Has the presence of itchy bumps got you guessing? You’re not alone. Many homeowners mistake bed bug bites and mosquito bites with one another. While they are equally frustrating to deal with, they pose different kinds of threats to your well-being and health.
Learning to differentiate between bed bugs vs mosquito bites can make a huge difference in helping you adjust your cleaning habits to target the right culprit.
Join us as we discuss the differences between these two insect-borne bites.
The Health Risks and Symptoms Associated With Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites are rarely fatal. However, they pose a greater threat to your sleep quality and can cause immense psychological stress. The constant sleep disturbances can lead to fatigue, decreased productivity, and mood swings.
You can tell if it’s a bed bug bite if:
- The appearance of the bite is a series of small, red bumps clustered in a line or a zigzag pattern.
- Most bed bug bites appear on the arms, legs, and shoulders.
- Bed bug bites don’t appear immediately. Sometimes, it can take days for the affected area to start itching.
How to Differentiate a Mosquito Bite
Psychologically, mosquito bites aren’t as damaging. Health-wise, they’re a lot worse.
Mosquitoes are known carriers of dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus, Zika, and more. Children and the elderly are at most risk of mosquito bites because of their underdeveloped or compromised immune systems.
The typical mosquito bite will have the following characteristics:
- These bites are often solitary and raised, presenting as a noticeable red bump on the skin.
- Mosquitoes don’t have a particular preferred spot. As long as there’s exposed skin, they’ll bite and suck blood.
- Mosquito bites will itch and swell immediately.
Battling Bed Bugs and Mosquitoes At Home
As homeowners, there are plenty of preventative measures you can take to limit, if not completely eradicate, bed bugs and mosquitoes from your home.
How To Keep The Bed Bugs Away
- Use zippered, bed bug-proof covers on mattresses and box springs.
- Wash infected bedding in hot water (at least 130°F and dry them on high heat).
- Vacuum over your carpets, furniture, and mattresses regularly. Pay close attention to the edges and seams. These are the usual hiding spots of bed bugs.
- Seal crevices and cracks around your home, particularly in windows, doors, and baseboards.
Tips for Eliminating Mosquitoes
- Remove standing water sources around your home as they are the breeding grounds of mosquitoes.
- Install mosquito nets and screens on windows and doors.
- Apply insect repellent when going outside. Make sure to follow label instructions.
- Plant mosquito-repelling plants like lemongrass and citronella around your home.
Keeping Your Home Bed Bug- and Mosquito-Free
You and your family don’t deserve to deal with bed bug bites and mosquito bites. But, understanding the differences between bed bugs vs mosquito bites can make it easier to identify problem areas around your home. This eliminates the guesswork of finding which common household pest is causing your family distress.
However, for a complete and total solution, seek professional help from a pest control specialist.
Here at Unitech Pest Control, we can guarantee the complete eradication of mosquitoes and bed bugs from your home. This way, you can be at peace knowing that you and your family are safe from the health risks of bed bug bites and mosquito bites.