Can Bed Bug Bites Disappear In An Hour? (Find Out Now!)
Bed bugs are the true nightmare pest of both homeowners and apartment renters. The first sign of an infestation that most people see are the bites. These classic “three in a row” bitemarks freak people out. But, is it always a bed bug bite? What would it mean if it disappears in an hour?
If you saw bites that appeared and disappeared within an hour, chances are that it is not a bed bug’s fault. Bed bug bites generally take anywhere from three days to upwards of 14 days to disappear fully. Disappearing in an hour would be extremely unlikely.
If you think you just got nipped by a bed bug, it’s normal to panic. Before you do, read up on my article. It’ll give you a good idea of what to do.
Do You Need Pest Control Services?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?
At first, they look like smaller versions of a mosquito bite. Oftentimes, you’ll see three or more bites in a straight line. This is because bed bugs will move if you shift while they feed. When a bed bug bites you, you’ll notice an itch that can range from annoying to downright unbearable.
How Long Does It Take For Bed Bug Bites To Appear?
Bed bug bites are not going to show themselves instantly. It can take a while for the telltale rashes to appear. If you have very sensitive skin, it can take as little as an hour to appear. Most people will take between one to three days for a rash to appear on your skin. It’s rare to see bites form after a week.
How Long Does It Take For Bed Bug Bites To Disappear?
Not an hour, that’s for sure. Most desensitized people will need to wait at least three days for them to disappear. In the vast majority of cases, you should expect your bed bug bites to vanish within one to two weeks. Using A+D lotion and calamine lotion can help.
Do Bed Bug Bites Mean You Have An Infestation?
In most cases, the answer is yes. Even if you feel sure that the bugs were not present in your home, it’s safe to assume that you could end up with an infestation. Call an exterminator for a screening, if you can.
What Kind Of Bug Bites Look Like Bed Bug Bites?
So, let’s say that you’ve ruled out bed bugs. What else could be biting you? There are a couple of critters that could be to blame:
- Mosquitoes. These tend to be all over the body, rather than in spots of three in a row. They also tend to be slightly warmer to the touch.
- Centipedes. These bites look similar to bed bug bites, but are painful rather than itchy.
- Spiders. Depending on the spider that bit you, the bite can look like a bed bug bite or a major lesion. You will generally be in a lot of pain if you end up getting bitten by a poisonous one.
- Fleas. Flea bites are going to be the most common bite mistaken for a bed bug bite.
It’s also worth noting that most people also mistake hives for bed bug bites. If you recently switched laundry detergents, then this could be a major reason why you’re getting “bitten.”
Are Bed Bug Bites Dangerous?
They can be, but they are not as bad as spider bites in most occasions. Bed bugs are not capable of spreading disease, so you don’t have to worry about getting a disease from them. However, they can itch and also may be very embarrassing for people. Some studies suggest they can cause PTSD and paranoia in certain patients.
If you are allergic to bed bugs, then you have a lot of different reasons to worry. People have claimed that they’ve gotten hive outbreaks, inflammation, sneezing, as well as respiratory problems as a result of bed bug bites. If that isn’t reason enough to get rid of them, we don’t know what is.
Can Bed Bug Bites Appear On Pets?
Though bed bugs are primarily predatory towards people, they won’t turn down mammal blood if given the chance. They strongly prefer human blood, but they’ll bite dogs and cats, too. Sphynx cats and short-haired dogs are at the highest risk. Look for bloodstains on their beds to determine if you have a problem.
Treating pets for bed bugs is just as important as treating yourself. If you believe bed bugs have made a nest in your pet’s bed, it’s best to treat it through hot water laundering. Soap will not kill bed bugs, but heat will.
Do You Need Pest Control Services?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Related Questions
How fast do bed bugs multiply?
Bed bugs reproduce shockingly quick, which is why powders alone do not make for a good bed bug cure. A single female bed bug will reproduce daily. And, they will lay between one to five eggs per day. This means that a single bed bug could turn into hundreds within the span of a week.
What do bed bug eggs look like?
Bed bug eggs tend to be very tiny, slightly sticky, and white in color. Most of the time, they are smaller than a poppy seed. In some cases, they may be laid together, giving them a look similar to a grain of rice. Since they are very difficult to detect with the naked eye, it’s often easier to look for casings. They are brown and look like tiny onion flakes.
Can you die from a bed bug bite?
While bed bug bites are extremely annoying and itchy, it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll die from them. However, this has happened in the past. People who are allergic to bed bug bites can develop reactions that pose a serious risk to your home.With that said there has been one documented case where a woman was bitten to death by bed bugs. She was 96 years old when it happened, and her caregiver was charged with neglect. It was considered to be a preventable death by the law.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
More by Ossiana Tepfenhart
