What does a Bed Bug look Like

Many of us are familiar with what a bed bug looks like, as well as the signs of an infestation. However, identifying an actual bed bug bite can be tricky, as there aren’t any tell-tale signs of bites. And if you’ve never been bitten before, it’s generally pretty easy to confuse a bed bug bite with a mosquito or flea bite. Once an infestation has taken hold, bed bugs can be a major headache to eliminate. That’s why homeowners across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut need to be able to recognize the signs of bed bugs, including bites. So, what does a bed bug bite look like?

What Does a Bed Bug Bite Look Like?

It’s important to know that approximately one in three people won’t have any reaction to bed bugs at all, so a home could still be infested, even if a homeowner hasn’t noticed bites. Two out of three people will have an allergic reaction to bed bug bites, but the symptoms can vary person to person. Here’s some general information about bed bug bites that folks across New England may find helpful:

• Bed bugs often bite several times in a row, so the bites may appear in a line, grouped closely together. 
• They may also appear in an uneven, zig-zag pattern on the skin, as we move involuntarily in our sleep and can interrupt the bed bug feeding patterns.
• The bites can swell up to form red welts or bumps. 
• Bed bugs typically bite the first area of human “real estate” that they can find, typically the neck, hands, arms, feet and legs. If given the opportunity, however, they may also target your back or torso.
• Bed bug bites typically aren’t painful like wasp or bee stings, but they can come with intense itching.

While most bed bug bites won’t require any medical care, it is possible for someone to get hives or a secondary infection from scratching the bites. Always seek out the opinion of a doctor if you have urgent medical concerns. 

Bed bug bites can be difficult to identify, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the other signs of bed bugs and immediately consult a pest control professional if you suspect an infestation. Graduate Pest Solutions is your local bed bug experts.  Call or contact us! We’re here to help.