Bed Bug Bites: What to Expect and Common Myths

It is crucial to understand that the variables involved in the development of a bite reaction are vast and numerous. Therefore, it is simply not possible to diagnose an infestation of bed bugs from bite symptoms or morphology alone.

This guide outlines some of the variables observed in recent years. While bites might be your most obvious symptom, they are the worst diagnostic tool you can rely on. A single, lone bite that does not recur for months may be from something entirely unrelated to bed bugs.

🚫 Common Myths About Bed Bug Bites

1. The “Three-Bites-In-A-Row” Myth

The most common myth is that bed bugs always produce 3 bites in a row, often called “breakfast, dinner, and lunch.”

• While this pattern does occur with some people, it is not universal and is therefore not an accurate diagnostic sign of bed bug activity.
• Other insects, such as fleas, are also known to bite in rows.

2. The Feeding Frequency Myth

Bed bugs typically feed every 3 – 5 days.

• If you go longer than this period between episodes of activity, it is a reasonable indication that bed bugs may not be the cause.
• Although bed bugs can survive long periods without feeding, they will always feed when food is available in an occupied room.

🧍 Individual Reactions and Timelines

Will You React at All?

• Some people never respond to the bites. They may be completely unaware of an infestation until they see a bed bug or find physical signs.
• It is believed that this figure is as high as 60% of all exposed people. This accounts for why one person in a bed may be bitten while their partner is bite-free, and it is the main reason infestations go undetected in places like hotel rooms.

When Will You Respond?

• Response time varies greatly due to your immune system:
  • Some people respond immediately upon contact.
  • Others can take up to 14 – 21 days to develop a reaction.
• It is not uncommon to respond more quickly after a previous encounter with bed bugs, as the body learns to perceive the bite as an early warning signal. Generally, the more severe the reaction, the faster the response.

Bite Severity

Bite severity is highly variable:

• Some people have an extreme reaction known as a bullous eruption (a severe reaction that swells and appears blister-like).
• Others report nothing more than a temporary red area that fades quickly.
• Bites on the hands, feet, and face often tend to react the most severely.
• Immediate Medical Attention: If you develop bites that turn into blisters within a few minutes, seek medical attention immediately.

🌡️ Factors Influencing Itching and Duration

Why Do Bites Itch Sometimes, But Not Others?

Your body responds differently at different times. Bites are more likely to itch if you are:

• Overheated (e.g., in a warm bath, shower, or during exercise).
• In a warm car.
• If your skin is dry or exposed to harsh conditions.

Avoid: Over-chlorinated water (like swimming pools) and body lotions that contain alcohol.

How Long Will a Bite Last?

The duration depends mainly on your body’s ability to heal:

• If a bite is left unscratched, a normal reaction will usually heal without scarring.
• If you scratch a bite, it becomes an open wound susceptible to secondary infections.
• If you experience bullous/blister-type reactions, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Environmental Factors

The environment can play a significant role:

• The more polluted the environment, the more likely you are to react to bites. A bite is a small puncture wound, and your body’s immune response reacts more strongly in polluted conditions.
• A change in environment or travel pattern has been known to coincide with a sudden reaction to bites.

Stress as a Factor

• Stress can increase the likelihood of responding to bites. Your body uses the reaction as a physical signal that something is wrong.

❓ Other Bite-Like Symptoms

I Know I Don’t Have Bed Bugs, But I Keep Getting Bites

If you have prolonged exposure to bed bugs, you may develop a sensitivity to chitin (a common component of most insect skins). This can cause you to become hyper-sensitive, leading to bite-like reactions from non-insect sources, such as:

• Food products or supplements containing non-insect derived chitin filler.
• Other non-biting insects or mites that cause a “bite-like” reaction, including:
  • Pscocid
  • Carpet Beetles
  • Bird Mites
  • Dust Mites
  • Fleas (which do bite)
  • Delusional Infestation

If you continue to have issues, consult a professional service like the Mystery Bite Pack Service for further diagnostic information.

My Old Bites Seem to Flare Up

Old bites can flare up due to environmental factors, stress, or even just thinking about bed bugs.

Pin Prick or Tingling Sensations

• Bed bug bites are generally reported as painless.
• However, people in heavily infested locations or areas where inappropriate levels of insecticide have been applied sometimes report a needling or “crawlie” sensation.
• If a crawling sensation persists for more than a few days, it may be a symptom of other medical conditions and should be discussed with a medical professional.

📝 Key Takeaway: Confirmation is Essential

If you keep getting bitten but cannot find any signs, you must consider other possibilities. If you get up to 20 bites a night or 50 bites in total and cannot find the physical evidence after a thorough search, it is unlikely to be bed bugs.

The only confirming signs of an infestation are:

• Live samples
• Cast skins (shed exoskeletons)
• Faecal traces (dark, rusty spots)

Images of bed bugs and their trace signs can be found in the gallery section of the website to assist with identification.

Factors That Can Worsen Your Bite Reaction

• Getting overheated (hot bath, shower, exercise). Consider swimming in low-chlorinated water instead.
• Dry skin (keep well moisturized and hydrated).
• Excessive use of body creams that contain alcohol, strong colours, or fragrances.
• Exposure to high levels of environmental pollution.

 

Monitoring for Bed Bugs

• If you have any concerns that you may have introduced bed bugs to your property or are at risk of doing so in the future, then we would recommend the installation of a passive bed bug monitor.