In short, yes, the old adage ‘don’t let the bed bugs bite’ is true: bed bugs do bite. Moreover, the presence of bed bug bites is commonly one of the first ways that most people find out that they have bed bugs in their home or have come into contact with them on their travels.

In fact, bed bugs need to bite warm-blooded creatures in order to survive. They feed on the blood of humans and other mammals, like dogs and cats, in order to grow and breed. They don’t always feed every day, sometimes just once or twice a week; this can be more frequent in warmer conditions and less frequent in cooler climates.

What do bed bug bites look like?

So how do you know that it was a bed bug that bit you? This is a great question and one that often leads to confusion. Because bed bugs can be tricky to spot, it is common for people to think that the bites on their bodies have been caused by fleas or mosquitoes. This misconception only leads to their bed bug infestation getting worse due to the delay in treatment.

Usually, the first thing you’ll know about your bed bugs is a series of small, itchy, slightly swollen bite marks or welts on your skin. If your skin is white or light in color, the bites are usually pink or red; on black or brown skin, the bites may be more of a purple hue and can sometimes be quite difficult to see. It is key to look out for bites on skin that isn’t usually covered by pajamas while you’re sleeping: the bites are most commonly found on the arms, neck, and face. Sometimes, the bites can be in a zigzag pattern; other times, they may just appear as a cluster of marks on your exposed skin. In most people, the bites are merely an itchy annoyance; if you are allergic to bed bugs, you may find that the bites swell, too.

What do I do about bed bug bites?

The good news is that as soon as you are aware of your bed bug infestation, you will be able to treat it. Though there are many toxic, chemical-heavy treatments on the market, as well as highly expensive extermination services, there are safe and natural ways to treat bed bugs yourself, too. Using a non-toxic, natural bed bug treatment will ensure that you, your children, and your pets can sleep soundly in your beds, knowing that your bed bug situation is being safely handled.

Our natural, plant-based Bed Bug Patrol Killer Spray provides an all-natural solution to infestations of bed bugs, as well as fleas, spiders, and other common indoor bugs. Our 100% natural solution is made in the USA. It relies on the power of natural ingredients like citric acid, clove oil, and peppermint oil to naturally deter these bugs from living in your furnishings and upholstery. Just spray our solution on affected surfaces twice per day, and it will get to work on exterminating your bed bugs and preventing their return. To keep you safe from bed bugs on your travels, arm yourself with our Bed Bug Blasting Travel Spray, which comes in a handy, TSA-approved travel-size bottle for your convenience.