Spider Bite vs Bed Bug Bite

Ouch! What bit me? If you have signs of a bug bite but are unsure where it came from, it can leave you feeling vulnerable in your own home and beyond. There are quite a few pests that can bite and leave you with bumps and welts, but how can you tell them apart? Below, we dive into a differences between a spider bite and a bed bug bite. At the end of the day, though, we always recommend contacting a pest professional to conduct a proper inspection of your home.

Spider Bite vs Bed Bug Bite

Symptoms

Spider Bites

At the location of a spider bite, you might experience red skin, swelling, soreness, or pain. Oftentimes, you won’t know you were bit until you see or feel the irritated area of skin. 

Bed Bugs Bites

When you have bed bug bites, you will likely find tiny bumps in a line down your skin. That’s because the bugs are munching as they walk along your skin! Bed bug bites can be itchy or burn a few days after exposure. 

Below is an example of a spider vs. bed bug bite, but it's important to remember that everyone reacts differently to bites. If you have even the smallest suspicion of bed bugs, call a pest control professional to conduct a proper inspection of your home.

Why They Bite

Spider Bites

While spiders are often seen as scary, aggressive pests, they are usually quite the opposite. Unlike other pests, spiders only bite when they feel threatened and will not attack unprovoked. Unfortunately, however, spiders don’t know the difference between you accidentally crossing their path versus a predator that is out to cause them harm.

Bed Bugs Bites

Bed bugs bite because blood is their source of nutrition. It is required for nymphs to grow into adulthood, and adult females need blood in order to produce eggs.

Outcome

Spider Bites

While spider bites might be the things of nightmares, most people are able to recover at home with minimal discomfort. Though uncommon, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to a spider bite. You should seek medical attention immediately if you have any breathing problems, swallowing difficulties, or facial swelling.

Exceptions: Bites from the feared brown recluse and black widow spiders are serious and can cause a severe reaction. Within eight hours, you may experience muscle pain and rigidity, stomach and back pain, nausea, or breathing problems. Medical attention is required immediately.

Bed Bugs Bites

Bites are generally harmless in terms of reaction, but people who are allergic to bed bug saliva can develop welts, hives, and inflamed skin bumps that require medical attention to heal properly.

A bed bug infestation will not go away without treatment, so you must take steps immediately to amend the invasion and prevent future bites.

Spider Bite or Bed Bug Bite? Call Green Pest Solutions.

You don’t have to worry about which bug is biting you—that’s what we’re here for! Call the pest experts at Green Pest Solutions at the first sign of any bug problem and to take preventative measures to ensure you don’t deal with any creepy crawlies. Serving only the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, we know the ins and outs of the pests in our part of the country. Call us today at 855-312-7157 to learn more.

Spider bite photo by David~O on Flickr