Whenever you get bitten by an insect, your initial reaction is usually something like “what was that?” This is closely followed by a quick look at the bite and wondering what caused it.
Three of the big bug bite culprits in upstate New York are bed bugs, fleas, and mosquitos. But knowing which bug bit you can be a little tricky because bites can look very similar. Learning a little about the characteristics of each bite can help you tell which bug is causing issues and whether it’s time to call the team at EnviroPest.
Telltale Signs of Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites appear in clusters and cause small, red, and itchy bumps that become inflamed based on how sensitive your skin is to the bug’s saliva. They are nocturnal feeders, so bites are usually found when waking up in the morning.
Distinctive features of bed bug bites include:
- Small, flat, bumpy, reddish bites between 2–5 millimeters in size.
- Severe itchiness that can last for days.
- Bites are typically found on skin not covered by bed sheets such as arms, legs, face, or neck.
- Often occurring in a linear or zigzag pattern on the skin
- Bites may cause tiny blisters and sometimes even hives or a rash when numerous bites happen.
- You may notice small blood stains on bedding.
Keep in mind that bed bugs are primarily found indoors. So, if you’re getting bitten during the winter, there’s a good chance bed bugs are to blame.
Flea Bites Mimic Bed Bugs – Know the Difference
Bed bug and flea bites both appear in clusters and cause small, red itchy bumps that will swell up a little. But there are some subtle ways you can tell the difference.
Key differences between flea and bed bug bites:
- Flea bites are usually found on ankles and feet. Bed bugs target areas that are exposed while you sleep, especially the face, arms, and legs.
- Flea bites often resemble mosquito bites, but they don’t swell up as much as bed bug bites. If you look closely, you’ll usually see a small dark dot in the center of the flea bite where the flea’s mouth punctured your skin.
- In many flea bites, there’s a discolored ring or halo around the bite. The bites themselves tend to feel firm and are no bigger than 2 millimeters across. Generally, bedbug bites tend to be a bit larger than flea bites, ranging from 2 to 6 millimeters or larger across.
How Can I Tell If It’s Just a Mosquito Bite?
If you’ve made it through a summer season without getting a mosquito bite you can consider yourself lucky. These bites typically cause small, red, raised bumps that may have a central white dot. But unlike bed bug and flea bites, it’s generally easy to identify when you get bitten.
Here are key characteristics of mosquito bites:
- Mosquito bites are typically found on exposed areas of the body, such as arms, legs, and face.
- Bite symptoms, such as swelling and itching, occur immediately after a mosquito bite. Bed bug and flea bites take hours to appear after a bite.
- Bites can happen at any time but are most prevalent at dawn and dusk.
- Bed bug and flea bites often appear in clusters or lines on exposed skin. Mosquito bites are usually random with no pattern.
Think You’ve Identified Bed Bugs? When to Call a Professional
When you’re fairly certain your bites are the result of bed bugs, there are a few key signs you can look for to be sure. If you find any of them, it’s time to call the professionals at EnviroPest.
Here’s what to look for:
- Blood or bed bug fecal spots on bedding.
- Small, dark bugs, especially in the seams of mattresses or furniture.
- Yellowish-brown skin casing from shedding bed bugs.
- Pale yellow bed bug eggs or empty shells.
- You may notice a sweet, musty smell.
Even if you’re not 100 percent sure it’s bed bugs, early detection of any insect problem by a pest control professional is crucial to prevent a widespread infestation. By acting quickly, you can make treatments more effective and tackle the issue quickly.
EnviroPest Can Solve Your Insect Problems
EnviroPest has been protecting local homes and families in New York and Pennsylvania for more than 30 years. If you suspect bed bugs or any other pest has invaded your home, our experienced pest exterminators can accurately identify and take steps to resolve the issue effectively. Contact us today for a free pest control estimate and learn about how our Pest Extermination and Control Services provide a comprehensive solution for your home.
