Signs of a Bed Bug Bite

One of the problems in both the pest control industry and the medical community is that most bug bites have the same symptoms. There aren’t necessarily any differences between them, and the size, shape, or appearance of the bite doesn’t necessarily tell you anything about where the bite came from.

Because it’s difficult to identify the cause of the bite, there are some itchy bumps that people attribute to the wrong pest. What you may think is a small mosquito bite could turn out to be a much more serious problem like bed bugs. 

How to Tell if You Have a Bed Bug Bite

Inspect Your Home

Bed bug bites do not look very different from other types of bites. They cause raised skin, and while the bump is often smaller, it’s not always smaller. The best way to tell if you have a bed bug bite isn’t by the bite itself, but by inspecting your home and bedrooms. 

The photos below show how 3 different people reacted uniquely to a bed bug bite. 

Inspect the Bite

Bed Bugs like to bite more than once, often in a relatively straight line. A bed bug will crawl along your skin, bite you, crawl forward, bite again, crawl forward, bite again, and so on.

This is sometimes referred to as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” because it often occurs in groups of three. If you see a bite sequence that appears to be in a set, chances are you have a bed bug problem.

But remember, it's not always that simple...

Now, just because bed bugs bite in these sets doesn’t mean you do or don’t have a bed bug problem. Note that:

• Fleas also bite in sets.
• Not all bed bugs bite in sets.
• Not all bites create a reaction.
• Bed bugs can attack in group, making it harder to see a set.

So whether or not you have the telltale 3ish bite pattern doesn’t necessarily tell you enough. We always recommend calling a professional. 

But if you DO see the multi-bite pattern, that tends to be a fairly big warning sign – especially if it occurs on exposed skin. Contact Green Pest Solutions today at 855-312-7157 if you’re worried about bed bugs, and we’ll happily provide you with a free inspection to determine if you have anything to be concerned about.