can last for several days.
• Redness and Swelling: Bed bug bites can cause redness and swelling in the affected area. The bites may be small and round or appear in a cluster.
• Rash: A rash may develop around the bed bug bites. The rash can be flat or raised, and it may be itchy or painful.
• Blistering: In some cases, bed bug bites can cause blisters to form. The blisters can be small or large and may be filled with fluid.
• Allergic Reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to bed bug bites. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.

Not everyone will have the same reaction to bed bug bites. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may have severe symptoms. Additionally, the symptoms of bed bug bites may be mistaken for other insect bites or skin conditions, so it is important to seek medical attention if you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms.

How do bed bugs bite?

Bed bugs are insects that feed exclusively on blood. They usually feed on humans, although they can also feed on other animals, such as dogs and cats. Bed bugs are active at night and are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide produced by sleeping humans.

To bite, bed bugs use their elongated mouthparts, which are called stylets. The stylets are composed of several parts, including two mandibles and two maxillae, which are used to puncture the skin and saw through tissue, respectively. These mouthparts are thin and sharp, allowing the bed bug to pierce the skin with minimal resistance.

Once the bed bug has penetrated the skin, it injects saliva, which contains an anticoagulant and other substances that help to prevent the blood from clotting. This allows the bed bug to feed for several minutes without interruption. While feeding, the bed bug’s abdomen expands and fills with blood. A fully fed bed bug can take up to 10 minutes to feed, and they can survive for several months without a blood meal.

After feeding, the bed bug will retreat to its hiding place, typically in cracks and crevices in or near the bed. Bed bugs can leave behind small droplets of blood, feces, and shed skin as evidence of their presence.

Bed bug bites typically do not hurt when they occur because the bed bug’s saliva contains an anesthetic that numbs the skin. However, within a few hours, the bitten area may become red, swollen, and itchy. Some people may develop a more severe allergic reaction to bed bug bites, which can cause blisters or hives.

Bed bugs do not transmit diseases to humans through their bites. However, the bites can cause significant discomfort and emotional distress. If you suspect you have been bitten by bed bugs, it’s important to take steps to eliminate the infestation and treat any symptoms.

Are bed bug bites dangerous?

Bed bug bites are generally not considered dangerous to humans in terms of transmitting diseases or causing significant health problems. Unlike mosquitoes, which are known to transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, bed bugs are not known to transmit any diseases to humans.

However, bed bug bites can cause discomfort, itching, and skin irritation in some individuals. In some cases, scratching at the bites can lead to secondary infections. Additionally, individuals who are allergic to the saliva of bed bugs may experience more severe reactions, including anaphylaxis in rare cases.

Bed bugs can also have a psychological impact on individuals who are dealing with an infestation. The stress and anxiety caused by the presence of bed bugs in a person’s home can lead to sleep deprivation, social isolation, and other negative effects on mental health.

Not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way, and some people may not have any reaction at all. However, if you suspect that you have been bitten by bed bugs, it’s important to take steps to address the infestation and prevent further bites. This may involve contacting a pest control professional, cleaning and decluttering your living space, and using bed bug traps and encasements on your mattress and box spring.

Do bed bugs bite dogs or cats?

Bed bugs feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans, dogs, cats, and other mammals. While bed bugs do not prefer pets over humans, they will bite pets if there is no other source of food available.

When bed bugs feed on pets, they typically bite areas with little or no fur, such as the ears, belly, and legs. Bed bug bites on pets may cause itching and discomfort, and in some cases, pets may develop an allergic reaction. However, pets do not experience the same level of reaction to bed bug bites as humans do, and they are less likely to show visible signs of bites.

While bed bugs may bite pets, they do not infest pets in the same way they infest human dwellings. Bed bugs prefer to live in areas where humans sleep and rest, such as mattresses, box springs, and headboards. Therefore, it is rare for bed bugs to establish a large population on pets, as they cannot survive on pet blood alone.

If you suspect that your pet has been bitten by bed bugs, it is important to contact a veterinarian. The veterinarian can examine your pet and provide appropriate treatment for any symptoms or infections resulting from the bites. Additionally, it is essential to eliminate bed bugs from your home by hiring a professional pest control service to ensure the safety and health of both you and your pet.

Bed Bug Bites vs Flea Bites

Flea bites and bed bug bites can both cause similar symptoms, such as itching, redness, and inflammation. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Flea Bites

Flea bites are usually smaller and more clustered than bed bug bites. They typically appear in groups of three or four bites in a line, often on the ankles, legs, or feet. Flea bites also tend to be more intensely itchy than bed bug bites, and may develop into a blister or a pustule.

Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites, on the other hand, are usually larger and more spread out than flea bites. They often appear in a zigzag pattern or a cluster of bites, and can be found on any part of the body that is exposed during sleep, such as the hands, neck, face, shoulders, legs, and arms. Bed bug bites can also be very itchy and cause redness and inflammation, but they typically do not develop into blisters or pustules.

Another difference between flea bites and bed bug bites is the time it takes for symptoms to appear. Flea bites usually cause symptoms within a few hours of the bite, while bed bug bites can take several days to a week to produce noticeable symptoms.

The presence of fleas or bed bugs can help distinguish between the two types of bites. Fleas are usually associated with pets, so if you have a dog or cat that is scratching frequently, it may be a sign of a flea infestation. Bed bugs, on the other hand, can be found in any environment and are often brought into homes on clothing, luggage, or other items.

Bed Bug Bites vs. Mosquito Bites

Bed bug bites and mosquito bites can often be confused for one another, but there are some differences between the two:

Appearance:

Bed bug bites are typically small, flat, and red or brownish in color. They often appear in a line or cluster on exposed areas of skin such as the arms, legs, and neck. Mosquito bites, on the other hand, are raised, round, and usually have a white center surrounded by a reddened area. Mosquito bites can occur anywhere on the body, but they often appear on areas with thin skin such as the ankles, feet, and arms.

Symptoms:

Both bed bug and mosquito bites can cause itching, redness, and swelling, but the timing and severity of these symptoms can differ. Bed bug bites may not be felt immediately, but can develop into itchy welts within a few days. Mosquito bites, on the other hand, typically cause an immediate itching and swelling reaction. In some cases, mosquito bites can also cause a fever, headache, and body aches.

Transmission:

Mosquitoes are known carriers of various diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus, and can transmit these diseases to humans through their bites. Bed bugs, on the other hand, are not known to transmit any diseases to humans. However, their bites can still cause discomfort and itchiness.

Miche Pest Control’s Professional Bed Bug Services:

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How to Identify Bed Bug Bites

Why do bed bugs bite?

Contributed by: Pat Hottel

Updated on: June 21, 2023

Bed bugs are a notoriously sneaky nuisance. An infestation can happen to anyone and it may take days before you even realize these pests have set up camp in your home.

Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and other mammals in order to grow and thrive. Bed bugs use a variety of biological signals, including body heat and carbon dioxide emitted from warm-blooded sources, to identify a host.

Because they are nocturnal, bed bugs feed at night, while most people are asleep. Their blood meal lasts about 10 minutes. They then go back into hiding, where they stay until they need another meal.

Learn more about bed bugs.

Bed bug bite symptoms

A bed bug bite can often leave you itchy, sleepless and uncomfortable. However, it’s easy to confuse bed bug bites with bites from other insects. Here is a list of bed bug bite symptoms to help you more easily identify the true culprit and cause of your discomfort:

• Red, itchy welts. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), bed bug bites result in flat, red welts in zigzag lines or small clusters on your skin. While bugs do not spread disease-causing pathogens, their bites can be itchy and irritating. If you scratch them too much, the welts could bleed or result in a secondary infection due to broken skin.
• Bites on exposed skin. Bed bugs tend to feed on exposed skin. For example, many people sleep with arms and shoulders outside of the blankets. This practice can make your extremities a prime target for bed bugs in search of easy access to a blood meal.
• Allergic reactions. Some people may react more severely to bed bug bites than others. According to the CDC, those who are allergic to bed bug bites could experience enlarged red welts, painful swelling around bite areas and even anaphylaxis – a severe allergic reaction that could cause a person to go into shock.

Not everyone experiences these symptoms of bed bug bites. In fact, some people have no reaction at all.

When do bed bug bites first appear?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, it can take up to 14 days for a bite reaction to appear. Some people may not notice bites at all, while others may see signs of a bite within hours.

Are bed bug bites always visible?

At first, bed bug bites can be completely painless and it could take days to develop any reaction on the skin. According to the CDC, some people will have no physical reaction at all to bed bug bites. If no marks develop on the skin but you still suspect you may have an infestation, the tiny blood stains the bugs leave behind on the bed after feeding could be the only sign you’ve been bitten. Be sure to take steps to check your room and bedding thoroughly.

What do bed bug bites look like?

When bites do show, they will most likely appear as small red welts in zigzag lines or small clusters. Bed bug bites are sometimes mistaken for mosquito or flea bites. While all three insects can cause small red bumps or welts in those they’ve bitten, bites from a bed bug are usually distinguished by their clustered or zigzag pattern, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

While flea bites typically appear on the feet, ankles and lower parts of the legs, bed bug bites can appear on any part of your exposed body. Similarly, mosquito bites may appear on exposed skin, usually after spending time outdoors in hot, muggy weather. However, bites from each of these pests may cause localized itching that, in some cases, can be severe. Over time, people may become increasingly sensitive to bed bug bites, so the red welts and itching can grow in intensity the more often you are bitten.

How long do bed bug bites last?

Most bites will heal within one to two weeks of appearing and not cause any long-term problems. Those with stronger sensitivities to insect bites may take up to three weeks or longer to heal.

Do bed bug bites hurt?

At first, you probably won’t feel anything. As noted by the CDC, when a bed bug bites, it injects an anesthetic and an anticoagulant into your bloodstream. As a result, you may not realize you’ve been bitten until the telltale red welts appear hours or days afterward. When that happens, bed bug bites can become itchy and irritating. If you scratch at these bites, they may become even itchier and more irritating. Excessive scratching can create skin problems, bleeding, or a secondary infection.

Bed bug bites affect everyone differently. Some people may experience more severe symptoms, including allergic reactions, while others may have no reaction at all.

Do bed bugs bite only at night?

Bed bugs are nocturnal, which means they are active mainly at night. They normally bite people who are sleeping or sitting still for long periods of time. However, bed bugs will not bite every night. They only come out when they need to eat, and it could be several nights or several weeks before they need another meal.

Because their appearances can often be irregular, it may take a while to realize that you have a bed bug infestation. The longer a bed bug infestation goes untreated, the more time these pests have to reproduce – and they do reproduce quickly. If you suspect that you may have an infestation, it’s important to seek out treatment for bed bugs as soon as possible.

Get help with bed bugs.

How to tell bed bug bites from skin conditions or other insect bites
Bed bugs, mosquitoes, fleas and spiders: they all bite and leave their mark, so how can you tell which creature has bitten you? Keep reading to learn more about the differences between bed bug bites and other insect bites, as well as skin conditions that look similar to bed bug bites.

Bed bug bites vs. hives

Hives are itchy, raised bumps on the skin that can be the result of an allergic reaction to foods, exposure to extreme weather conditions, medications or even insect bites. Hives look similar to bed bug bites in that they are small, itchy red bumps. The key difference is in the way these bumps change over time. Hives tend to migrate to other parts of the body or go away within 24 hours. The red bumps from hives also have a tendency to change shape and grow larger in a short period of time. Bed bug bites will eventually heal, but they don’t migrate and change shape the way hives do. Rather, bed bug bites will stay localized to the area where a bed bug initially bit.

Bed bug bites vs. fleas

Both bed bugs and fleas feast on animal and human blood, and both leave similar itchy, red spots on your body. One key difference can be seen in the location of the bites. Fleas tend to bite on the lower part of your body, such as ankles and feet. By contrast, bed bugs target skin that is exposed while sleeping, which often includes the arms, shoulders, legs and face.

Fleas can carry disease-causing pathogens, including flea-borne typhus and cat scratch disease. Bed bugs do not spread disease-causing pathogens. However, intense scratching can break the skin and cause bleeding, which may lead to a secondary infection. Importantly, one of the best ways to identify what bug bite you’re dealing with is to find the bug itself.

Bed bug bites vs. mosquito bites

Both bed bug and mosquito bites leave itchy, red welts on your skin. Similarly, both tend to heal on their own in one to two weeks. The main difference between bed bug bites and mosquito bites can be seen in the configuration of the bites. If the bites are in a cluster or a zig zag pattern, they are most likely from bed bugs. If the bite marks aren’t in any recognizable pattern and appear on random parts of the body, then they are more likely the result of a mosquito. Additionally, the center of a mosquito bite can feel hard to the touch. Again, one of the best ways to identify what bug bite you’re dealing with is to find the bug itself.

Mosquitoes bite to extract blood and use it to develop their eggs. A mosquito can transmit several disease-causing pathogens, such as West Nile virus and malaria. In some instances, some people may have a severe reaction to a mosquito bite, experiencing low-grade fever and even swollen lymph nodes.

When trying to figure out which pest may have bitten you, you can also take note how long it takes to react to the bite. A mosquito bite will swell almost instantly, while a bed bug bite may take a few hours or even days to appear.

Bed bug bites vs. scabies bites

Bed bugs and scabies both feed on your blood, but they are different types of creatures that leave their marks in different ways. Bed bugs are small, but not invisible, and bite exposed skin. Scabies are microscopic mites that burrow under your skin to feed on your blood and lay their eggs.

The difference in the bites is that scabies don’t actually bite. They burrow. When the skin first reacts to the scabies, it can develop red, itchy welts that may look a lot like bed bug bites. Over time, the welts caused by scabies appear more scaly and leave slight, raised trails in your skin. A rash caused by scabies can feel more intensely itchy at night, which can mislead people to believe they are bed bug bites. Scabies should be diagnosed and treated by a physician.

Bed bug bites vs. spider bites

A spider bite is often red and itchy, just like a bed bug bite. However, spiders usually only bite once. If you only have one bite, then it is more likely to be a spider bite than a bed bug bite. Depending on the spider that inflicted the bite, a spider bite can be more severe than bed bug bites and take longer to heal. Some spiders are venomous and their bite may require medical attention.

Learn how Terminix can help with bed bugs

Have you ever said, “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite”? This cute little bedtime poem has plenty of uncomfortable truth behind it. Bed bugs can infest your bed and leave itchy bites on your skin. Once they’ve taken root in your home, it can be difficult to get rid of bed bugs because they multiply quickly.

Fortunately, Terminix can help. If you believe you have a bed bug infestation, contact us immediately. We’ll dispatch a bed bug control specialist who will conduct an inspection and recommend a personalized treatment plan to help rid your home of these irritating little pests.

Bed Bug Bites Resources:

• Bed Bug Bite vs. Mosquito Bite: What Kind of Bite is That?
• Everything to Know About Bed Bug Rashes
• How Long Do Bed Bug Bites Last?

symptoms, what they look like and how to deal with bites, remedies for bedbug bites

Bitten by bed bugs?

If you were bitten for the first time by a bug, or as it is also called a “bed bug”, then it is quite difficult to determine whether the bite was left by bed bugs or other insects. After all, a bug bite is similar to the bites of many insects, such as mosquitoes, which is swelling and redness on the skin.

How to determine if a bug bite? Main symptoms.

Bed bug bites have a number of symptoms, including: a series of bites that go one after another, itching and burning at the site of the bite, etc. If such signs are found on the body, then with a high degree of probability we can say that you were bitten by bedbugs.

The active phase of the activity of bedbugs is at night, although in very rare cases, bedbugs can be active during the day. Bed bugs cannot bite through clothing, so bites are limited to open areas of the body. The bite process itself, unlike, for example, a mosquito bite, is not felt, after a while the bite alone causes skin irritation, itching and redness. Such a reaction in different people can be expressed in different ways, depending on the sensitivity of the skin. During the bite, the bugs secrete a special saliva containing anticoagulant components. Saliva acts as an anesthetic and also prevents blood clotting.

Symptoms of a bug bite are characterized by the following symptoms:

• Redness;
• Swelling at the site of the bite;
• Itching;
• Many small scars on the skin;
• The number of bite sites on the body increases every night.
• Often there are tiny traces of blood stains on the bed.

Given the above symptoms, you can judge whether you have been bitten by bedbugs or not.

What do bed bug bites look like?

As mentioned above, the reaction of individuals to the bite of bedbugs is individual. So, if in one person the bite is tolerated quite normally, then in another it can cause a severe allergic reaction. The average time for an allergic reaction of the body to a bug bite is two to three days. After this period, something cold, such as ice, can be applied to the skin lesion, washed with soap and water or alcohol, and a special ointment can be applied to relieve itching. But, if the bite continues to bother you, or suppuration appears, we advise you to immediately consult a doctor for treatment.

How to avoid bedbug bites in the apartment?

To avoid bedbug bites, there are a number of measures that can be taken to help protect you from these pests, but nevertheless will not provide you with complete safety. Of course, everything depends on each specific situation, the “saturation” of the room with bedbugs, sanitary and other conditions, and the individual tolerance of a person to bedbug bites. Bed bug bite prevention measures include:

• Firstly, you need to move the place where you sleep (bed, sofa, etc.) as far as possible from walls and furniture so that there is no contact with objects.
• For prevention, it is also necessary to shake the bedding, carefully check for the presence of bedbugs. Check the pillow at the seam.
• We recommend a sting remedy such as steam ironing your sleeping mattress, which can also kill bed bugs, as they can’t stand too much heat.
• Moreover, as part of the prevention, you can wash all your bedding, and vacuum the carpets very thoroughly.

However, these measures can only limit bites for a while, but will not completely solve the problem of bedbugs in your apartment. For the complete and guaranteed destruction of the apartment, the help of a specialized service for the fight against bedbugs is necessary.

How to treat bed bug bites?

• If the bug bite caused you an allergic reaction, then you should take an antihistamine, such as suprastin or dazolin.
• After washing the bite site with soapy water, apply ice to the bite site for a short time (no more than 10 minutes).
• Also, for the purpose of disinfecting the bite site, you can wipe the affected area with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol.
• For the treatment of bites, a decoction of St. John’s wort is also often used in the form of lotions to the affected areas.
• Another treatment is to apply plantain leaves or lubricate with fresh aloe juice.
• If the redness increases sharply and mucus begins to stand out from the bite site, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Other useful articles:

Bed bugs

How to remove bedbugs in an apartment

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What bedbug bites look like photo on the body, ointment, product

Bedbugs are harmful blood-sucking insects. It is important to know what their bites look like on the body and be able to distinguish them from other types of irritations. Bedbugs can bring a lot of trouble in the form of itching and restless sleep, as these parasites are nocturnal. Therefore, when bedbugs are found in the house, you need to quickly take measures to eliminate them.

Contents

1. How to recognize a bug bite?
2. Favorite places for bed bug bites
3. How does a bite happen?
4. Differences between bedbug bites and other parasites (particularly fleas)
5. Bed bug bite treatment
6. How to get rid of bed bugs?
7. How to protect your home from bedbugs?

Subject

How to recognize a bug bite?

Bites most often affect more exposed areas of the body and face. The bugs tend to be placed on the human skin closer to the blood vessels. Children and women are the first victims of bedbugs due to softer skin, while men have rougher skin, so they become secondary victims of bedbug bites.

There are several ways to identify a bug bite:

• bite marks are arranged in a path, and the number of bites varies from 3 more;
• traces appear a few hours after bites, mainly in the morning after sleep;
• Bite spots are usually not very swollen, but have an indistinct outline. The more sensitive the skin to the bites of various insects, the more pronounced the swelling will be;
• Bed bug bites itch, the skin feels itchy, approximately like after mosquito bites.

Favorite places for bed bug bites

To recognize the bites of these insects, you need to know their favorite places on the human body:

• chest area;
• back, shoulders and neck;
• elbow bends;
• wrist;
• inguinal zone and slightly lower;
• knees;
• ankles and lower legs;
• belly belt.

How does the bite happen?

Bed bugs have a special mouth apparatus that has a needle-like proboscis. There are several needles in the proboscis: through the first it sucks blood, and through the second it injects into the skin a substance that prevents blood from clotting and has a temporary anesthetic effect. Bed bugs don’t stay in one place for long. Depending on the age of the parasite, it spends a different amount of time in one place: young bugs saturate faster and more often make punctures in new places, the old bug needs more time to saturate, as more blood is placed in them.

Bedbug bite marks

A person can notice the presence of these parasites in his dwelling by another symptom: after full saturation, the bug increases several times in size, it becomes more difficult for him to hide in his habitat, and for this he regurgitates part of the blood to hide again. On light-colored bed linen, small spots of blood are noticed in the place where the bug was accidentally crushed by a person in a dream, or in the place where he burped up blood.

Bedbugs are not afraid of daylight, and sometimes they can be found during the day. If at night they are not satiated enough, then insects can go hunting during the day. Due to the chitinous structure of the shell of bedbugs, on the floor you can find husks from the remains of chitin.

Bed bug bites usually take about 1 week to heal, but sometimes bites do not go away for up to 3 weeks. If you do not get rid of the bugs, they will return for a new portion of blood every 3-4 days, then the bites will begin to appear systematically and will not have time to heal.

Differences between bedbug bites and other parasites (particularly fleas)

Both fleas and bedbugs have a similar type of structure of the oral apparatus, but you can tell by the bite marks which of the parasites attacked you. The main sign by which you can understand how to distinguish a bug bite from another insect is the obligatory presence of bites located next to each other. If you are bitten by a young bug, it can be confused with a flea in several ways: it is also small in size and its bite hurts, since young bugs are not yet able to infuse the anesthetic. However, unlike flea bites, after bedbugs, the puncture site is not visible in the center of the puffiness. After flea bites, suppuration and acute allergic inflammation may appear on damaged areas of the skin. The reason for this reaction is that fleas are carriers of dangerous diseases: encephalitis, typhoid and others. It has not yet been proven that bedbugs can infect a person with any dangerous disease, and the only negative consequences are restless sleep and a prolonged allergic reaction at the puncture site.

Bed bug bite treatment

How to treat bedbug bites depends on the individual reaction of the human body. With a moderate reaction, it is usually sufficient to lubricate the swelling with ointments and gels: ointment from bedbug bites or GEKTOR gel, Erythromycin ointment, Fenistil-gel, Rescuer, Psilo-Balm, Hydrocortisone ointment, Advantan.

In case of a severe allergic reaction, headache or shortness of breath, you should consult a doctor, and you should also take an antihistamine: Zodak, Suprastin, Zirtek, Fenistil drops, Desal, Feksadin, Suprastinex, Loratadin-Akrikhin.

Zodak, 10 mg/ml, oral drops, 20 ml, 1 ea.

Zentiva, Germany

Price

from 180₽

Advantan 0.1% Topical Cream 15 g 1

Leo Pharma, Denmark

Price

from 532₽

Suprastinex, 5 mg, film-coated tablets, 14 pcs.

EGIS, Hungary

Price

from 442₽

There are contraindications. Specialist consultation is required.

How to get rid of bed bugs?

In a human dwelling, there will certainly be many secluded places for the habitat of small parasitic insects – bedbugs. With a long dwelling of bedbugs in the house, a sour smell characteristic of these insects may appear. The owners of the house where the bugs settled should not blame themselves for insufficient cleanliness: bugs can be brought on clothes or shoes, but most often they move from neighbors.

It takes a lot of effort to get rid of bedbugs, because they multiply quickly. Consider the most effective ways to deal with bedbugs:

1) Thermal treatment can achieve high results in the fight against bed bugs, but do not forget that bed bugs hide not only in sofas and beds, you need to treat the most inaccessible places in the house. Bedbugs begin to die at a temperature of 50 degrees. It is good enough to iron bed linen with an iron, the rest of the places can be treated with hot steam using a steam generator. Pay special attention to the walls and skirting boards adjacent to them. Toys and things that can withstand washing at 90 degrees, it is better to wash in the washing machine. It only takes a few minutes for the bed bugs to die.

2) In winter, you can use the method of freezing these insects. To do this, you will need to move out of your home for a while, since the air temperature in the room should not rise above -15 degrees for at least three days. To destroy the larvae of bedbugs, it is desirable that the temperature be below -15 degrees.

3) Most often, in the fight against bedbugs, people resort to chemical means. To date, there are many chemicals that allow you to choose the most comfortable method for controlling insects:

• Executioner liquid in white jars contains a yellow liquid that works on the basis of fenthion. The product does not have a strong odor, it fights both the bugs themselves and their larvae. The solution is prepared according to the instructions, but keep in mind that the jar is small, 1 jar is enough to process 5 square meters;
• Spray “Combat” is a very powerful insecticide, easy to use, but has a high toxicity despite the fact that it practically does not emit a smell. When processing this tool, it is better to leave the home for at least a day. One such spray is enough to treat a room of 65 square meters;
• The “Raid” aerosol acts in a viral way for insects, that is, the bugs will infect each other. If a large number of bedbugs have managed to get divorced in the house, then this spray is unlikely to cope with its task. Due to the high toxicity, the dwelling must be left for at least a day, and after returning, it will be necessary to carry out a thorough wet cleaning, as the product leaves greasy marks. One bottle of the product is enough to process 40 square meters of the room;

• Karbofos is a fairly well-known and effective means of combating bedbugs. Available in both powder and emulsion form. Despite the high efficiency, the product has a very high toxicity, and the dwelling after treatment will need to be left for about a week. To protect the respiratory system and hands, be sure to use rubber gloves and respirators, the product has a very pungent odor. After returning home, you will need to carry out a thorough wet cleaning due to greasy traces after the product. After 2 weeks, the treatment will need to be repeated, and after a month, the house needs to be thoroughly wet cleaned;

• Aerosol “Dichlorvos” is a proven by many means to combat cockroaches, bedbugs, fleas and other unpleasant insects. Dichlorvos is able to destroy bedbugs after the first treatment and does not leave greasy or oily marks behind. However, it is worth noting that this remedy also has a high toxicity, and after treatment, they need to leave the house for several days. Usually 1 cylinder is enough to process 40 square meters of a dwelling;
• An interesting new tool is Gektor. The substance contained in this product has class 4 safety for humans, but it acts on insects by drawing out liquid and causing irreparable damage by dehydrating bedbugs. Gektor is odorless and fights even large numbers of parasites. Despite the high cost, 100 gram packaging is enough to process rooms up to 300 square meters.

You can use the services of professionals in the fight against bedbugs. If a lot of these insects have divorced in your home, then the best way is to contact professionals, as they use various highly effective methods that will allow you to get rid of bedbugs for a long time.