The following are the tell-tale signs of bed bug bites. These are not always present due to some people’s skin being more sensitive then others, but it’s best to look for many different signs in order to successfully diagnose yourself. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, the first thing you want to do is make sure. This tutorial will teach you how to diagnose whether or not those itchy red spots on your skin are actually bed bug bites. The first step to being able to correctly diagnose a bed bug bite is to determine whether you really have them at all. Bed bugs are small, brown (technically red), parasitic insects that can cause extreme itching, rashes and welts. Though many bites will look similar, there are differences between bed bug bites and other common insect bites. Many people do not realize they have bed bugs until the problem becomes severe or much of their clothing and belongings are ruined. When it come to Bed bug infestations, things get serious quickly. These microscopic, parasitic creatures can wreak havoc in your home and cause an extreme discomfort for any one living in the affected area. Bed Bug bites are notoriously difficult to diagnose because their presence is rarely noticed until someone begins to develop skin irritation, which may occur up to 14 days after a Bed bug has bit a person.

Diagnosing Bed Bug Bites

Introduction

Bed bugs are small, blood-sucking insects that feed off of the blood of humans and animals. Infestations can be difficult to control, but you may be able to identify a bed bug infestation before parts of your home become overrun. Bed bug bites are often diagnosed by their appearance and location on the body; however, bed bugs can be difficult to find even after they have bitten you. Knowing the characteristics of bed bugs can also help you confirm or rule out an infestation in your home.

Getting information about the bite.

• Ask the person who was bitten.
• Ask the person who saw the bite.
• Ask the person who found the bite.
• Ask the person who has experience with bed bugs, or with other insects or bugs that bite people (such as mosquitoes).

Examining the skin around the site of the bite.

You can use all of your senses to inspect the skin around a bite. Look for:

• Redness, swelling and itching (especially if it’s worse than the bite itself) are signs of an infection
• The presence of scabbed-over wounds that don’t heal over time (a condition known as bed bug-related linear ulceration) is indicative of bed bug bites
• Small white or yellow bumps around the site of your bites could be flea eggs—another common skin parasite in dogs and cats that can cause itching and irritation similar to what you’d experience with a bed bug bite. If you suspect fleas, consult your vet for treatment options.

You can also check for signs that you’re dealing with another type of insect or skin condition:

Considering other existing conditions.

If you have an allergy to bed bugs, you may notice itchy red bumps on your skin. Your body will also produce more histamine than normal in response to the bite. If you have a rash, then it’s possible that it isn’t caused by bed bugs at all—but rather some other condition such as irritation from your clothing or allergies to dust mites.

If you’re bitten by a bed bug, there is a chance that this will cause an allergic reaction similar to how people react to bee stings with anaphylaxis (a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction).

Knowing bed bug characteristics.

Bed bugs are small, flat, brown insects that feed solely on the blood of animals. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. Bed bugs can be found in a wide range of places: homes, apartments, hotels and dorm rooms. But they can’t fly or jump (only crawl). They crawl around at night in search of a host—you!

As an adult bed bug is about the size of an apple seed (5 mm), flattened from top to bottom and thicker than a piece of paper (1/4 inch). They have tube-like mouth parts adapted for piercing the skin and sucking blood from humans and other mammals. Bed bugs do not have wings or antennae; adults appear as tan or brownish mottled insects that may become visible when disturbed by crawling or feeding on their host’s skin.

Getting treatment for a bed bug bite.

Bed bug bites are itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful, but the good news is that they can be treated. The first course of action for treating bed bug bites is to use an over-the-counter antihistamine cream to relieve itching. There are also prescription creams available that work by reducing inflammation and swelling. Oral medications such as corticosteroids can also be used to suppress inflammation if you want a faster relief from your symptoms. Finally, injections may be given if you do not respond well to other treatments or if you have severe reactions to bed bug bites that affect other parts of your body (such as hives).

Do not assume that every insect bite is from bed bugs.

Your first instinct might be to assume that every insect bite you’ve received is from bed bugs. However, there are many other insects that bite. These include mosquitos, fleas, ticks, chiggers and spiders. Bed bugs are small but they can be mistaken for other biting insects because they all have a brownish-red color when they’re feeding on humans.

Conclusion

While we’re on the subject, it’s important to remember that not everyone reacts to bed bug bites in the same way. If you find yourself bitten by something and suspect it might be a bed bug, don’t panic or assume right off the bat that your own reaction will mirror others’—and remember also that diagnosing insect bites can be tricky! The best course of action is to practice proper preventive measures (like keeping an eye out for signs of bed bugs) and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may have been bitten by an insect.