Bed bug bites and mosquito bites are both red and itchy… and neither are anything you want to encounter! You want to take appropriate action regarding first aid and bug elimination but – without seeing what bit you – you might wonder, “How can I tell the difference between a mosquito bite and a bed bug bite?”

Does a Bed Bug Bite Look Like a Mosquito Bite?

Many types of bug bites are more alike than they are different. Bed bug bites can resemble mosquito bites – but there are a few distinctions. There may be differences in bite patterns, locations, and symptoms that can provide clues about what bug bit you.

How Far Apart Are Bed Bug Bites?

Bed bug bites tend to happen in clusters or lines of approximately three to five itchy bites, spaced a couple of centimeters apart. The clusters can be close together or on separate areas of the body. They appear on areas of exposed skin that touch an infested mattress, piece of furniture, curtain, or carpet. Bed bug bites are especially prevalent at night because that’s when they have long spans of close contact with humans.

These bites typically are small, slightly raised, and often have a darker center with paler than normal skin surrounding it. More severe symptoms include hives, or blisters containing clear fluid. As with any sort of bug bite, a small percentage of individuals may have a serious allergic reaction like pain, severe swelling, or even anaphylaxis. Fortunately, unlike mosquitoes, bed bugs do not transmit diseases.

What Looks Similar to a Bed Bug Bite?

It’s easy to mistake a bed bug bite for the bite of another insect. Flea bites may resemble bed bug bites… as can mosquito, spider, lice, or tick bites. Other types of mites may leave similar traces.

For example, scabies is a mite infestation that also causes severe itching and red lesions. The primary difference is that scabies bites may leave small burrow lines just under the skin.

Are Mosquito Bites Raised or Flat?

Mosquito bites usually appear as raised, itchy, red bumps that become visible just minutes after the encounter. These bumps may be puffy or have an obvious puncture mark in the center. Some individuals may experience one or more hard bumps at the bite location a day or two afterwards, while others may develop small blisters or bruise-like dark spots.

Those who are particularly sensitive could have a stronger reaction including: welts, hives, a spreading raised area, fever, or swollen glands. Mosquito allergies – like bed bug allergies – may result in life-threatening symptoms like anaphylaxis.

Mosquito bites (unlike bed bug bites) usually occur singly instead of in groups of multiple bites. Their location is more random, happening wherever a mosquito can access bare skin. Mosquito bites can happen at any time of day or night… but your odds of being bitten are higher during the hours around dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

We Can Eliminate Mosquitoes Year-Round

Because so many types of bug bites look alike, it’s important to determine what bit you as soon as possible. When a bed bug infestation is a possibility, it’s crucial to address it in its earliest stages. The same goes for mosquitoes, due to the increasing number of dangerous diseases they transmit.

East End Tick and Mosquito Control® has been eliminating mosquitoes year-round for over a quarter of a century. Our licensed, insured professionals will pinpoint where mosquitoes are breeding on your property and neutralize the threat. If we determine you have a bed bug issue instead, we can refer you to a trusted pest control company that specializes in bed bug eradication. Contact us online for a free estimate, or call (631) 324-9700 in East Hampton; (631) 287-9700 in Southampton, or (631) 765-9700 in Southold. We look forward to hearing from you!