It’s estimated that one out of five Americans has had a bedbug infestation or knows somebody who has. Show Despite the name, bedbugs aren’t only found in beds. They’re also commonly found in sofas, chair cushions, and furniture crevices. If you’ve been finding red and itchy spots on your skin, you may be worried you’re dealing with bedbugs. However, unless you find evidence of the insects in your home, the bites can be difficult to identify. They can resemble other insect bites or several skin conditions. There’s no test that can specifically diagnosis a bedbug bite, but a doctor may be able to help you identify them by ruling out other conditions like hives or a fungal infection. Keep reading to learn how to identify a bedbug bite and how to tell them apart from other insect bites and skin conditions. There are more than 90 types of bedbugs, but only two species commonly bite humans. Most bedbugs are reddish-brown with a flat, oval-shaped body. They’re usually about a quarter-inch long, have six legs, and don’t have visible wings. Identifying bed bug bites on humans
Bedbug bites tend to look similar to other insect bites. The bites are very itchy, and smaller than a quarter-inch across. In white skin, the bites usually appear red. On dark skin, they can look faint-pink or purplish, and turn deep brown the longer they remain on the skin. However, they can also develop into large weals (itchy, fluid-filled bumps) that can be larger than 2 inches. Bedbug bites typically occur on parts of your body that are exposed while you sleep, such as your:
Bite marks often appear in the “breakfast, lunch, dinner” pattern — a line or zigzag of three or more bites. Bedbug bites can closely resemble several other types of bug bites. The following bugs are known to be active at night. SpidersShare on PinterestA brown widow spider bite can look similar to other spider bites, with the local skin reaction usually limited to redness and swelling. Systemic symptoms are often noticeable and can include muscle spasms, nausea, and headache, among others. Photo: http://wolfspiderpictures.orgMany types of spiders are more active at night than during the day. Getting bitten by a spider in your sleep is fairly uncommon. Spiders generally only bite when they feel threatened. Most types of spiders have toxic venom. The majority of spiders don’t have strong enough venom to cause serious harm to humans and only cause minor injury. Spider bites may cause the following symptoms:
Unlike bedbugs, spiders don’t feed on blood. Spider bites are more likely to be isolated while bedbug bites are often clustered together. MosquitosShare on PinterestMosquito bites cause raised, itchy welts. They typically don’t appear in a line or pattern. Source: Wikimedia CommonsMosquitos use their long tube-like mouth to penetrate your skin. Many types of mosquitos are more active at dusk and night than during the day. Although mosquito bites usually aren’t serious, mosquitos can carry deadly diseases like:
Mosquito bites leave an itchy welt that looks like a pimple. It usually goes away in a few days. Although mosquito and bedbug bites can look similar, mosquito bites are more likely to be in a random pattern and are larger in size than bedbug bites. Bedbug bites are more likely to be in a straight line or zigzag. MitesShare on PinterestAn oak mite bite generally doesn’t have specific traits of identification. Oak mites are microscopic, so they can’t be seen by the naked eye. Getty Images.Mites are small insect-like critters that often live on animals like birds and rodents. Mite bite symptoms can vary but generally include:
Mite bites are very small and don’t create a noticeable puncture like most other types of bug bites. FleasShare on PinterestFlea bites tend to occur on the feet, ankles, or lower leg. Source: Getty Images.Your chances of getting bit by a flea are greater if you have pets or if you sleep with your pets in the bed. People often mistake flea bites for bedbug bites. Both types of bites are usually itchy and are found in lines or clusters. Fleas typically target your:
If you notice bites on your upper body or around your face, they’re more likely to be bedbug bites. Some common insects that bite people include:
Several types of skin conditions can resemble bedbug bites. HivesHives are red bumps or welts that form on your skin due to an allergic reaction. The bumps are usually raised and extremely itchy. They can be red or skin-colored. If the marks on your skin get larger or spread to another part of your body quickly, they may be hives. Fungal infectionFungal infections usually target the moist parts of the body like:
Having a fungal infection can cause an allergic reaction that leads to an itchy and bumpy rash on another part of your body. MiliariaMiliaria, more commonly known as heat rash, is a common skin condition caused by inflammation or blockage of a sweat duct. It’s most common in newborn babies and people living in hot, tropical climates. Symptoms can vary but often include red, itchy bumps. Dermatitis herpetiformisDermatitis hepetiformis is a rare autoimmune skin condition. It causes the formation of itchy blisters and redness on light skin, and purplish coloring on dark skin. The majority of people with dermatitis also have celiac disease. The condition is most common on your:
The easiest way to know that your bites are from bedbugs is to find evidence of them in your home. Signs of bedbugs include:
Where bedbugs hideBedbugs are most active at night when they feed. During the day, they like to hide in tight crevices. Some places they commonly hide include:
When to call a doctorIf you noticed your bites after traveling, it might not be possible to search for bedbugs. In this case, you may want to call a doctor. A doctor may be able to identify bites visually or rule out other potential skin conditions. It’s also a good idea to contact a doctor if:
Bedbugs bites can look similar to other insect bites or skin conditions. The best way to know if you’re dealing with bedbugs is to look for evidence of the bugs in your home. If you think your bites may be from bedbugs, but you can’t find any evidence of them in your home, you may want to see a doctor. Can you get bed bug bites without seeing bugs?Bedbugs bites can look similar to other insect bites or skin conditions. The best way to know if you're dealing with bedbugs is to look for evidence of the bugs in your home. If you think your bites may be from bedbugs, but you can't find any evidence of them in your home, you may want to see a doctor.
What can mimic bed bug bites?Other Pest's Bites Mistaken for Bed Bugs. Mosquitoes: Mosquito bites are very itchy and can sometimes transmit diseases. ... . Head, body, and pubic lice: The most common symptom of head lice is itching of the scalp due to sensitization to allergens in lice saliva. ... . Ticks: ... . Fleas: ... . Mites: ... . Spiders: ... . Carpet Beetle Larvae: ... . Psocids:. How do you know if bites are from bed bugs?Unlike flea bites that are mainly around the ankles, bedbug bites are on any area of skin exposed while sleeping. Also, the bites do not have a red spot in the center like flea bites do. People who don't realize they have a bedbug infestation may attribute the itching and welts to other causes, such as mosquitoes.
Can you have bed bugs without any signs?Some people won't show any signs of being bitten by bed bugs. “People may have bed bugs and not know it because many people have no physical reaction to bed bug bites,” Dr. Harrison says. “That's why it's important for people everywhere to inspect for bed bugs regularly.”
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No signs of bed bugs but I have bites
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