How To Tell A Bed Bug Bite From A Mosquito Bite

How To Tell A Bed Bug Bite From A Mosquito Bite

Bed bugs are a nuisance, budget killer, and a health hazard. Why shouldn’t every person be able to tell a bed bug bite from a mosquito bite? Everyone should learn how to tell the difference between a bed bug bite and other insect bites. You take precautions when traveling in countries with malaria and dengue fever, so why not take precautions when staying at your own house? If you plan to travel for vacation in the near future, learning how to recognize bed bug bites is an excellent idea.

Bite marks usually result in swollen and red skin, but sometimes they can be hard to spot. If you are looking for an effective and quick way to tell if you have been bitten by a mosquito or a bed bug, read on for a couple of easy ways to tell the difference between the two.

How To Tell A Bed Bug Bite From A Mosquito Bite

Telling a bed bug bite from a mosquito bite is not always easy.

Bed bugs and mosquitoes both bite, and their bites often look similar. To tell the two apart, it’s important to look at the bite itself, as well as the characteristics of the insect that did the biting.

Bed bugs tend to leave behind four distinct puncture marks. These marks can be grouped together in a cluster or spread out throughout the area where you were bitten. The bites are often red and swollen, but may also be flat or even appear as raised bumps on your skin.

Mosquito bites usually have only three distinct puncture marks, which are grouped together in one area of your skin. Mosquito bites tend to be less painful than those from bed bugs, but they may still be irritating and itchy for some people.

If you are bitten by a mosquito, it will usually leave behind a small red mark that is itchy and lasts for a few days.

Bed bug bites, on the other hand, can be very different from mosquito bites. They are often grouped in a line or cluster with larger, redder welts than those of mosquito bites. They may also have an appearance that looks like hives or small blisters.

If you think you’ve been bitten by a bed bug, look for signs of blood on your sheets or pillowcase. If there is any blood present at all, you may have been bitten by something other than a mosquito.

How To Tell A Bed Bug Bite From A Mosquito Bite

BED BUG VS. MOSQUITO BITES: HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE

April 21, 2021

bed bug bites on skin

Bed bugs and mosquitoes are both insects that love to prey on humans and animals, and they feed on blood to survive. Bites from bed bugs and mosquitoes can look pretty similar at first glance, making it difficult to tell which one bit you if you didn’t actually see it happen. By paying close attention to the appearance of your bites and symptoms, you can tell the bites apart. Why does it matter if your bites are from mosquitoes vs. bed bugs? Knowing the culprit can help you determine the proper treatment for the insect bites and which plan of attack you need to rid your home of the biting insects.

mosquito on skin

Appearance and Location of Bites

Bites from mosquitoes and bed bugs may look like small, red bumps, but that is where their similarities end. Mosquito bites tend to be random and can occur anywhere that clothing does not cover. They present as a puffy, swollen white or red bump with a small puncture wound in the center.

On the other hand, bed bug bites are small red bumps that can blister or look like a pimple. Because they tend to bite when you are asleep, you may not even know you have bed bug bites until a few hours or days after you get bitten. Bed bug bites are more likely to be in a cluster of three to five bumps and may occur in a line or zigzag pattern. Any area of your body exposed while you sleep is prime real estate for bed bug bites.

When you are awake, you may quickly notice the itch and irritation of a mosquito bite, but you may not realize you have bed bug bites until you notice the bumps a day or two after these critters bite you. Mosquito bites may disappear after a day or two, while bed bug bites can last several days.

Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites vs. Mosquito Bites

Both bed bug bites and mosquito bites can leave you with itchy, red or irritated bumps and welts. You can get more than an itch from mosquito bites; these flying pests can transmit diseases including Zika, malaria, West Nile virus and dengue fever. Bed bugs don’t transmit diseases, but you can get an infection from their bites if you scratch at them.

List Of How To Tell A Bed Bug Bite From A Mosquito Bite

Benadryl Extra Strength Anti-Itch Gel, 2 Percentage Diphenhydramine HCI Topical Analgesic & Histamine Blocker for Relief of Outdoor Itches Associated with Poison Ivy, Insect Bites & More, 3.5 fl. oz
Price : $4.89 ($1.40 / Fl Oz)
Features :

  • 3.5-ounce tube of Benadryl Extra-Strength Cooling Itch Stopping Anti-Itch Gel for fast cooling relief from skin pain and itching from most outdoor itches
  • Provides relief from most outdoor itches associated with insect bites, sunburn, scrapes, minor skin irritations, burns, and minor cuts
  • Soothing anti-itch gel also provides relief from itching associated with rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac
  • Cooling gel formula contains 2% of the topical analgesic pain reliever diphenhydramine hydrochloride that works by blocking histamines to relieve itches associated with several ailments
  • Intended for use by those ages 2 and up, soothing gel offers itch relief for kids and adults alike and is great to keep on hand during outdoor activities such as camping, hiking or taking a walk with the family

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 6.35 Inches
Width 2.43 Inches
Length 1.47 Inches
Weight 3.5 ounces
Release Date 2015-06-22T00:00:01Z
bite away® - Insect Sting and Bite Relief, Chemical-Free Treatment, FDA-Cleared and Dermatologist-Tested. Fast Symptom Relief, Reduce Pain & Itching, No Odor or Residue, FSA/HSA Eligible
Price : $29.99 ($29.99 / Count)
Features :

  • ✅ CHEMICAL-FREE TREATMENT: Bite Away is an electronic device that provides symptomatic relief for bites and stings caused by insects such as mosquitoes, wasps and bees.
  • ✅ FAST AND EASY TO USE: Choose a 3 or 5-second setting for fast relief from the itching, pain, and swelling caused by insect bites and stings.
  • ✅ SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE: Bite Away’s chemical-free treatment is suitable for adults, children ages 2+*, expectant moms, and allergy sufferers. (*Self-application from 12 years of age.)
  • ✅ PEACE OF MIND 2-YEAR WARRANTY: The Bite Away is an FDA-Cleared, class II medical device. As such, warranty is only available when purchased from BiteAway or a Bite Away authorized retailer. For returns on Amazon, please reach out to us via the “Ask the Seller a Question” button
  • ✅ SAFE & EFFECTIVE: Bite Away is FDA-Cleared, Dermatologist-Tested, and uses patented multi-level safety technology. It works by safely applying concentrated heat through the ceramic contact surface. Please note: the heat can be surprising and intense for some, but only lasts 3 or 5 seconds. Temperatures will only reach 128° which is cooler than an average sauna or cup of coffee.

Additional Info :

Color White
Item Dimensions
Height 1.13 Inches
Width 0.87 Inches
Length 6.5 Inches
BuzzPatch Magic Patch Itch Relief Patches - 27 Patches - Chemical Free, Natural Itch Relief - Bug Bite Relief for Mosquitos, Ticks, Midges, Sandflies (1)
Price : $14.99 ($0.56 / Count)
Features :

  • SAFE AND CHEMICAL FREE – Created with your kids in mind. Our grid-relief technology works mechanically not chemically to relieve itching and swelling cause by insect bites. Feel good about fighting the itch without harmful chemicals for your kids, babies and toddlers!
  • INSTANT, CONVENIENT, EFFECTIVE – Simply place a Magic Patch on a bite and the itch disappears. Relief from itch within 30-60 seconds! Our Magic Patches are waterproof and can be left on for up to 7 days! Easy to apply and environmentally friendly.
  • HOW IT WORKS – The grid shape technology mechanically adjusts the skin to help the lymphatic system drain the saliva injected by insects, relieving the itch response naturally and drug-free!
  • KID FRIENDLY, PARENT APPROVED – Kids love the colorful patterns that are comfortable to wear and fast to apply. Parents love that they can keep their babies, toddlers, and kids itch free without the harmful chemicals.
  • MULTI USE FUNCTION – Perfect for babies, toddlers, kids, and adults. Convenient, small package is perfect for on the go and travel. Easy to store in pockets, diaper bags, and first aid kits. Helps relieve itch from mosquitos, midges, sandflies, and ticks. Helps relieve pain from ant bites and bee stings.

Additional Info :

Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool, Poison Remover - Bug Bites and Bee/Wasp Stings, Natural Insect Bite Relief, Chemical Free - White/Single
Price : $9.95
Features :

  • Removes insect venom, saliva, and other irritants left under the skin using suction
  • By removing the irritant, the body stops producing the reaction that is causing you to itch & swell
  • Works on: mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, no-see-ums, chiggers, sea lice & more
  • Compact, lightweight, reusable and easy to carry
  • Clinically Proven, kid friendly, 100% guarantee

Additional Info :

Color Single
Item Dimensions
Height 1 Inches
Width 3 Inches
Length 5 Inches
Weight 0.01984160358 Pounds
SALLYE ANDER No-Bite-Me Natural Bug & Insect Repellent & Anti Itch Cream - Safe for Kids and Infants - Repels Mosquitoes, Black Flies, Fleas, and Ticks - 2 oz
Price : $14.95 ($7.48 / Fl Oz)
Features :

  • ALL IN ONE REPELLENT AND ANTI-ITCH: “No-Bite-Me” DOES IT ALL! Forgot to apply “No-Bite-Me” and got some bug bites? No problem: it’s an anti-itch cream too! Other creams make you choose between repelling bugs and treating uncomfortable bug bites, but “No-Bite-Me” prevents and repairs bug-bombed skin. Effective on black flies, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
  • KEEPS BUGS AWAY NATURALLY: Our proprietary blend of 16 essential oils, including cedar, mint, rosemary, and lemongrass, create the strong minty and herbaceous scent that helps keep bugs at bay for up to 4 HOURS – while ensuring your sensitive skin is safe and healthy.
  • SAFE FOR CHILDREN: “No-Bite-Me” is a completely safe, natural bug repellent. It’s easy to apply – just dot on exposed skin and blend in. No mess. No fuss. Deet free to protect even the smallest adventurers.
  • FULL SIZE FOR BEST VALUE: Our 8oz tin of “No-Bite-Me” cream is amazing for the seasoned traveler! Throw a tin in your backpack, or keep it handy when camping. One tin provides plenty of relief for you and the whole family.
  • SALLYE ANDER PROMISE: When you buy Sallye Ander products, you can rest assured knowing you are supporting a company committed to quality and the environment. All products are 100% handmade in the USA from organic locally sourced ingredients, and we’re completely cruelty-free

Additional Info :

Color Clear
Item Dimensions
Height 2 Inches
Width 3 Inches
Length 3 Inches
Weight 0.13 Pounds

Leave a Comment