How to Identify Bed Bug Bites

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Many people are familiar with the popular refrain, “good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite,” but not many of us can actually identify bed bug bites. This article will walk you through how to identify bed bug bites on your skin and confirm that you're dealing with a bed bug infestation (and not something else). [1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Examining Your Bites

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  1. These dots are usually about 0.2 cm to 0.5 cm in diameter, and may be in a line. You may also see hives or wheals that are significantly redder than the surrounding skin. [2]
    • Note that 1 centimeter is equal to 0.4 inches.
  2. If you wake up with fresh bug bites or itchy welts, you likely have bed bugs. See if they look and feel like mosquito or flea bites—bed bug bites are often red and slightly swollen, itchy, and irritating like other bug bites. Look for a series of bites that appear in a line or a random grouping of bites, as a single bed bug may bite several times in a row.. [3]
    • If you’re experiencing new bites during the day, it’s likely not bed bugs.
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  3. If you’re allergic to bed bugs, you might find that you develop hives or a rash similar to eczema or a fungal infection. [4] Also check to see if the bites are getting larger, are painfully swelling, or even exuding a pus. These are also common signs of an allergy to bed bug bites. [5]
    • Note that it can take up to 2 weeks for your body to fully react to a bed bug bite.
    • Consult a doctor if you develop a severe reaction to the bite.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Checking for Bed Bugs

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  1. Check for reddish-brown, wingless, flat insects that are about 0.1 cm to 0.7 cm. Examine the folds of mattresses and sheets for the bugs. [6] Also look for exoskeletons that bed bugs might have shed. Search for tiny white eggs or eggshells or white bed bug larvae. [7]
    • Recall that 0.4 cm is the equivalent of 1/10th of an inch.
  2. Look for reddish or rusty stains on your sheets. These might be caused either by crushed bugs or by the bugs’ fecal matter. Wipe any dark or red dots you see on your bedding. If they smear or spread, they are likely bed bug excrement. [8]
  3. Look for any signs of bed bugs in your bed frame and in the space between your bed frame and the wall. Also look for bed bugs around your headboard. Check for them in the piping, seams, and tags of your sheets, mattress, and box spring. [9] Be sure to look inside pillow cases and on any throw pillows you might have on your bed.
  4. Check under chair cushions, look in the seams of chairs and couches, and examine the joints of drawers. [10]
  5. Look for bed bugs under loose wallpaper and wall hangings. Peer into electrical outlets, and in the spaces where the wall meets the ceiling and the floor. Also look for the bugs in the folds of curtains. [11]
  6. If the area where you suspect bed bugs has a funky smell, it’s a good indication of an infestation. Bed bugs release chemicals to help them communicate, which may lead to a sweet scent in your bedroom. [12]
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What Are Early Signs Of Bed Bugs?


Join the Discussion...

How to check for potential bed bug infestation in my house?
WikiEmuFlyer438
23
WikiEmuFlyer438
I truly, deeply hate to say it...but I'm afriad that I have bed bugs. I haven't found a beg bug YET, but I've been waking up itchy all week. I'm... Read More
WikiStoatSeeker711
WikiStoatSeeker711
Are the bites kind of like small mosquito bites? Do they appear in clusters or lines—especially in areas where you might sweat a lot at night?... Read More
WikiOwlDiver608
WikiOwlDiver608
You’re probably not going to have a ton of bites if the infestation is new, but I’d assume you have bed bugs even if you only have a few bite... Read More
See all 8 Replies and
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you treat bed bug bites?
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Expert Answer
    Treat the bites the same as you would any other insect bite. Use something soothing like calamine lotion while you wait for them to heal. If you're having a bad reaction and the bites aren't going away, talk to a dermatologist. They'll most likely recommend some kind of steroidal cream to apply to the bites.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
  • Question
    What bugs can be mistaken for bed bugs?
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Expert Answer
    The most common bugs that are mistaken for bed bugs include carpet beetles, cockroach nymphs, Shiny Spider beetles, and book lice.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 13
  • Question
    Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News.
    Kevin Carrillo
    Pest Control Specialist, MMPC
    Expert Answer
    Absolutely. Bed bugs, nymphs, and all of their forms are 100% visible as long as you have proper lighting. Bed bug eggs are also visible to the human eye and are usually the size of a pinhead.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www1.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/bugs/documents/bed-bug-harvard.pdf
      2. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
      3. ↑ https://www1.maine.gov/dacf/php/gotpests/bugs/documents/bed-bug-harvard.pdf
      4. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
      5. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/bed-bugs/about/
      6. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
      7. ↑ http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7454.html
      8. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs
      9. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
      1. ↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs
      3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/bed-bugs-prevention
      4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3617843/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To identify bed bug bites, look at your skin first thing in the morning. Check places that are exposed when you sleep or covered by loose clothing. If you see fresh bites in a line or grouped together, they’re likely from bed bugs, which bite several times a night. Additionally, check the color and size of your bites. If your bites are raised, red, and about 0.2-0.5 cm in diameter, they’re probably from bed bugs. For information from our Medical reviewer on how to check your bed for bed bugs, read on!

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