{"id":5201,"date":"2023-11-23T10:30:33","date_gmt":"2023-11-23T09:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/non-classifiee\/bedbug-bites-recognising-and-treating-them\/"},"modified":"2025-05-20T08:16:34","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T06:16:34","slug":"bedbug-bites-recognising-and-treating-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/en\/our-advice\/bedbug-bites-recognising-and-treating-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Bedbug bites: recognising and treating them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The arrival of bedbugs in your home is often insidious. Their bites can point to the beginning of an infestation, which is why it’s so important to know how to recognise bedbug bites and start treating it quickly to avoid infestation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"Photo<\/figure>
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How to recognise a bedbug bite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Identifying a bedbug bite is very important. Indeed, the sooner you can spot a bedbug bite, the sooner you can start treating it to avoid a massive infestation of these pests.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does a bedbug bite look like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bedbug bites can be recognised by red spots that are usually grouped on a small area of skin, often in a line of 1 to 5 spots<\/strong>. In fact, bedbugs can bite several times in a row. They need blood to feed themselves. At the very beginning of an infestation, it’s possible to have a single bedbug bite or a few isolated bites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When bedbugs bite, the spot is flat, but it can quickly cause the skin to swell and itch. The appearance of a bedbug bite also has a red haemorrhagic spot in the centre of the spot . The spot forms a red mark ranging from 5mm to 2cm, depending on the individual’s reaction.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another indicator of bedbug spots: itching. Itching generally appears as soon as you wake up and can last from 3 to 10 days, depending on the individual. Finally, here’s an overview of bedbug bites in some photos, so you can easily distinguish them from any other insect.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How can you tell the difference between bedbug bites and those of other insects?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

– Difference between mosquito bites and bedbugs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Unlike bedbug bites, which are usually clustered in one area of the body, mosquito bites can be found anywhere the insects have access to your skin. Bedbugs generally bite at night when the person is asleep (as they don’t like light), whereas mosquitoes bite day and night. <\/strong>What’s more, bedbugs are present all year round, unlike mosquitoes (which are more prevalent in summer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Difference between bedbug and flea bites<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The main distinction between a bedbug bite and a flea bite is the sensation of pain. The bedbug injects an anaesthetic when it bites, so there’s no pain or itching at the very moment of the bite. Conversely; when you’re bitten by a flea, you immediately feel the sting. On the other hand, flea spots usually appear on the lower part of the body, such as the legs and feet.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Bedbug<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Difference<\/figure>
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– Difference between bedbug bites and chigger bites<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The bite of a chigger causes a skin rash in the form of small patches 3 mm in diameter, smaller than a bedbug bite. These tiny insects are virtually invisible to the naked eye, and are usually found near bodies of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Difference between bedbug and spider bites<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In general, a spider bite can be distinguished by two red dots close together, representing the bite. Unlike bedbug bites, spider bites are isolated. On the other hand, a spider’s bite is generally larger than that of a bedbug.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Where do bedbugs bite?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bedbugs bite on any part of the body. You can be stung on any exposed part of the body, and only in very rare cases on the face.<\/strong> For people who sleep in their pyjamas, bedbug bites can only be found on the feet, ankles, hands and nape of the neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do bedbug bites itch?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most people bitten by bedbugs experience varying degrees of itching, depending on individual sensitivity. At the very moment of the bite, there is no sensation of pain or tingling. The bedbug injects an anaesthetic before sucking out the blood, making the bite painless. On the other hand, the itching starts one to two hours later, with red marks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Itching can be very intense and persistent, depending on the individual, and can lead to hives or an allergic reaction. If your skin reacts strongly to bedbug bites, with the appearance of blisters, sores or a sensation of intense heat in the bitten area, you should consult a doctor. <\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Do<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Signs<\/figure>
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How long does a bedbug bite itch?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The itching caused by a bedbug bite can last between 3 and 5 days, sometimes up to 10 days<\/strong>. If you scratch your spots intensely, you risk leaving scars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other signs of bedbugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you still have doubts about identifying bedbug bites and their presence in your home, here are some other indicators:<\/p>\n\n\n\n