Mosquitoes and bed bugs are two of the most common pests found in homes. While they both cause discomfort, mosquitoes can also carry diseases such as dengue fever, West Nile virus, Zika, etc. They bite during the day or night, depending on their feeding habits. Learn more about distinguishing between mosquito bites and bed bug bites.
Bedbugs are tiny blood-feeding insects that feed on human blood. They live in cracks and crevices around the home, especially near beds and couches. The bites from these little creatures are very painful and can last for weeks.
While it’s true that the bites of mosquitoes and bedbugs look similar, they are not. Mosquitoes usually bite at dawn or dusk, whereas bedbugs tend to bite at night. Bedbug bites are often red and raised welts, whereas mosquito bites are flat and smooth. If you suspect you might have a bedbug infestation, contact pest control professionals immediately.
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Mosquito Bites vs Bed Bug Bites
Mosquitoes have been around since ancient times and were originally native to North America. In fact, they were first discovered in Egypt over 4000 years ago. Over time, mosquitoes have become a nuisance in many parts of the world, especially in tropical climates where they breed year-round. While mosquitoes can carry a wide variety of illnesses, some of them are much worse than others.
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that live in warm environments and feed off blood. They are often found in places where people sleep, including bedrooms, couches, and even cars. Bedbugs are not just parasites. They actually serve a purpose to their environment. These little critters help maintain balance in ecosystems by eating other insects. However, if left untreated, bedbug bites can cause itching, swelling, and skin discolorations.
While mosquitoes may look similar to bedbugs, they do not share the same lifestyle. Mosquitoes are active at night while bedbugs prefer daytime activity. Mosquitoes only need a single meal per day while bedbugs require several meals throughout the week. After feeding, mosquitoes rest in dark spots until the sun comes out again. Once the sunlight hits their bodies, they begin to move around looking for food. On the other hand, bedbugs hide away in dark spaces until the morning when they emerge to search for a place to rest. If you notice any of these behaviors, it could mean that you have a problem with bedbugs.
How to determine whether you are bitten by Mosquito or Bed Bug
To determine whether you have a bedbug infestation, check for telltale signs. Bedbugs leave behind tiny droppings called fecal matter. Look for these droppings near cracks or crevices in furniture, wall voids, or under beds. You might also find dried-up blood spots on your sheets. These spots are likely caused by bedbugs chewing on you while you slept. Another way to identify bedbugs is by noticing the small black marks they leave on your skin after feeding.
Mosquitoes bite primarily to obtain a meal of blood. Their saliva contains an enzyme that helps them suck blood from humans. Mosquitoes’ primary hosts are birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and humans.
If you suspect that you have a problem, contact your local pest control company immediately. Most companies offer free inspections before they charge you for treatment.
Symptoms of Mosquito Bites & Bed Bug Bites
Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites
Symptoms of bedbug bites vary depending on the severity of the infestation. Mild cases of bedbugs do not result in any symptoms. However, severe infestations can lead to itching, inflammation, swelling, and sometimes rashes.
Symptoms of Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites are painful and often leave behind welts. These welts tend to itch and burn worse than bug bites. Mosquito bites can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, chills, fever, and fatigue.
Treatment Options
Treatment Options for Bed Bug Bites
Treatment options for bedbug bites include antihistamines, calamine lotion, and topical creams. If you suspect bedbugs, contact pest control professionals.
Treatment Options for Mosquito Bites
Treatment options for mosquito bites include antihistamines and topical creams. Contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of mosquito bites.
Also Read,
When to see a doctor
Most of the time people don’t require medical attention for bed bug bites or insect bites. If someone develops a severe allergic reaction to the mosquito bite, or if they develop a secondary infection from the bite, then they need medical attention.
If you notice any signs that someone may need medical attention, they should be taken seriously.
- Feeling that the throat is tightening up — seek immediate medical attention
- having a lot of bites
- developing fever, swelling (inflammation), hives (itchy skin), blistered
- not getting any relief from OTC anti-itch medication
FAQs
Do bedbugs bite like mosquitoes?
How many times do Bedbug Bites fully feed?
What is the main cause of bed bugs?
The main causes of bed bugs are:
Poor ventilation and air conditioning systems
Overcrowding
Lack of pest control measures
Unhygienic conditions
Dirty environments
Dirty clothes
Pet stains
Insecticides
Pests
Cracks and crevices
Clutter
Unsanitary habits
Summary
Mosquitoes are some of the worst creatures in the world. They bite us during our sleep, they carry diseases such as malaria, Zika fever, Dengue fever, etc., and they also spread other insects too.
Bed bugs are another pest that bites us at night. These pests feed on human blood and cause allergic reactions.
Bugs are creepy crawlers, but they aren’t necessarily dangerous. If you see them crawling around your bed, it’s possible that you have a mosquito problem. But, if you notice red bumps or welts on your skin, it’s likely that you have bed bug problems.
