Bed bug bites usually appear as small red welts in zigzag lines or small clusters. Learn more about beg bugs and how to tell if you’ve been bitten.
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. Here are some signs to tell if bed bugs have been using you as their midnight snack:
Are bed bug bites visible?
Like bed bugs themselves, their bites can be tricky to identify. Initially, the bites are completely painless, and it could take days to develop any reaction on the skin. 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, then 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 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. These bites can also be mistaken for the bites of other insects, like mosquitoes. Unlike flea bites, which are primarily around the ankles, bed bug bites can appear on any part of your exposed body. You will often find similar telltale signs in bed bug bites. The bites will cause localized itching, which 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.
What are Issues Associated With Bed Bugs?
If the infestation persists, bed bugs bites can also disrupt your sleep schedule and lead to insomnia and anxiety. If signs of an allergic reaction occur, such as hives or severe itching, medical attention may be needed.
Bed bugs do not attach themselves to their host. Instead, they feed in brief intervals and then go back into hiding. Therefore, bite marks and telltale stains are powerful clues in identifying the presence of bed bugs. Pictures of bed bug bites are helpful in this process.