How Do You Tell if a Bite is from a Bed Bug?
Bed bugs are a hot topic at the moment with an infestation arriving in the UK from the continent. Over recent months there has been a wave of publicity about how bed bugs have infested not only hotel rooms but also the seats on public transport and other public areas. But how much do we really know about bed bugs, for example how can we be sure that we have been bitten by a bed bug?
Within this blog post, we will try and help you become more informed by looking at what bed bugs are, where they are generally found, what bed bug bites look like, the symptoms, side effects and how they can be treated. So, if you would like to become more informed on bed bug bites, and how to claim bed bug compensation, please read on.
Table of Contents
- What are Bed Bugs and What do they Look Like?
- How Do You Know you Have Bed Bugs?
- Who Can be Affected by Bed Bugs?
- Where Do bed Bugs Bite You?
- What are the Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites?
- What Does a Bed Bug Bite Look Like?
- Can You Suffer Any Side Effects When you Have Bed Bug Bites?
- How can You Diagnose a Bed Bug Bite?
- How Do You Treat a Bed Bug Bite?
- What Sort of Medication Can Be Used to Treat Bed Bugs?
- Will Bed Bug Bites Spread if you Scratch Them?
- What is the best Way to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites?
- How Long Will it Take to get rid of My Bed Bug Infestation?
- What is The Best Way to Prevent Bed Bug Bites?
- How Long Will a Bed Bug Bite Last?
- If I Suffer Bed Bug Bites in the Public Domain Can I Claim Compensation?
What are Bed Bugs and What do they Look Like?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are typically nocturnal and hide in cracks and crevices during the day, making them difficult to detect. Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, oval-shaped, and flat. They have six legs and antennae, and their bodies swell and turn reddish after feeding.
Bed bug eggs are tiny, white, and sticky, often found in clusters near their hiding spots. These pests can infest mattresses, furniture, and other upholstered items, causing itchy bites and creating a nuisance for homeowners and travellers alike.
How Do You Know you Have Bed Bugs?
There are a number of tell tale signs that will let you know that bed bugs could be present in your home or hotel room. If you see any of the things listed below you can be pretty sure you have an infestation and should take action immediately.
- Visible Bites: Red, itchy welts on the skin, often appearing in a linear or clustered pattern.
- Blood Stains: Small reddish-brown spots on bedding or furniture from crushed bed bugs or their faecal matter.
- Musty Odour: A distinct, sweet, musty smell often emitted by large bed bug infestations.
- Visible Bed Bugs: Adult bed bugs may be visible in and around mattress seams, furniture, or other hiding spots, especially during the night.
- Exoskeletons: Shed exoskeletons left behind by moulting bed bugs, typically found near their hiding places.
Who Can be Affected by Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or cleanliness. They infest homes, hotels, dormitories, and even public transportation, spreading rapidly. Travellers, renters, and homeowners are commonly affected, as well as individuals living in densely populated areas. The presence of bed bugs can cause stress, discomfort, and inconvenience, leading to sleep disturbances and potential allergic reactions from bites.
Where Do Bed Bugs Bite You?
While bed bugs can bite you anywhere on your skin, bites tend to be more prevalent on areas of your body that come into contact with your bedding such as:
- The Neck
- Face
- Arms
- Legs
- Back
What are the Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites?
Symptoms associated with bed bug bites include:
- Itching.
- Raised skin resembling a pimple or rash (inflammation).
- Burning sensation.
- Mild pain and discomfort.
Similar to spider bites, bed bug bites often go unnoticed due to the insects’ defensive mechanism. They inject an anaesthetic to numb the area and an anticoagulant to prevent bleeding during biting. Consequently, bite marks may only become apparent one to several days later.
In rare instances, bed bug bites can lead to severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, characterised by:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Swelling of the tongue.
- Formation of blisters.
- Fever.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Severe illness.
If you find yourself experiencing severe symptoms post-bed bug bite, it is imperative you seek immediate medical attention.
What Does a Bed Bug Bite Look Like?
Bed bugs exhibit varied biting patterns among individuals. However, typical manifestations of bed bug bites comprise:
- Raised bumps arranged in linear, zigzag, or sporadic formations.
- Pimple-like protrusions featuring a dark red centre, surrounded by lighter-than-normal skin.
- Circular bumps containing clear fluid (blister) on the skin surface.
- Elevated skin areas with multiple small bumps, often displaying red or purple hues (hives).
While some individuals may not exhibit any visible marks post-bite, most commonly experience symptoms akin to mosquito or flea bites – slightly swollen bumps with a reddish centre, accompanied by itching.
Can You Suffer Any Side Effects When you Have Bed Bug Bites?
For the majority, bed bug bites typically do not result in significant health issues, and the bite marks typically fade away within a few weeks. However, some individuals may experience enlarged or swollen welts, which are more painful and itchy.
Additional health concerns associated with bed bug bites encompass:
- Insomnia.
- Anxiety.
- Potential skin infections due to skin tears resulting from vigorous scratching.
How can You Diagnose a Bed Bug Bite?
A visual inspection of the bites on your skin provides evidence of a bite to your healthcare provider, although the appearance may resemble that of other insect bites. To confirm the diagnosis, it’s essential to locate and identify a bed bug within your sleeping environment.
How Do You Treat a Bed Bug Bite?
Fortunately, bed bug bites typically pose no serious threat to health. The recommended treatment for bed bug bites involves:
- Gently washing the affected area with soap and water.
- Applying an anti-itch cream or lotion containing 1% hydrocortisone to soothe the skin.
- Repeating the application daily or twice daily if itching persists.
In cases of severe itching causing extreme discomfort, a healthcare provider may prescribe a stronger steroid cream or suggest over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine medication.
It’s crucial to refrain from scratching bed bug bites to prevent skin tears and potential infections.
What Sort of Medication Can Be Used to Treat Bed Bugs?
When it comes to treating bed bug bites, all the following types of medication can provide an effective solution:
- Anti-itch cream.
- Antihistamines.
- Steroid cream.
- Antibiotics.
Will Bed Bug Bites Spread if you Scratch Them?
The simple answer to that question is no; bed bug bites do not spread when scratched. Because they do not carry or spread disease, bed bug bites are not contagious. However, our advice is to seek medical attention as soon as you suspect you have been bitten to avoid the symptoms worsening.
What is the best Way to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites?
If you find yourself experiencing a bed bug infestation at home, there are a number of things you can do to eradicate the problem. These include:
- Launder all your clothing, sheets, and blankets in hot, soapy water, then dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Freeze infested clothing or fabric in sealed bags at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) for a minimum of four days.
- Brush mattress, box spring, and furniture seams vigorously with a stiff brush, followed by thorough vacuuming of the entire room.
- Employ a steam cleaner with temperatures exceeding 130°F (55°C) to treat carpets, mattresses, and furniture.
If the problem persists or you have a particularly severe infestation, it is probably advisable to employ the services of a pest control professional who will utilize insecticide spray to eradicate bed bugs and their eggs.
How Long Will it Take to get rid of My Bed Bug Infestation?
The time required to eradicate bed bugs varies based on the severity of the infestation, ranging from weeks to months. Initial attempts may not completely eliminate the pests, necessitating ongoing monitoring and re-treatment of the affected area on a weekly basis to ensure effectiveness.
What is The Best Way to Prevent Bed Bug Bites?
There are a number of steps you can take to help stop yourself getting bitten by bed bugs. Some of the other preventative measures you can take include:
- Protect mattresses and box springs with durable plastic covers.
- Regularly vacuum, particularly in areas adjacent to sleeping spots.
- Reduce household clutter to minimize potential bed bug hiding spots.
- Seal off your apartment or shared housing unit by caulking cracks around baseboards, light fixtures, and doors to prevent bed bug entry.
- Before traveling, thoroughly inspect your room for bed bugs, including checking beneath sheets and examining all upholstered furniture.
- Upon returning home from a trip, immediately launder all clothing in hot, soapy water and dry on high heat.
- Inspect all second-hand furniture and mattresses for signs of bed bugs before bringing them indoors.
- Before purchasing used clothing and fabric items, carefully examine them for any indications of bed bugs, then wash and dry them promptly in hot temperatures.
How Long Will a Bed Bug Bite Last?
Bed bug bites typically resolve within a week, though individual reactions may vary, potentially prolonging the healing process. Failure to eradicate bed bugs could lead to additional bites until the infestation is eliminated.
If I Suffer Bed Bug Bites in the Public Domain Can I Claim Compensation?
Yes, if you experience bed bugs bites in the public domain, for example, while staying in a hotel or traveling on public transport, you could be eligible for compensation. Get in touch with the team here at Tylers and speak to our professional no win no fee solicitors to discuss your specific case.
