Identifying bed bug (bed bug/psyllid) bite symptoms

It is difficult to identify bed bugs just from their bites. In fact it is hard to recognize a bed bug bites from any other insect bite. You should look at the overall pattern and timing of bites and other common bed bug signs or bed bug symptoms to confirm if you have a bed bug problem.

The good news is that bed bugs have not been shown to transmit any disease and their actual bites do not hurt. However, getting bed bug bites can still be very distressing and in some cases they can become sore and itchy and lead to a painful skin rash and potentially secondary infection.

Bed bug bites symptoms

Our bodies can react very differently to bed bug bites. Some people have no reaction at all, whilst others can have minor swelling and itching and even develop a rash.

Where do bed bug bites occur?

Bed bug bites can occur anywhere on the body but are often close to blood vessels near the skins surface. Check for signs of bites on your:

• Neck
• Hands
• Arms
• Legs

Pattern of bed bug bites

Bed bug bites are generally small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin. Redness, swelling, and itching commonly occur on these spots.

Several bites tend to appear in a line or row along an exposed area, such as an arm or leg. A single bed bug may bite more than once in the same area, if disturbed whilst feeding. Bed bug bites found in different parts of the body can indicate being bitten by several different bed bugs.

A small proportion of people can react very badly to their bites and develop a skin rash. The red spots which indicate the location of a bite may become raised and very itchy over time.

When do bed bug bites happen?

Bed bug bites often occur at night when we are sleeping, but they can also occur if you are sat or resting for a sustained period of time. Bed bug bites are unlikely to wake the victim, as bed bugs inject an anesthetic whilst drawing blood from the host (victim).

What are the main causes of bed bugs?

• Bed bugs are mainly caused by foreign introductions and tend to spread quickly and easily.
• Sources of bed bugs are carried home through human-to-human transmission or through items such as clothing, backpacks, or second-hand furniture that has been infected with bed bugs.
• Attached to luggage when traveling abroad

Bed Bug Rash

A small proportion of people can react very badly to their bites and develop a skin rash. The red spots which indicate the location of a bite, may become raised and very itchy over time. If this causes you distress or continues for a long time you should seek medical treatment. In general, most people will respond to a bed bug bite slightly worse than to a mosquito bite.

Worried about your bites?

At Rentokil, we can offer industry leading effective bed bug control solution with bed bug treatment of handling how to eliminate bed bugs problems in your home or business.

Call Rentokil Hong Kong today on +85229546888 for your home or business or contact us to schedule an on-site inspection to get rid of bed bugs safely and effectively as required depending on situation.

Why Rentokil Initial?

Rentokil Initial is your pest control and hygiene expert with over 60 years of experience in protecting the health of Hong Kong people and is the first choice for commercial and residential pest control services.

• We have been awarded ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certificates by BSI, an international standards body, which is in line with international standards.
• Google Review 4.9 stars, with real customer experience close to perfect score.
• Winner of the Caring Company Award for 7 consecutive years, we actively contributing to the local community.