Bed bugs are the unwelcome guests no one wants to find sharing their sleep space. These flat, reddish-brown insects feed on human blood, leaving itchy, red bumps in their wake.
While the classic signs of bed bug bites are well-known, there are some lesser-known symptoms that might leave you scratching your head (and skin) in confusion. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, but the bite pattern doesn’t quite match the usual description, consider these three lesser-known signs of bed bug bites that you might be missing.
Bites in a zigzag pattern
The most common image associated with bed bug bites is a linear pattern of bites. However, bed bugs don’t always feed in a straight line. As they move around while feeding, they may leave a zigzag pattern of bites. This can happen because they are disturbed during feeding or because they are sampling different areas of skin to find a good feeding spot.
Bites that appear blistered
In some cases, bed bug bites can appear as small blisters rather than just raised bumps. This is more likely to occur in people with sensitive skin or those who have a stronger allergic reaction to the bed bug’s saliva. The blisters may ooze a clear fluid and can be quite itchy and uncomfortable.
Bites that don’t itch (at first)
We all know the telltale sign of a bug bite – the intense itch. However, bed bugs inject an anesthetic before feeding, which can numb the area and potentially prevent you from feeling the bite initially. This means you might not notice the bites until a day or two later, once the anesthetic wears off and your body has a chance to react.
By recognizing the lesser-known symptoms of bed bug bites, you can potentially take action more quickly than you otherwise might. If you find evidence of bed bugs during a stay at a hotel or somewhere else that isn’t home, don’t try to tackle the problem yourself. You can seek legal counsel from an experienced team that can help you explore all the options that you have available to you.