The Bed Bug Biting Process
Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals, typically while their hosts are asleep. A single bed bug often bites more than once during a feeding session. This behavior arises as the bed bug probes the skin in search of a suitable capillary to feed from, moving slightly if its initial attempt is unsuccessful.
The bed bug’s feeding process can be interrupted by the host’s movement, even slight shifting during sleep, causing the bug to withdraw and reinsert its stylets nearby. This results in several bites in close proximity. These multiple bites from one bed bug frequently manifest as a linear pattern, often described as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” or a cluster of bites. This distinct pattern is a strong indicator of bed bug activity.
Identifying Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites typically appear as red, itchy welts on the skin. They can range from small, flat bumps to larger, raised, and inflamed areas. These bites are often arranged in a linear pattern or in clusters.
The bites commonly occur on exposed skin, such as the arms, legs, neck, and face. Reactions to bed bug bites differ among individuals; some may develop noticeable, intensely itchy lesions, while others might show little to no reaction. The itching associated with bed bug bites can be severe, potentially leading to secondary skin infections from scratching.
Distinguishing Bed Bug Bites from Other Pests
Differentiating bed bug bites from those of other common household pests involves observing the bite characteristics and circumstances. Mosquito bites typically appear as raised, red welts that itch immediately and are often randomly scattered across the body. Flea bites, in contrast, are usually smaller, red, and intensely itchy, frequently found in clusters around the ankles or lower legs.
Spider bites are generally solitary and may present as a single, more pronounced lesion, often with a central puncture mark. Bed bug bites primarily occur at night while a person is sleeping, whereas mosquito and flea bites can happen at any time of day or night depending on exposure. The pattern and timing of bed bug bites are distinct indicators.
Confirming Suspicion and Initial Actions
Confirming an infestation requires looking for physical signs of the insects themselves. Inspect mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and cracks in walls or furniture for tiny, reddish-brown bugs, which are about the size of an apple seed. Evidence also includes dark, rust-colored spots on bedding or mattresses, which are bed bug fecal droppings composed of digested blood.
Shed skins, which are translucent exoskeletons left behind as the bugs grow, can also be found in infested areas. Immediate actions include washing all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and drying them on the highest heat setting to kill bugs and eggs. Vacuuming the mattress and surrounding areas thoroughly can also help remove some bugs, though professional pest control is usually needed for complete eradication.