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What do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

A bite from a bed bug can look suspiciously similar to other bug bites. Bed bug bites can appear dark red with a darker center and a lighter, swollen area surrounding them.

The two main characteristics that set bed bug bites apart from other bug bites are:

  1. Bed bug bites often appear in lines or zigzag patterns.
  2. Bites are typically on areas of the body exposed overnight.
Bed bug bites on child's leg

Flea Bite vs. Bed Bug Bite

The biggest difference between bed bug bites and flea bites is the pain level. If you’re bitten by a flea, you’ll likely feel it right away. Bed bug bites do not hurt until symptoms show up hours later. Flea bites are most commonly grouped on the lower part of the body and around the ankles in random patterns. Bed bug bites appear in lines. While both bites can cause red bumps and itchiness, bed bug bite marks are significantly bigger.

Bed Bug Bite or Mosquito Bite?

Mosquitoes can cause bite marks that look very similar and itch just like bed bug bites. Unlike bed bug bites, though, mosquito bites appear in isolated, random areas on the body. A bite from a mosquito will form a bump that can appear mere minutes afterward, and their bites can be felt immediately. Of course, mosquito bites are much more dangerous than bed bug bites for their ability to transmit disease. Lastly, mosquito bites tend to heal much quicker than bed bug bites.

Do I Have a Bed Bug Bite?

It’s understandable why bed bug bites are often mistaken for other insect bites. Knowing how bed bug bites differ is therefore essential. A bed bug bite can be diagnosed by examining your home for physical signs of bed bugs. When in doubt, contact your local bed bug control experts to get your home inspected for a bed bug inspection.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like in Southern Louisiana?

Ja-Roy Pest Control Services is a local Pest Control and Extermination company helping homeowners and businesses with pest issues across Southern Louisiana.

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