What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Waking up to mysterious red marks on your body is never a good thing; suspecting bed bug bites might be even worse. Learning to identify these tiny bloodsuckers’ bites can help eliminate an infestation more quickly. Find answers to questions like, “Can bed bugs bite through clothes” and “How long do bed bug bites last” so you can feel comfortable in your own bed again.

What do bed bug bites look like?

The site of a bed bug bite is red and somewhat swollen, similar to a mosquito bite. Bites can be randomly spaced or appear in the form of a straight line. These pests can’t bite through fabric, but they won’t hesitate to nestle under your pajamas and start feeding, preferably while you’re asleep so they can feast uninterrupted. Bed bugs bite these areas of the body most often:

• Face
• Legs
• Neck
• Arms
• Hands
• Shoulders

Bed bug bites look like pimples. They’re about the same size and look equally irritated. Many concerned pet parents ask if bed bugs also bite dogs. Unfortunately, they do, indeed; look for bite marks like those described above if your pet seems to be scratching excessively or you find molted skins around your dog’s bed.

But do bed bug bites itch?

Bed bugs are well-equipped to escape detection; you probably won’t even realize you’ve been bitten for a day or more. That’s because a bed bug bite is accompanied by an anticoagulant and an anesthetic. However, once those natural medications wear off, most victims experience itching and irritation. An allergic reaction could bring painful swelling, larger bite marks, and, rarely, anaphylaxis. You may also wonder, “How long do bed bug bites last?”. These annoying marks can remain for a couple of weeks after they appear.

How to Treat Bed Bug Bites

Above all, avoid scratching bed bug bites. Scratching them can worsen itching and cause infections. Antihistamines and topical antiseptic treatments help alleviate itching and reduce the temptation to scratch. If your bed bug bites don’t heal in a few weeks, consider seeing your doctor for a prescription treatment. However, treating the infestation in your home is essential to avoid being bitten in the future.

Get Bed Bug Control With PURCOR

Bed bugs’ sneakiness is their best weapon. Not only are they adept at piercing your skin without being noticed, but they often go undetected in homes and businesses due to their diminutive size. Understanding what bed bug bites look like is an important first step in eliminating these pests. Now, let Purcor take care of the rest. We offer integrated pest management solutions that won’t harm the environment, people, or pets in a wide range of service areas. Contact our friendly team to arrange a free quote at the first sign of bed bugs so you can take back your home and get a good night’s sleep again.