Common Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites on Humans
Whether you know that you have a bed bug infestation or not, these bugs will bite anywhere on exposed skin. Checking the symptoms of bed bug bites on humans will let you know what you should be expecting in case the bites you get are really from these critters.
Any bite marks can be the result of an allergic reaction to different insect bites. Now, to identify whether you have flea bites, mosquito bites, or bed bug bites will allow you to determine the type of service you should get from a pest control company.
Where are the Bites Commonly Found?
Before proceeding to the list of human bed bug bite symptoms, you should know the common areas where bed bugs bite. This can also be used as one of the indicators whether the bites are from bed bugs or not. These pests usually bite on exposed areas such as the:
- Face
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Hands
- Legs
- Feet
While the bugs are biting, most people do not feel these pests and do not develop symptoms overnight. Usually, you will find red dots, patches, or bumps as you wake up. Irritation and inflammation are other symptoms that hypersensitive individuals may experience. At times, more serious symptoms are experienced by people who are severely allergic to bed bug bites.
Should You Worry About Other Health Issues After Being Bitten?
Luckily, the bites of these critters don’t transmit any diseases to humans. However, the side effects of the bites are the ones that may affect your daily life.
Symptoms usually occur a day or a few days after the bite. Without irritating the affected areas further, the bite marks will typically resolve on their own within a week or two. Just like other insect bites, bed bug bites can create a certain level of discomfort. Other signs that you should take note of include:
- Painful and burning sensations
- Itchy, raised bumps with a blister-like center
- Itchy, red bumps with a black center and surrounding areas that are a bit swollen
- Welts or small red spots in a line or zigzag pattern
- Tiny red bumps surrounded by hives or blisters
- Inflamed flat, raised patched or papular eruptions
Each person has a different reaction to bed bugs and whatever happens to the affected area can also be the result of what the person did to that area.
When Do You Usually Get Bitten?
Since these pests are always active at night, you will most likely get bitten in the middle of the night when you are sleeping. Bed bugs bite when the host isn’t moving for long periods, such as when you are sleeping or when you’re working and sitting for long hours at a time.
If you don’t have a bedbug infestation at home, then you may have been bitten from your recent stay in a hotel room or any infested areas. However, if you suspect that you got the bites from such places it is necessary that you start looking for signs of bed bugs in your room, as you may have brought them in your house.
Other Rare Symptoms
Though it is rare for some people to develop severe reactions to the bites, the following symptoms may require proper medical treatment from professionals:
- Fever
- Blisters
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen tongue
- Feeling flu-like or nauseous
- Irregular heartbeat
Humans who have bed bug bites with these rare symptoms must be attended to immediately, as they may develop other complications due to bed bug bites. Though these are rare, knowing that a person may experience these symptoms will keep you alert and knowledgeable on how to handle the situation.
