The Difference Between a Mosquito Bite VS Bed Bug Bite
Sure, mosquito bites are annoying, but you won’t have to fumigate your home if you have them. It can be worrying if you find some mysterious bites that seem like both mosquito and bed bug bites. If you’re unsure about whether your bites are from mosquitos or bed bugs, this article will help you tell bed bug bites apart from other bites.
Bed bug bites can sometimes look like other bites. You can easily mistake a bed bug bite for mosquito, flea, and tick bites. Similarly, lots of other bug bites can also look like mosquito bites. We’ll show you how to tell all annoying bug bites apart.
Also Read: Review: The In2Care Mosquito Trap (Revised For 2021)
Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites are pretty common, especially in the summer. They lay eggs in pools of water, which is why you’re more likely to be bitten if you spend a day at the lake or go camping. Only female mosquitos bite, as it contributes to their mating process. Mosquitos are more likely to bite in the dark, closer to sunrise or sunset.
Mosquito bites itch because the body reacts to mosquito saliva. They’re especially attracted to carbon dioxide, sweat, and body heat. This helps them decide which host will have the best-tasting blood and explains why some people are bitten more than others. To prevent mosquito bites, cover your arms and legs with breathable clothing.
Also Read: Why Mosquito Bites Itch (And How To Stop The Itch)
What Mosquito Bites Look Like
Mosquito bites can be small to large bites depending on the person’s reaction. Bites are normally pink or red and appear swollen. They are very irritating and can be quite painful for some people. Some people are so sensitive to mosquito bites that they can develop serve blisters. If you have an adverse reaction to a mosquito bite, call a healthcare professional immediately.
After being bitten by a mosquito, apply an ice pack for 10 minutes and use an antihistamine. Mosquito bites will heal within 48 hours as long as you don’t scratch them. You can tell what a mosquito bite looks like by looking for:
- Red or pink welts.
- Bites in exposed areas, such as the arms, legs, and hands.
- Bites in random places, without any pattern.
Adults are not as sensitive to bites, due to developing natural immunity to the saliva the more someone is bitten. If you find bites after being outdoors for a long period of time, it’s likely from mosquitos.
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites look very similar to mosquito bites. Bed bugs are nocturnal and normally feed while people are asleep. Look for bed bug bites in exposed areas. Bed bugs need to feed every 2 weeks to mate, but can also survive up to a year without eating.
With a bed bug infect, you’ll need the help of an exterminator to completely irradiate them. To get a quote from an exterminator in your zip, call Pest Brigade.
What Bed Bug Bites Look Like
Bites appear to look like eczema or a rash. If you notice your “mosquito” bite looks like a rash, it’s likely a bed bug bite. Unlike mosquito bites, bed bug bites aren’t as irritable in some cases. If this sounds similar to your bites, check your bedsheets for bloodstains. Bed bugs can’t always ingest all the blood after a “meal,” which can leave small bloodstains on your sheets. Be sure to also look for:
- Red and irritated “pimples.”
- Bites in clusters, lines, or patterns.
- Bites in a straight line or in groups of three or more.
- Serve itching only in the morning.
If you have bed bugs, clean all affected areas with soap and water. Keep your skin as clean as possible to not develop an infection. Apply corticosteroid cream if the bites begin to itch, and contact a doctor if your symptom worsens. Bed bug bites should heal after one week.
Also Read: Bed Bug Bite VS Tick Bite
Other Bug Bites That Look Like Mosquito Bites
There are other bites that look similar to mosquito and bed bug bites. Fire ants, mites, fleas, and tick bites can look very similar to each other. If you’re unsure about what kind of infestation you have, call an exterminator to assess the problem. An exterminator will normally offer a free consultation, so there’s no worry if it’s something minor like mosquitos.
Also Read: Exterminator Costs To Treat Bed Bugs
