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Bedbug Bites: Everything You Need to Know

If the bed bug bites aren’t healing, or you see signs of puss or infection, be sure to see a Doctor.

Pictures of Bed Bug Bites

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Overview

Each of the following pictures of bed bug bites shows typical skin reactions to the insect’s saliva. Most people are not hypersensitive to the bites and will show no reaction at all with the exception of two small dots where the bedbug punctured the skin. Other people can develop more severe symptoms such as red papular eruptions (raised inflamed areas) or in severe cases, blisters.

Most bites will have a small clear area in the center surrounded by redness that may or may not be raised. People tend to become more sensitive and have larger reactions after each episode. Reactions can include itch, swelling, rash, and wheals (large round red area on the skin). Severe reactions can cause skin blisters and trouble breathing, although these reactions are very rare.

Skin reactions can occur immediately, hours, days or even up to two weeks later. Itch, the primary symptom beyond a red raised area, should subside in 1 to 3 days. Bed bug bites should go away with no treatment in 4 to 7 days.

Because individual allergic skin reactions can vary as shown in the following bed bug bite images, and people can become more or less sensitive to bed bug bites over time, bites alone cannot confirm the presence of bed bugs. Also look for other factors such as actual insects or blood and fecal stains on a mattress. Research shows that 11 out of 24 people have no reaction when first bitten. However, when bitten again most developed a skin reaction. (1)

Preventable medical errors kill about 22,000 patients a year, according to research from the Yale School of Medicine. That’s much less than a previously reported number of 250,000 deaths a year where medical error is to blame.

Picture of Bed Bug Feeding on Skin. Adult Bed Bugs are About the Size of an Apple Seed

If you skin symptoms match any of the pictures of bed bug bites, look for other signs of an infestation.

Bed Bug Feeding On Hand

Pictures of Bed Bug Bites on Humans

When people ask “show me pictures of bed bug bites” they are often thinking that all bites look the same. The reality is that reactions are different in each person.

Bed bugs bites will appear on areas of the body that are exposed during sleep. The most common areas are the legs, arms, shoulders, and neck. The bite itself will feel like a tickle or pinch. Patterns are often in a straight line.

Said another way, if you see bites only under areas that are covered in clothes, and you see no other signs of an infestation such as live insects or mattress stains, in all likelihood the skin reaction you are seeing IS NOT caused by bed bugs.

Do not scratch the bites as it can cause a skin infection. Bite reactions can occur immediately or in a few days.

Typical Allergic Skin Reactions

Bed Bug Bite Skin Reaction After 30 Minutes on Lower Leg

Bed Bug Bites on Leg

Bed Bug Bite Patterns

It is common to see bed bug bites in a row of 3 or 4 bites or a cluster. This could be due to an arm or leg resting on an infested mattress seam.

Bed Bug Bite Pattern on Arm

Bed bug bites can appear individually, in groups or in rows.

What do Bed Bug Bites Look Like on Arms?

Bed bug bites most commonly are found on exposed skin areas during sleep such as the lower legs, shoulders, and arms.

Cluster of Bed Bug Bites on Arm

Bed Bug Bites In a Row. Could be caused by leg leading against mattress seam where bedbugs are hiding.

Bed Bug Bites on Stomach. Bites are typically 2mm to 5mm. Bites are referred to as erythematous ( redness of the skin or mucous membranes due to the accumulation of blood in dilated capillaries) or maculopapular (flat, reddened area of skin present in a rash) lesions.

Back of 4 Year Old Bitten by Hundreds of Bed Bugs. Quantity of Bites Make Skin Look Like a Rash Instead of Bites

Bed Bug Bite Wheal Skin Reaction

The Bed Bug bite wheal pattern see below is usually seen in people that that have had other bed bug bite episodes and are now more sensitive to the bites.

Bed Bug Skin Wheal Reaction
Author: R. Naylor

The size of the skin reaction depends on the allergic response of the individual. Hypersensitive individuals will have larger reactions.

Bed Bug Wheal Skin Reaction

Bed Bug Bite on Leg – Wheal Reaction

Blister Reaction

In advanced cases bed bug skin reactions can turn into blisters.

Picture of Bed Bug Skin Blisters
Author: Leverkus

Bed Bug Bite Blisters Hypersensitive Reaction

Stages of Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bite images vary based on the individual and how allergic they are.

Bed Bug Bites 4 Days After Being Bitten

Bed Bug Bite 1 Week After Being Bitten on Skin

Diagnosis

Chicken Pox
Staphylococcus infection
Spider or Mosquito Bites
Hives
Allergies to food
Reaction to medications such as antibiotics
Scabies

Bed Bug Bites Treatment

Treatment for bedbugs bites involves addressing itchy bites, soothing the skin, and then preventing any infection. After Bite makes an anti-itch anti-microbial gel formula that is specifically formulated to provide relief bed bug itching and to promote healing.

In most cases, medical attention will not be needed if you have been bitten. For severe reactions or if you have difficulty breathing, immediately seek emergency medical care.

If the bed bug bites aren’t healing, or you see signs of puss or infection, be sure to see a Doctor.

Tell-Tale Signs of Bed Bugs

Do not rely only on bite symptoms when determining if you have a bed bug infestation. Bed bug bites look like bites from other common insects. Skin reactions can be caused by insect stings from fire ant stings, insect bites from spiders, mosquito bites, and scabies to name a few. Other causes include skin irritation from exposure to household chemicals or some type of allergy.

Pattern: Middle of the bite is clear with a red ring around the middle.
Symptoms: Most bites are very itchy
Location: Bed bugs do not bite through clothing and only bite exposed skin. This includes the arms, legs, shoulders, and neck. Bites are rarely seen on the bottoms of the feet. If this is the location of the bite, see a doctor and ask if the condition is scabies.
Presence of Actual Bed Bugs: You can see baby bed bugs and adult bed bugs with the naked eye. Use a credit card or thin brush to work through the mattress seam to see if you dislodge any insects. It might be helpful to have a flashlight and magnifying glass. You can also spot small overall off-white bed bug eggs attached to rough surfaces. Note that bed bugs can change in appearance as they absorb human blood.
Signs on the Mattress: Small brown spots on a mattress (bed bug feces) or small blood spots could indicate the presence of bed bugs. Of course, spotting the bugs themselves is a sign. They hide in the seams of the mattress. Even one bed bug can cause a problem. Other areas where bed bugs are commonly found include around the headboard, night tables, and crevices between the walls and floor.

Picture of Bed Bug Stains on Mattress

Why You Need a Bed Bug Professional

Do not only rely on pictures of bedbug bites to confirm that bed bugs are your problem. For example, bites that occur only on the bottoms of the legs are more likely to be flea bites.

Call in a professional that knows how to spot an infestation that might be in the walls of your home or hidden in a bed frame.

We recommended using the exterminators registered with Home Advisor. You can also call eLocal at 1.877.673.2704 for a pest control expert near you. Members of these networks are licensed and reviewed. There is no charge to receive a quote. You can also look at our directory of bed bug pest control experts.

Protect Yourself From Bed Bugs

Until you treat your home, minimize bare skin to cut off the bed bugs’ food source. At night wear socks over the bottom of pajamas and mittens over shirt sleeves. Keep your bed away from other furniture and blankets off the floor.

Brochures

Each of these free brochures is filled with pictures of bed bug bite examples such as photos of rashes, skin reactions, mattress signs, and information.

Bedbug Bites: Everything You Need to Know

Bedbugs are tiny insects that feed on blood from humans or animals. Over-the-counter treatments can help relieve itching and inflammation.

Bedbugs are flat, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown in color. They can live in your bed, furniture, carpet, clothing, and other belongings, and are most active at night.

Where on the body do bedbug bites occur?

Bedbugs can bite any part of your body. However, they’ll normally bite areas of skin that are exposed while you sleep. This includes your face, neck, arms, and hands. If you typically wear pajamas to bed, the bug will bite along the line of the clothing.

Do bedbugs bite every night?

Bedbugs don’t always feed every single night. In fact, they can go several weeks without eating. That might sound like a good thing, but it can make it more difficult to notice that there are bedbugs in your home. In fact, it may take a few weeks to realize that the bites are part of a larger pattern. And that’s problematic because bedbugs can multiply very quickly. A female can lay eggs every 3 to 4 days.

In most cases, bedbug bites get better within 1 to 2 weeks. To relieve symptoms, you can:

Apply an over-the-counter or prescription steroid cream to decrease inflammation and itching.
Take an oral antihistamine to reduce itching and burning.
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve swelling and pain.
Take a Benadryl prior to sleep to decrease itching or have a doctor prescribe a stronger antihistamine.

In addition to over-the-counter medications, there are several home remedies that may help relieve the symptoms of bedbug bites. Try applying one or more of the following:

a cold cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel
a thin paste of baking soda and water

Allergic reactions and infections from bedbug bites

Although rare, there have been isolated case reports of systemic allergic reactions to bedbug bites. Reactions typically included hives, asthma, and in rare occasions, anaphylaxis.

In addition, constant scratching of lesions caused by bedbug bites may lead to secondary infections, such as impetigo, folliculitis, or cellulitis. To reduce the risk of infection, wash the bites with soap and water, and try not to scratch them.

If you suspect that you’ve developed an infection or allergic reaction to a bedbug bite, contact your doctor. Get emergency medical care if you develop any of the following after being bitten:

multiple hives
difficulty breathing
wheezing
swelling of the throat or mouth
fever
chills
dizziness
confusion

If you suspect that your baby or child has been bitten by bedbugs, check their sheets, mattress, bed frame, and nearby baseboards for signs of the bugs.

Washing the bites with soap and water will help treat bedbug bites on your baby or child. For additional relief, consider applying a cold compress or over-the-counter anti-itch creams or low-strength steroids. Make sure to cut the baby’s nails short so they can’t scratch their skin.

Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist before using topical steroid creams or oral antihistamines to treat the bites. Some medications may not be safe for babies or young children.

If your child is old enough to understand your instructions, ask them not to scratch the bites. To prevent scratching, it may also help to trim your child’s nails and cover the bites with a bandage.

If you suspect there are bedbugs in your home, look for signs of them in your bed and other areas. They usually hide during the day in:

household cracks or crevices
walls
luggage
bedclothes
mattresses
bedsprings
bed frames
spaces under baseboards
loose or peeling wallpaper
electrical switch plates
conduits for electrical cables
sofas (if a person is using the sofa to sleep on)

Bedbugs typically live near where people are sleeping in the house. That’s because bedbugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. They don’t usually travel to other rooms if people aren’t sleeping there. Bedbugs typically feed from midnight until dawn and then hide during the day in the same place they were prior to biting.

You may not see the bugs themselves, but you may find drops of blood or small black dots of bug droppings in your bed. If you find bedbugs, call your landlord or a pest control company.

It’s very difficult to find bedbugs unless you’re professionally trained to do so. Most pest control companies will do a check free of charge. If they find bedbugs, they’ll typically give you several options to eliminate them.

Remember, until you’ve eliminated the infestation, do not visit or sleep at someone else’s house or a hotel as this may potentially spread the bugs to their home or hotel room.

Risk factors for getting bedbugs

Bedbugs can live in any home or public area. But they’re common in places that have a lot of people, a lot of turnover, and close quarters. That’s why you may be at increased risk for encountering bedbugs if you live or work in a:

hotel
hospital
homeless shelter
military barrack
college dorm
apartment complex
business office

Bringing secondhand furniture into your home is another risk factor as is having visits from friends or relatives who may have bedbugs in their home.

To contain and eliminate a bedbug infestation, it helps to:

Vacuum and steam-clean your floors, mattresses, furniture, and appliances.
Launder your linens, drapes, and clothing using the hottest settings of your washing machine and dryer.
Seal items that can’t be laundered in plastic bags and store them for several days at 0°F (-17°C) or for several months at warmer temperatures.
Heat items that can be safely heated to 115°F (46°C).
Fill gaps around your baseboards and cracks in furniture with caulking.

It’s almost impossible to get rid of bedbugs without an exterminator. Many exterminators today use nonchemical eradication, such as very high heat or very cold liquid nitrogen. These options may be the most effective way to eliminate bedbugs as bedbugs are resistant to most pesticides.

Find more tips for managing bedbug infestations and learn when to call a professional.

Bedbugs travel from place to place by hiding in items, such as furniture, clothing, blankets, and luggage. Bedbugs can live for months without feeding. This makes it easy to accidentally bring bedbugs into your home without knowing.

There are steps you can take to help prevent bedbugs:

Travelers who are exposed to bedbugs or are concerned about bedbugs should decontaminate luggage, clothes, and belongings upon returning home, using mechanical methods (brushing, vacuuming, heating, washing, or freezing).
Always use luggage racks when you travel to keep your clothes off the floor and away from hotel furniture.
Keep your suitcase away from your bed when you return home from a trip, and run your clothes through a dryer cycle before putting them away.
Store your clothing in vacuum-sealed bags when you travel.
When you return home from traveling, seal items that can’t be washed in a plastic bag for several weeks.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you can get a device that heats your suitcase to a temperature that will kill any bedbugs.
Inspect any secondhand furniture, linen, or clothing for signs of bedbugs before bringing it into your home.
If you use a shared laundry room, transport your laundry in plastic bags and don’t fold it until you return home.

Bedbug bites and fleabites are quite similar in appearance, although flea bites are typically a bit smaller. Both can cause red bumps to form on your skin. Both can be very itchy.

When fleas bite you, they typically bite the lower half of your body, or warm, moist areas around joints. For example, they may bite:

your feet
your ankles or legs
your armpits
the inside of your elbows or knees

Bedbugs are more likely to bite upper parts of your body, such as:

your hands
your arms
your neck
your face

Bedbug bites also occur at night and look like hives. But later in the day they get smaller and look more like a pimple.

If you suspect that bedbugs or fleas have bitten you, check for signs of the bugs in your home. Bedbugs often hide in the seams of mattresses, cracks of bed frames and headboards, and baseboards around beds. Fleas tend to live on family pets and in carpets or upholstered furniture.

You can also visit a dermatologist who can examine the bites and help determine what the cause may be.

If you find bedbugs or fleas, it’s important to treat your home or pet to get rid of them.

Share on Pinterest Flea bites tend to occur on the feet, ankles, or lower leg. Source: Getty Images (Dermnet, Wikimedia, etc.)

Bedbug Bites: Everything You Need to Know

Pictures of Bed Bug Bites

Overview