Yes, those itchy red welts could be bed bug bites, but bites alone are not enough to confirm an infestation, as they can resemble mosquito or flea bites, allergic reactions, or skin irritation. If you are waking up with itchy red welts and wondering where they came from, you are not alone. After rainy weather gives way to warmer, sunnier days, many people notice random bites and assume they are the cause. The best way to know is to check your sleeping area, bedding, furniture, and nearby hiding spots for other signs, such as small bloodstains on sheets, dark spots on mattress seams, shed skin, or live ones.
Do I have bed bug bites?
The natural reaction, when we wake up in bed and see bite marks or welts, is to assume we have bed bugs, especially with all the press they have been getting in recent months. This may be possible; however, a quick inspection & evaluation of your recent movements, guests, and furniture can rule it out.
Do I have a bed bug infestation problem?
Did the bites ‘suddenly appear’? If so, and you have been living/sleeping there every night for a long time, it is unlikely. An infestation that would result in multiple bites being suddenly visible would take weeks (or months) to get that large, and you would see bite quantities increasing as the population of the infestation rose.
Have you recently purchased or acquired used furniture? If you haven’t, then you are also not a likely candidate for bed bugs. Used furniture is a common vehicle for bed bug infestations to relocate from home to home. This could be the culprit for your bites, but let’s determine more facts. Read on!
Are you waking up with bug bites?
Have you recently had guests stay with you who have been or are currently traveling? If not, you likely didn’t have anyone bringing in bed bugs from other locations along their travels. This is one of the main reasons activity has skyrocketed worldwide over the past 5 years.
Have YOU recently been traveling? Did you bring any unforeseen guests home with you? It’s possible. They don’t differentiate between the rich and the poor, 5-star hotels and backpacker hostels. No traveling = unlikely to bring home a bed bug.
Do bed bugs bite every night?
They are active in between feedings. Bed bugs do not bite every night. They usually feed on the host, typically every 5 to 10 days. This can vary, though, depending on factors such as how active they are during the day and environmental conditions.
Bed bug traps will also help a DIY pest controller capture them throughout a home or unit with an active infestation. Besides under beds or chair legs, place them along walls, in closets, and near the areas where the homeowners spend most of their time. Empty them often to monitor activity in the area.
If you are experiencing bites, it is a good idea to inspect your sleeping area for bed bugs and consider seeking Vancouver pest control assistance to eliminate them from your home.
Why Do I wake up with bites but my husband does now?
There are several reasons why you might wake up with bites while your husband does not get bitten:
Different Bite Reactions:
People react differently to insect bites. You may swell or itch more noticeably than your husband. The human immune system reacts with different levels of sensitivity in each person.
Body Heat and Carbon Dioxide Are Factors in Bed Bug Bites:
Bed bugs are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide. They might be drawn to you more than to your husband based on your overall body temperature or your breathing patterns while you are sleeping.
Sleeping Position:
If you sleep in a position that exposes more skin, you might be more susceptible to bites.
Timing of Feeding:
Bed bugs often feed at different times. If one of you moves or gets up during the night, it might disrupt the bugs’ feeding time.
Skin and Perfume:
Lotions, soaps, or other scented products can also attract bed bugs.
If you’re consistently getting bitten, it’s worth checking for signs and possibly contacting a pest control professional in Vancouver to help exterminate bed bugs, spiders, and insects from your home.
Learn how to do a bed bug inspection now
So if it isn’t bed bugs biting you, what is? Could literally be anything and nothing. Most reputable pest control in Vancouver, BC, have a no-bugs, no-treatment policy because of strict guidelines on pesticide application in Canada. Even installing glue monitoring traps may not give us the information we want; however, it’s not a bad start. Most companies will sell you glue monitor traps you can place around the area you feel you are getting bitten. After a couple of weeks, check the glue for any signs of insects and contact the company or a trusted bed bug exterminator for help with identification. Learn more about how to conduct an inspection now.
How do I figure out what is biting me in bed?
The best thing is to start the elimination process by calling a pest management professional.
They can assess your home, inspect for a number of biting insects, and help guide you in the proper direction (if not, provide you with a treatment for a found insect infestation).
Consultation with your doctor is another great step, although most doctors are unable to definitively distinguish one bug bite from another.
They can help you deal with the bites, however, while you sort out the mystery of the bite. Beyond that, general home sanitation is always a great idea to maintain, & window screens will also prevent many flying insects from getting in.
The DIY Step to Start Reducing Bed Bug Bites!
If you feel that you can handle these bed bug issues on your own, we recommend using these products to help you catch them. Hiring bed bug treatment experts might be faster, but feel free to start here first if you wish to try it yourself. Shop the bed bug products online in our store.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I tell if my bites are from bed bugs?
Bites alone are not enough to confirm bed bugs. Look for other signs, such as small bloodstains on sheets, dark spots on mattress seams, shed skin, live bed bugs, or activity near beds and furniture.
Do bed bugs bite every night?
No. Bed bugs do not usually bite every night. They often feed every 5 to 10 days, but this can vary depending on the size of the infestation, temperature, and access to a host.
Why am I getting bites but someone else is not?
People react differently to bites. One person may develop itchy red welts while another person shows little or no reaction. Body heat, sleeping position, exposed skin, and scent can also affect who gets bitten.
Next steps!
If you feel that it is time for a professional to come, reach out to Solutions Pest Control. We have the right tools to catch and eliminate bed bugs from your home for good.
Stop Waking Up With Mystery Bites
If you keep waking up with itchy red welts, do not guess what is causing them. The Pest Detective can inspect your home, check for signs of bed bugs or other biting pests, and recommend the right treatment plan. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and get help from a trusted bed bug exterminator.
Learn more here:
How To Do A Proper Bed Bug Inspection
