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Bed Bug Bites
Bed bugs are very small creatures and exceptionally good at hiding from humans. People often only realise they have bed bugs after noticing the bites.
Thankfully, bed bugs do not transmit any diseases. Though bed bugs bites do not hurt, they can still be very distressing and in some cases the bites can become sore, itchy and lead to a painful skin rash.
Watch our infographic video that tells you more about bed bugs:
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What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
By looking at the pattern of bites, the location on your body and the approximate time they may have happened you are likely to identify the culprit of your insect bites.
- Bed bug bites are generally small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin. Redness, swelling, and itching commonly occur on these spots.
- Several bites tend to appear in a line or row along an exposed area, such as an arm or leg as a single bed bug may bite more than once in the same area, if disturbed whilst feeding. Bites found in different parts of the body can indicate being bitten by several different bed bugs.
- A small proportion of people can react very badly to their bites and develop a skin rash. The red spots which indicate the location of a bite may become raised and very itchy.
Where Do Bed Bug Bites Appear?
Bed bug bites can appear anywhere on the body but are often close to blood vessels near the skin. Check for signs of bites on your:
- Head and face
- Neck
- Arms
- Legs
When Do Bites Happen?
When a bed bug bites you, it pierces your skin with its elongated beaks. These are used to suck the blood from your body and it is done between 3 and 10 minutes until the bed bug is fully engorged.
While drawing blood, the bed bug inject anesthetic and anticoagulant through its beak. The anesthetic helps prevent the bite from itching immediately, allowing the bed bug to feed without the victim even noticing.
The anticoagulant stops the blood from clotting, allowing for the blood to flow freely. It is only when the anesthetic wears off that the itchiness is felt.
Hence, this is why the bites don't usually wake you up and you only notice the next morning.
Do Bed Bug Bites Itch?
People react to bites differently with some developing noticeable marks while other people show no signs of bites. Those with marks can lead the bites becoming very itchy and irritating.
In some extreme cases, rashes or red welts can also develop. Resulting dramatic swelling, blister and skin inflammations to occur.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Feel Like?
On rare occasions, some people might feel a slight burning sensation around the bitten area. This occurs before the bites develop the red colouring as well as swelling and itchiness.
Bed Bug Bites vs Flea Bites
Although both similar in size, flea bites are different with tiny dark spots surrounded by a reddened area. Flea bites are usually found around the ankles, lower legs and are often felt immediately.
Bed Bug Bites vs Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites are often random and isolated, which differs from the aligned and grouped bed bug bites. Mosquito bites are instantly visible and itch immediately. They often appear first in a raised white welt before reducing to a red bump.
Worried About Your Bites?
Prevention is better than cure! Learn to look out for signs of bed bugs and the common places they can be found. If you happen to get bitten by bed bugs, their bites generally heal on their own. But if they are causing you pain, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Got a problem with bed bugs? Call us now at 1300 882 911 (business), 1300 881 911 (home) or fill your details below to schedule a comprehensive inspection to get rid of bed bugs safely and effectively.