Bed bug bite infographic - Batzner Pest Control in Wisconsin

I’ve encountered mosquito bites, flea bites, and spider bites, but never had I encountered bed bug bites until I traveled to San Francisco CA. I made the trip at least four times a year; however, this time was different—opting to stay in a nearby hotel instead of with family or friends. I remember lying in bed. The room was hot and stuffy, causing me to toss and turn throughout the night. When morning came, I was exhausted but began my usual morning routine eager to get on the road.

After a quick rinse, I dragged myself over to the mirror and that’s when I noticed them: little red bumps across my chest. Quickly, I scurried over to the bed—pulling off sheets, flipping pillows, inspecting the mattress and the box spring—nothing! How could this have happened? It was a top-rated hotel. Were these bed bug bites, or was it another blood-sucking insect?

When & How Do Bed Bugs Bite?

While you are sleeping, bed bugs will bite using their mouthparts, commonly referred to as beaks. As they bite, they release an anticoagulant in their saliva preventing your blood from clotting. This allows them to receive a steady two- to three-minute blood meal; what they need in order to survive and reproduce. Bed bugs will not bite in defense, they will only bite for the sole purpose of feeding.

Due to the anesthetic properties in a bed bug’s saliva, their bites are initially painless, which is why they bite while you’re sleeping. Once the numbing effect wears off, an itchy rash may ensue.

How Do I Know if it’s a Bed Bug Bite?

Identifying bed bug bites can be difficult. Here are some distinguishing factors to help discern them from other insect bites:

  • If you felt the bite when it occurred, it was not a bed bug.
  • If bites are random and spread out, it was probably not bed bugs.
  • If the bite forms a blister, it could be a bed bug bite.
  • If the bites follow a pattern (straight or a zig-zag), they could be bed bug bites. They also tend to be in groupings of three to five.

These factors are not definitive, as reactions and circumstances can vary greatly.

Photo of bed bug bites in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Common Reactions to Bed Bug Bites

Reactions to bed bug bites differ from person to person from none to a full-blown allergic reaction. A mild reaction may reveal flat, red bumps at the bite sites. A more severe reaction may include an irritating itch or swelling. Resisting the itch is incredibly difficult, but giving in to it can cause severe irritation to the skin, increasing your risk for an infection. It’s the chemicals in the bed bug’s saliva that trigger such reactions, some lasting more than two weeks.

How Do I Treat Bed Bug Bites?

For mild reactions, try these simple home remedies:

  • Wash the bite with warm, soapy water.
  • Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
  • Take an antihistamine to settle the itchiness.
  • Apply calamine lotion or anti-inflammatory cream.

Am I Having an Allergic Reaction to Bed Bug Bites?

Although it is uncommon, some people can suffer an allergic reaction. According to WebMD if you have an allergic skin reaction to a bed bug bite, use a cream with a corticosteroid, take an oral antihistamine, and most importantly, see your doctor. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be:

  • Intense itching
  • Swelling
  • Hives
  • Blisters

In extremely rare cases, those who are highly allergic to bed bug bites could experience anaphylaxis, causing respiratory problems, hives, or tightness of the throat. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology claims that bed bugs can also trigger asthma for some individuals if a large amount of bed bug skin particles become airborne. In any case, always consult a medical professional if you begin to experience more serious symptoms. It’s important to note that bed bugs are not disease transmitters. Studies have shown that a bed bug, testing positive for the disease after feeding on an infected host, did not transmit the disease to another host. There are no confirmed cases of bed bugs transmitting any disease to humans.

Bed Bugs in Wisconsin

Known to be international travelers and expert hitchhikers, bed bugs are everywhere. As you travel, you increase your chances of being bit. However, knowing how to identify the bites and what your treatment options are will help you decide your next course of action. For help with bed bug problems in your Wisconsin home or business, contact the experts at Batzner Pest Control. Learn more about where to look for bed bugs and how to avoid them with these great blogs:

How to Inspect for Bed Bugs and Avoid Them While Traveling

Places You Wouldn’t Expect to Find Bed Bugs

Sleep Tight, Don’t Let These Bed Bug Myths Bite

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like? Information on Symptoms & Treatment in Wisconsin

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What do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Bed bug bites are frequently misidentified as other types of insect bites. A bite from a bed bug typically appears as a red bump with a darker center and lighter, swollen area surrounding it. 

There are two things in particular that set bed bug bites apart from other insect bites:

  1. Bed bug bites often appear in lines or zigzag patterns.
  2. The bite marks are typically on areas of the body that are exposed at night.
What do bed bug bites look like? | New Berlin WI | Batzner Pest Control

Bed Bug Bites vs. Flea Bites

Flea bites and bed bug bites are best differentiated due to the pain level of the bite itself. Almost immediately after being bit by a flea, you will feel the bite and some associated pain. Bed bug bites do not hurt until symptoms show up hours later. Flea bites are typically reserved for the lower part of the body and around the ankles in random patterns. Bed bug bites appear in lines. While both bites can cause red bumps and itchiness, bed bug bites can result in larger welts or bumps.

Was I Bitten By a Mosquito or Bed Bug?

Bed bug bites and mosquito bites differ in many ways. Unlike bed bug bites, mosquito bites appear in isolated, random areas on the body. A bite from a mosquito will form a bump that can appear mere minutes afterward, and their bites can be felt immediately. Of course, mosquito bites are much more dangerous than bed bug bites for their ability to transmit disease. Mosquito bites also tend to heal quicker than a bed bug bite.

Do I Have a Bed Bug Bite?

It’s easy to panic when you notice a bug bite on your body, especially when there are multiple. To avoid the worry associated with bed bug bites, it’s important to know how to identify them. If you suspect a bite on your skin is from a bed bug, it’s best to get a bed bug inspection from a professional pest control company.