Can doctors identify bed bug bites? There’s more than one reason for you to be concerned about bed bug bites. If you are in a crowded city like New York, you are likely to encounter them. But even if you live in a rural area, there is a chance that an infestation has occurred in your home already or it may happen soon. While bed bug bites greatly resemble mosquito bites, there are some major differences between the two that are often overlooked by most people. You believe you have bed bug bites but you aren’t sure, or maybe your itching got better and then came back with a vengeance – does this sound like the scenario that you are going through? If so, then you are one of many individuals who are wondering about if doctors can identify bed bug bites. In fact, researchers at Johns Hopkins University did a study and found that dermatologists and general practitioners were not that quick at identifying bed bug bites as opposed to other kinds of bites. Bed bugs can be hard to identify because many of their bites do not have a characteristic red spot or inflammation associated with them. The symptoms of being bit by bedbugs include swollen, reddened skin or rash. Bites may also cause an itching sensation. In extreme cases, the symptoms of being bit by bedbugs may include fever and headaches. Infection of bed bug bites is rare but may occur if scratched or bitten. Do you have black dots or red streaks on your skin, in clusters or straight lines? First of all, calm down. We’re probably talking about bed bug bites, which can be a real problem for both people who have weak immune systems and those who don’t. However, these symptoms are also typical of several other skin conditions, so it’s not uncommon to confuse them with bed bug bites. In the next lines I’ll try to offer some useful advice that will help you identify whether the black dots and red streaks are indeed bed bug bites or not.

Can Doctors Identify Bed Bug Bites

A bed bug bite?

You know you have an itchy spot, but is it from a bed bug?

Bed bug bites are usually small and red, with a darker red spot in the middle. They are often found on the face, neck, arms or hands. Sometimes they’ll look like a cluster of mosquito bites.

Another sign of a bed bug bite is that they usually show up in a row or cluster. Bed bugs feed every five to ten days and when they do, they tend to feed until their bodies get too full to eat more. So if there’s one bite today and another one tomorrow or the next day, it’s likely from the same feeding session.

Bed bug bites at night!

For a doctor to diagnose bed bug bites, you have to have been bitten by a bed bug while in your bedroom. Bed bugs are often found in the bedroom, and as other areas of the house get heat-treated or actively cleaned, the bugs retreat there to avoid any disturbance.

If you’re worried about being bitten at night in your bedroom, take steps to determine if you might have bed bugs hiding there. Look for them yourself, or hire a professional pest control company to inspect and treat your home for bed bugs.

Bed bugs leave behind bites on the skin and fecal spots.

Bed bug bites are just one of the signs that you have bed bugs. The other signs include fecal spots (which appear as small black dots), shed exoskeletons, and live or dead bugs.

If you think you might have bed bugs in your house, it’s important to contact a licensed pest control professional who can help get rid of them.

What do bed bug bites look like?

Bed bug bites usually appear in clusters across your body, and they can be red, itchy welts.

Often mistaken for mosquito bites, bed bug bites are small, red bumps that look like pimples or hives at the site of each bite. Bed bug bites may cause blisters or skin infections if scratched. They are not painful and don’t typically lead to any long-term effects.

While most people have mild reactions to bed bug bites, some people experience more severe allergic reactions. For example, a bed bug bite may result in larger welts or blisters that could develop into sores that require medical care.

If you think you have bed bugs but aren’t sure what the bites look like on your body, consult a doctor before treating these potential infestations yourself.

Bed bugs are so hard to spot, because they are small and often hide in crevices and cracks.

Bed bugs are very difficult to identify because they are small, flat, round and brown. They are about the size of an apple seed and their color is often similar to the surface they are on. They turn a deeper red or rust color after feeding. Bed bugs hide in crevices and cracks during the day and come out at night to feed.

Their ideal hiding places include: mattresses, bed frames, headboards and box springs. However, bed bugs can be found in other areas including behind pictures frames, baseboards, electrical outlets or switches around the room.

Can doctors identify bed bug bites?

Yes, doctors can identify bed bug bites. Bed bug bites are very similar to mosquito and flea bites. They have a distinct appearance, and they can appear in clusters or lines on the body. A doctor will be able to tell you if your bites are from bed bugs or another insect by inspecting them closely. You should visit a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if the rash persists for more than two weeks:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itching

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out if you have a bed bug infestation

It can be hard to tell if you have a bed bug infestation. You may not see actual live bugs or notice the bites right away, but there are some signs that you can look for to know if you have an infestation.

• Have you seen live bed bugs? If you’ve seen a bed bug in your home, it’s likely you have an infestation. It’s best to contact a licensed pest control specialist right away.
• Have you found eggs? Bed bug eggs are white and about 1mm in length. They’re easiest to find on seams of mattresses and box springs, or on the tags of pillows and other bedding items.
• Have you found feces? Bed bug feces is dark yellow-brown in color and has a strong odor. The best places to look for feces are along the seams of mattresses, headboards and baseboards.
• Have you found skins? Bed bugs tend to shed their skin as they grow older, leaving behind empty brown casings in corners and crevices near where they hide out during the day (in your mattress seams or box spring).
• Look for casings: Areas where bed bugs hide out during the day (mattress seams) may have shredded fibers that give off a musty odor known as “bed bug scent.”