Bed bug bites 101
Bed bugs have specialized mouthparts which they use to pierce the skin and into blood vessels located just below the outer layer of skin. Bed bugs also have secretions within their saliva which will prevent the blood from clotting and allow the blood to flow easily down into the stomachs.
Bed bugs feed because they need the blood to reproduce and lay eggs. These insects often come out and feed and then will take time to digest and reproduce, which means there can be breaks between feedings at first. However, once the bed bugs start to breed, there can be many bed bugs all feeding on people in there beds over the course of many nights.
Bed bug bites are red bumps or blemishes on the skin, usually in a line or tight cluster along arms, legs, torsos, necks and other body parts. The bites may itch, but not always. They can sometimes just appear like a red rash. bed bugs will likely be found in the morning when you get up or stand up from the sofa or other furniture which has been infested.
Bed bug bites are irritating and psychologically frustrating, but they are not considered medically significant. If you have allergies to insect bites, seek medical attention.
What do bed bug bites look like?
Bed bug bites are usually small, red, and slightly swollen. They can also be very itchy. The bites tend to show up on areas where skin was exposed while sleeping, like the arms, legs, neck, face, or back.
For some people, the bites may be barely noticeable, while others may develop more irritated, raised welts. The reaction depends on how your body responds. If you're waking up with bites you didn’t have the night before, it could be a sign of bed bugs.
Symptoms and health risks from bed bug bites
The main symptom of a bed bug bite is itching, which can lead to broken skin and infections if scratched too much. Some people also experience swelling or allergic reactions.
If bites become painful, swollen, or don’t heal, it’s best to contact a healthcare professional, and if you’re seeing signs of bed bugs, it’s time to call Western Exterminator.