Waking up with itchy bites is often the first sign of bed bugs. But bites alone can be confusing. Here’s how to tell what’s biting you and what to look for next.
Quick Answer
Bed bug bites are usually small, red, itchy bumps that often appear in a line or cluster of three to five on skin that’s exposed while you sleep, like the arms, shoulders, neck and legs. Flea bites are usually smaller and grouped around the ankles and lower legs. Mosquito bites are usually single, puffy and random. Bites alone can’t confirm bed bugs, so look for blood spots, dark specks and shed skins on your mattress.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
- Small red bumps, sometimes with a darker centre
- Often in a line or zigzag, or in small clusters
- Usually on skin exposed during sleep: arms, shoulders, neck, face, legs
- Itchy, sometimes for several days
- Can show up hours or even days after the bite
Some people don’t react to bed bug bites at all, so not having bites doesn’t mean you don’t have bed bugs.
Bed Bug vs. Flea vs. Mosquito Bites
| Bed bugs | Fleas | Mosquitoes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern | Lines or clusters | Small groups | Single, random |
| Where | Arms, shoulders, neck, legs | Ankles and lower legs | Any exposed skin |
| When | Overnight, while sleeping | Any time, often near pets | Mostly outdoors, evenings |
| Look | Red bump, may have dark centre | Tiny red dot, often with halo | Puffy, pale or pink welt |
| Other clues | Blood spots on sheets | Pets scratching | Bites after time outside |
If you have pets and bites around your ankles, read about fleas.
Other Signs That Confirm Bed Bugs
- Blood spots: small rusty spots on sheets and pillowcases
- Dark specks: tiny black dots along mattress seams and bed frames
- Shed skins: pale, empty shells in seams and cracks
- Eggs: tiny white eggs in seams and furniture joints
- Live bugs: flat, brown, apple-seed-sized insects
Check mattress seams, the box spring, bed frame joints, headboards, nightstands and the edges of carpet near the bed.
Why Bed Bugs Are Common in the GTA
Bed bugs spread through luggage, used furniture, moving boxes and laundry, and they move between units in condos and apartments through shared walls. Toronto, North York condos and apartments and Scarborough towers see a lot of cases, but they show up in houses everywhere.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Bed Bugs?
- Don’t move to the couch or another room to sleep. It can spread them.
- Don’t use store-bought foggers. They can scatter bed bugs into walls.
- Wash bedding on hot and dry on high heat.
- If you rent, tell your landlord or property manager right away.
- Book a professional inspection to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bed bug bites make you sick?
Bed bugs aren’t known to spread disease, but bites can be very itchy and scratching can lead to skin infections. See a doctor if bites look infected or you have a strong reaction.
Do bed bugs only bite at night?
Mostly, yes. They usually feed while you sleep, but they can bite during the day if hungry.
Can bed bugs be removed completely?
Yes, with a proper inspection, treatment and follow-up. Read our guide on whether bed bugs can be removed completely.
Bed Bug Treatment Across the GTA
Quality Affordable Pest Control inspects and treats bed bugs in houses, condos and apartments, with follow-up visits to make sure they’re gone. We serve homes and businesses across the GTA, including Toronto, Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan. See all our service areas.
Call 1-800-726-3913 for a free estimate.
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