Symptoms of Bed Bugs

"Symptoms of bed bugs include raised, red bite marks that resemble mosquito bites. Bed bug bites often occur in a straight line that follow the seam of a bed, a common place for bed bugs to hide. However, bites may also occur on a small area of skin. Bed bug bites can be quite itchy and will subside by themselves in a few days. There is no evidence that bed bugs transmit disease."

Any reaction to a bed bug bite is actually an allergic response known as hypersensitivity. It is possible to have a small or no reaction the first time you are bitten, and then see reactions worsen the next time you are bitten. One bedbug will bite several times in a cluster or row.

The most common symptoms to bed bugs is a small puncture mark. In people that have a reaction, symptoms of bed bug bites are usually red bumps on the skin that are swollen and red. They can appear as what is known as a wheal or a welt which is another term for swollen skin area. The red areas usually cause an intense itch. Bumps will appear approximately 12 hours after being bitten. The bumps will swell to their full size in 24 to 48 hours with some itch. Itch can intensify approximately 36 hours after the bite occurs. A bed bug rash can also appear.

Bites usually occur on the arms. Other areas affected are the ankles, then the legs. Most people get few or no bites on the trunk of the body, head or neck. Larger reactions can result in hives (urticaria) and blistering.

Picture of Bed Bug Symptoms on Arm

Picture of Bed Bug Symptoms - Blisters

Other possible symptoms of bed bugs includes nervousness, inability to sleep, more severe allergic reactions such as asthma and in people that already have anemia (lower level of red blood cells), an aggravation of this condition.

The most severe reaction is called anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Treating Symptoms of Bed Bugs

Treating symptoms of bed bugs is usually a simple matter. The bites usually go away on their own in a few days, with no treatment needed. They can be pretty itchy though, so you can use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream like those meant to be used on mosquito bites if needed. A good homeopathic anti-itch cream that could help is Itch Dr.

Another way to fight the allergic reaction is to take Benedryl tablets as directed on the label (usually 50mg 4x/day) and apply a Hydrocortisone ointment or cream to the skin to help with the itch.

Avoid scratching the bites even though they itch, because scratching can break the skin and lead to infection. If the bite marks become swollen or feel hot to the touch, or if you otherwise think they might be infected, see a doctor as anti-biotics might be required.

Bed bugs bites will subside in most people within a week.

Avoiding Symptoms of Bed Bugs

The best way to avoid symptoms of bed bugs, of course, is to prevent bed bugs in the first place. Since bed bugs often sneak into your home on used furniture, inspect any purchased furniture carefully before bringing it home, especially used bed frames and mattresses. If you find bugs, buy different furniture since even if you remove the bugs, any remaining eggs, which are very difficult to spot, will result in an infestation later on.

If you spend the night somewhere that is infested with bed bugs, it’s possible to bring them home in your luggage. Wash your clothes in hot water and clean your suitcases thoroughly. It is recommended that you inspect the beds in hotel rooms before sleeping there, and if you notice any bugs or brown spots from the fecal matter they leave behind, inform the manager right away and ask for a room on the other side of the hotel.

Looking for Bed Bugs:

Bed bugs live in warm dark places like the crevices of mattresses and bed frames. However, they can live on other furniture as well, an in your carpet along the baseboards. To look for them, use a strong flashlight and examine all possible hiding places carefully. If you do find bed bugs in your bed, go ahead and check other furniture and the carpet as well. In order to get rid of the bugs, you’ll need to treat all the infested areas.

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

If you find that you do have bed bugs, you’ll want to take steps to get rid of them right away. Check our guide on how to kill bed bugs. The most cost effective way is to purchase a bed bug pest control kit from a company such as Dermisil. Begin by washing your bed linens in hot water. Then use a strong vacuum cleaner and vacuum your mattress and bed frame (or whatever other furniture is infested). Use the crevice tool to get into the corners.

If you have a large infestation, pest control is best left to a professional such as Termnix that has experience with where to look for bed bugs and specialized equipment. You’ll need to use some sort of commercial treatment for bed bugs.