Overview
When bed bugs feed, they release two chemicals into the bloodstream: an anticoagulant to prevent the blood from clotting, and an antihistamine that prevents immediate paid.
Typically, bed bug bites appear along the upper torso, including the face, neck, shoulders and arms.
They can appear in the shape of a cluster or zig-zag pattern. These 2 traits distinguish them from other insect bites: Mosquito bites appear as a single raised welt, while spider bites simply look like two puncture marks in the skin.
The most common physical reaction to bed bug bites is skin irritation or a burning sensation.
Anxiety is a common mental symptom associated with bed bugs, especially with repeated bites. This trauma can also lead to insomnia, with people either finding it difficult (or outright refusing) to go to sleep at night. Insomnia, in turn, can lead to a loss in productivity, irritability, and a weakened immune system which can cause physical sickness.
In extreme cases, bed bug bites can cause an allergic reaction. People who have a bed bug allergy can break out in hives, develop nausea and other flu-like symptoms, or even pass out.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that can also develop from infected bed bug bites, with symptoms including large rashes, fatigue, chills or fever, and pus-filled abscesses.
Below is a library of resources to help you learn the fundamentals of bed bug symptoms.
Can Bed Bugs Eat You Alive?
Bed bugs on their own cannot eat a person alive. And while they do bite and consume blood... They are not capable of inflicting fatal injuries unless the victim had a pre-existing condition that was exasperated by the bites. Bed bugs have specialized mouthparts that allow them to pierce the…
Bed Bug Bites Vs. Spider Bites
Dealing with insect bites can be stressful. They irritate the skin and can take weeks to heal. And ultimately it’s hard to determine what type of insect actually bit you. This confusion isn’t entirely unwarranted... As bites from common insects like spiders and bed bugs actually share several physical similarities.…
Bed Bug Bites vs. Flea Bites (3 Critical Differences)
When you notice little red bumps on your skin, it’s natural to wonder where they came from. While some insect bites are more obvious than others... (think mosquitos or ticks). Most of the time bite marks look very similar between different insects. Here we are going to talk about 3…
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
It’s always unsettling to wake up from a long slumber and notice strange marks on your body. Or maybe you wake up to a strong itching or burning sensation on your back… But can’t quite see what the problem is. It’s natural to think that you have been bitten by…
Do Bed Bug Bites Itch?
It’s no secret that bed bug bites are a pain to deal with. Those unsightly, crimson-colored welts can mar otherwise healthy skin and serve as a reminder that you act as the main food source for an infestation of bed bugs. The irritation only grows the longer the body fights…
Top 5 Bed Bug Symptoms
Bed bugs are infamous as some of the most irritating indoor pests... And for good reason. They’re not restricted by the cleanliness of a room. Though they certainly take advantage of less than hygienic places. Bed bugs are especially comfortable in small, dark spaces, which can make locating them an…
How Long do Bed Bug Bites Last?
Bed bugs are some of the most resilient and irritating pests. They cause a lot of stress to you and your peace of mind. Whether you had to discard furniture or other belongings, it can feel impossible to target and remove a seasoned infestation. They cause severe skin irritation, and…
The Bed Bug Rash: Everything You Need To Know
Finding out you have bed bugs can be a nightmare. Whether you’re in the midst of a severe infestation, or you just found a couple of bites… It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of bed bugs. Identifying a bed bug bite can be challenging, as these creatures are…
Can Bed Bugs Bite Through Clothes?
Facing a bed bug infestation can challenge you in so many ways. Attempting to live your normal life while dealing with the injuries and expenses from bed bugs can cause you to break. Trying to resolve an infestation can even feel hopeless at times... But luckily: There are remedies to…
The Psychological Effects of Bed Bug Infestations
Certain people who have experienced multiple bed bug infestations, will joke that they have bed bug PTSD. There’s a special kind of anxiety that bed bugs incite, which in fact, is not a joke. Research is starting to show that bed bug infestations cause more severe mental and emotional damage…
The Top 5 Health Risks of Bed Bugs on Children
It takes a while for a child to develop a strong immune system that will keep them protected from various illnesses, diseases, and outside influences. Even the common cold is more difficult for a child to go through than it is for a healthy adult. As a result, whenever there’s…
Common Health Issues Associated with Bed Bug Exposure
Everyone’s heard of bed bugs but not many people know a lot about them. Just because they don’t damage your home and health like other pests, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t harmful and that they should be ignored. If bed bugs occupy one’s home for a long time, they…
How to Properly Diagnose a Bed Bug Bite
Believe it or not, bed bugs really do live in your bed! They are flat, small, brown and red insects that hide in places like crevices on sofas and chairs, inside electrical outlets, behind picture frames and many other places inside your home. Because they are so tiny, they are…
Top 5 Worst Bed Bug Bite Symptoms
Bed bugs are one of the worst household pests that any homeowner or renter can face. These tiny insects may not look like much of a problem at first glance. However, they are notoriously challenging to exterminate and can cause a range of symptoms that can easily disrupt your everyday…