Getting bitten by any insect is a potential cause for concern, especially so when the victim can’t tell the culprit. If the bite marks are red and itchy, the usual suspects are bed bugs and spiders. In most cases, neither of them are extremely dangerous but some individuals can suffer serious harm.
As such, it is important you learn to notice the difference between these two household pests.
In short, spider bites will frequently leave puncture marks, while bed bug bites are in the form of small red bumps or welts. Bed bug bites will also occur in groups and be an ongoing issue, and since spiders typically bite in self-defense, they are more commonly isolated.
Here are 4 key ways to tell the difference between spider bites and bed bug bites.
1. Spider Bites Will Puncture The Skin
Puncture marks are usually the most reliable differentiator between spider bites and bed bug bites. Spider bites will show visible puncture marks due to their fangs, while this is not the case for bed bugs. If you have been bitten by a spider, there should be tiny puncture marks visible at the center.
2. Bed Bugs Bites Usually Occur in Groups
Both bed bug and spider bites are usually red skin marks that can both get swollen and itchy. Another visible difference between them is that bed bug bites are almost never singular. They appear in a group or line instead, resembling hives.
Typically, the victim can find them on the hands, arms, neck, and face. Since spiders usually only bite in self-defense, they are more common to be isolated incidents.
3. Bed Bug Bites Are an Ongoing Issue
Bed bugs don’t live alone. They’re pest insects, which means that they cause serious infestations that can spread throughout your household. As a result, their bites present an ongoing problem that doesn’t stop after a few days. Spider bites are different, as they appear once and heal usually within a week.
4. Most Victims Wake Up with Bed Bug Bites
If you’re repeatedly waking up in the morning with red itchy bites on your skin, it’s likely that bed bugs are the ones causing them.
They feed on their victims’ blood during the night while they’re sleeping. Unfortunately, this could be a sign that your home has been infested and a serious cause for alarm.
What to Do After You Notice an Insect Bite?
In case you’re still not certain whether you’ve been bitten by bed bugs, a spider, or some other insect, don’t wait too long before you pay a visit to the doctor.
On the off chance that you have been bitten by a venomous spider, you should start receiving treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Spider Bites vs. Bed Bug Bites
Spiders don’t usually bite unless threatened, and even then their bites are typically harmless.
How to Stop Bed Bugs from Feeding on You?
As we’ve mentioned before, you shouldn’t expect bed bug bites to stop on their own. If you’re certain that these house pests are behind the red itchy marks on your skin, then you should call an exterminator immediately.
Also, if you suffered several damages and wish to seek reimbursement, you should contact Bed Bug Injury Law to help you determine if you can take legal action.
If you’ve been bitten by bed bugs during your stay in a hospitality establishment or another vicinity, Bed Bug Injury Law can help determine if you have a case we can assist with.
Get in touch with our experienced team today.
