What Bed Bug Bites Look Like

Bed bugs are small insects that have flat, brown bodies and bear a slight resemblance to cockroaches and ticks. Bed bugs survive by feeding on the blood of living animals or people. Unheard of in our society since World War II, an increased level of immigration, international travel and the banning of DDT has contributed to the recent resurgence of bed bugs in apartments, homes, hotels, and even public transportation.

Understanding what bed bug bites look like can help you to determine whether or not you have bed bugs. Bed bug bites are basically painless, and the person usually doesn't even realize they're being bitten, because these bites usually occur at night during sleep. Bed bugs will feed on any area of exposed skin, including chest, arms, legs, back, and so on. These bugs feed similar to the way mosquitos do, with a long piercing beak that enters the skin and extracts blood. Feeding will take anywhere from three to ten minutes. Some people don't even have any reaction to these bites, while others exhibit symptoms similar to mosquito bites.

A bed bug bite may cause a localized reaction that includes itching, swelling, a red bump, or a welt on the skin. One telling factor as to whether or not your bites are from mosquitos or bed bugs is when they occur. If your skin is bite-free when you go to bed at night, and you wake up in the morning with welts or itchy bumps, it's most likely bed bugs that are causing the problem.

Another way to determine whether or not you have bed bugs is with a thorough inspection of your mattress and upholstery. You'll see dark spots that are bed bug excrement, as well as tiny spots of blood. You may also see eggs, eggshells and molted skin.

If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, it's a good idea to find a professional that's experienced in dealing with this type of insect. If left untreated, a bed bug infestation can grow to an unmanageable level and spread throughout your home. If you live in an apartment building, the bugs can multiply and spread from your apartment to the other apartments in your building. That's why it's crucial to handle the problem as soon as it's suspected.

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