What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?: A Definitive Guide

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Did you know that bed bugs were almost unheard of a few decades ago?

With weaker pesticides on the market, more people traveling and bringing used furniture into their homes, and pesticide resistance, beg bugs have unfortunately made a big comeback in recent years.

Most of us don’t want to imagine that our house could also be the home of a pest, but it’s important to identify an issue as soon as you have any suspicion. Are you worried about unusual bites on your skin? Keep reading to learn more about bed bug bites and what you can do to stop them.

So What Do The Bites Look Like?

Bed bug bites are large, red welts that are often found in clusters, sometimes in a zigzag shape. The difference between bed bug bites, flea bites, and other pest bites is that bed bugs tend to bite only where skin is exposed while you sleep. This means that your face, neck, arms, and legs are most susceptible.

Aside from the appearance, you might also be wondering, “Do bedbug bites itch?” The answer to that is most people do experience painful itching from bed bug bites. However, it’s important to note that a smaller portion of the population may experience no side effects after they’re bitten, which makes diagnosing an infestation more challenging.

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How Can You Confirm You Have Bed Bugs?

The only sure way you can know if you’ve been bitten by bed bugs is to find the pests. Bed bugs like to hide close to where you sleep so they have easy access to your blood when you’re not awake. This means that you should check your mattress, behind your headboard, around power outlets, and inside nightstands.

Bed bugs are quite small, so it’s helpful to use a flashlight to get a better look. If you’ve never seen a bed bug before, they have a similar appearance to an apple seed.

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How to Treat Bed Bug Bites

The good news is that few people need bed bug bites treatment because the body will take care of the bite on its own. In some cases, OTC hydrocortisone creams can soothe the itching and swelling that occurs. If you’re a rare case where you develop an allergy to bed bug bites, you may need to take antibiotics or antihistamines.

It’s important to note that bed bugs will continue to feed on you and reproduce as long as you let them. Once you identify an issue, start looking for the best pest control so you don’t have to get bitten anymore.

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Are You Suffering From Bed Bug Bites?

If you’ve learned that you could be suffering from bed bug bites, it’s normal to feel panicked at first. While it’s unsettling sharing your home with creepy crawlies, it’s helpful to know that bedbugs are common and you can treat the issue by hiring an exterminator.

Do you want to know other ways you can make your house a cozy and safe space? Make sure you check out the rest of our site to find more helpful home improvement tips and guides.