Bed bug bites vary based on the species, but most cause red, itchy welts that appear in clusters or linear patterns on exposed skin. While Cimex lectularius (common bed bug) is the most well-known species, bat bugs, swallow bugs, and poultry bugs can also bite humans. This identification chart will help distinguish between different bed bug species and their bite patterns for better recognition and treatment.
1. Cimex lectularius (Common Bed Bug) Bite, Symptoms & Identification
The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a parasitic insect that feeds on human blood, typically at night. Their bites are painless at first but later turn into red, itchy welts. These bites often appear in clusters, straight lines, or zigzag patterns, commonly on exposed skin such as the face, arms, and legs.
Symptoms of Cimex lectularius Bites
- Small, red, swollen bumps with or without a dark center
- Itchiness and irritation, which may worsen with scratching
- Possible allergic reactions, leading to blisters or severe swelling
- Secondary infections from excessive scratching
How to Identify Cimex lectularius (Common Bed Bug)
The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is oval, reddish-brown, and about 5-7mm long. They hide in mattresses, bed frames, cracks, and furniture. Signs of infestation include bloodstains, fecal spots, and shed skins.
2. Cimex hemipterus (Tropical Bed Bug) Bite, Symptoms & Identification
The tropical bed bug (Cimex hemipterus) is a blood-feeding insect closely related to the common bed bug. It thrives in warmer and tropical climates and feeds on human blood at night. Bites are painless at first but later develop into red, itchy welts. These bites usually appear in clusters, zigzag patterns, or straight lines, commonly on exposed skin like the face, arms, neck, and legs.
Symptoms of Cimex hemipterus Bites
- Small, red, swollen bumps with or without a darker center
- Intense itching and irritation, which may worsen with scratching
- Possible allergic reactions, leading to large welts or blistering
- Secondary infections due to excessive scratching
How to Identify Cimex hemipterus (Tropical Bed Bug)
The tropical bed bug (Cimex hemipterus) is reddish-brown, oval, and slightly smaller than Cimex lectularius. It hides in mattresses, bed frames, cracks, and furniture. Signs of infestation include bloodstains, fecal spots, and shed skins.
3. Leptocimex boueti (West African Bed Bug) Bite, Symptoms & Identification
The West African bed bug (Leptocimex boueti) is a parasitic insect found mainly in tropical regions of West Africa and South America. Unlike other bed bugs, it primarily feeds on humans and bats, preferring warm and humid environments. Its bites are similar to those of Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus, causing red, itchy welts that often appear in clusters or linear patterns on exposed skin.
Symptoms of Leptocimex boueti Bites
- Small, red, swollen bumps, often in groups
- Persistent itching and irritation, which may lead to skin infections
- Possible allergic reactions, including swelling and blistering
- Sleep disturbances due to discomfort from bites
How to Identify Leptocimex boueti (West African Bed Bug)
The West African bed bug (Leptocimex boueti) resembles Cimex species but is more adapted to warm climates. It hides in walls, ceilings, mattresses, and bat roosts. Signs of infestation include bloodstains, fecal spots, and molted skins.
4. Cimex adjunctus (Bat Bug) Bite, Symptoms & Identification
The bat bug (Cimex adjunctus) is closely related to the common bed bug but primarily feeds on bats. However, when bats are absent, it may bite humans. Found in attics, caves, and near bat roosts, its bites cause similar reactions to those of Cimex lectularius, leading to red, itchy welts that may appear in clusters or straight lines.
Symptoms of Cimex adjunctus Bites
- Small, red, swollen bumps, often appearing in groups
- Intense itching and irritation, which can worsen with scratching
- Potential allergic reactions, leading to welts or blistering
- Sleep disturbances due to itching and discomfort
How to Identify Cimex adjunctus (Bat Bug)
The bat bug (Cimex adjunctus) looks nearly identical to the common bed bug but has longer body hairs. It hides in walls, ceilings, attics, and bat roosting areas. Signs of infestation include bloodstains, fecal spots, and shed skins.
5. Cimex pilosellus (Western Bat Bug) Bite, Symptoms & Identification
The Western bat bug (Cimex pilosellus) is a close relative of the common bed bug but primarily feeds on bats. When bats leave their roosts, these bugs may infest human dwellings and bite people. Their bites are similar to Cimex adjunctus, causing red, itchy welts that can appear in clusters or linear patterns on exposed skin.
Symptoms of Cimex pilosellus Bites
- Small, red, swollen bumps, often appearing in groups
- Intense itching and irritation, which can worsen with scratching
- Possible allergic reactions, leading to large welts or blistering
- Skin infections due to excessive scratching
How to Identify Cimex pilosellus (Western Bat Bug)
The Western bat bug (Cimex pilosellus) is similar to Cimex adjunctus but has longer hairs on its body. It hides in attics, caves, and bat roosting areas, often near walls and ceilings. Signs of infestation include bloodstains, fecal spots, and shed skins.
6. Cimex antennatus (Eastern Bat Bug) Bite, Symptoms & Identification
The Eastern bat bug (Cimex antennatus) is another species closely related to the common bed bug, primarily feeding on bats. When bats leave their roosts, these bugs may move into homes and bite humans. Their bites are similar to Cimex lectularius, causing red, itchy welts that often appear in clusters or straight lines on exposed skin.
Symptoms of Cimex antennatus Bites
- Small, red, swollen bumps, usually in groups
- Intense itching and irritation, which may lead to scratching-related infections
- Potential allergic reactions, such as swelling or blistering
- Sleep disturbances due to discomfort from itching
How to Identify Cimex antennatus (Eastern Bat Bug)
The Eastern bat bug (Cimex antennatus) resembles the common bed bug but has longer body hairs and is slightly smaller. It hides in bat roosting areas, attics, walls, and ceilings. Signs of infestation include bloodstains, fecal spots, and shed skins.
7. Cimex pipistrelli (European Bat Bug) Bite, Symptoms & Identification
The European bat bug (Cimex pipistrelli) is a parasitic insect that primarily feeds on bats but can bite humans when bat hosts are unavailable. Found in Europe and some parts of Asia, it lives in bat roosts, attics, and wall crevices. Bites from this species cause red, itchy welts similar to those of the common bed bug, often appearing in clusters or linear patterns on exposed skin.
Symptoms of Cimex pipistrelli Bites
- Small, red, swollen bumps, often in groups
- Persistent itching and irritation, which may worsen with scratching
- Possible allergic reactions, including welts or blistering
- Risk of secondary infections from excessive scratching
How to Identify Cimex pipistrelli (European Bat Bug)
The European bat bug (Cimex pipistrelli) closely resembles Cimex adjunctus but has longer hairs on its body. It hides in bat roosting areas, attics, and wall voids. Signs of infestation include bloodstains, fecal spots, and shed skins.
8. Haematosiphon inodorus (Mexican Chicken Bug) Bite, Symptoms & Identification
The Mexican chicken bug (Haematosiphon inodorus) is a blood-feeding insect that primarily targets poultry, but it can also bite humans and other animals when its preferred host is unavailable. Found in Mexico and parts of the southern United States, it hides in chicken coops, barns, and cracks in wooden structures. Its bites resemble those of bed bugs, causing red, swollen, and itchy welts.
Symptoms of Haematosiphon inodorus Bites
- Small, red, inflamed bumps, often appearing in groups
- Intense itching and irritation, which may lead to skin infections
- Potential allergic reactions, such as swelling or blistering
- Possible secondary infections from excessive scratching
How to Identify Haematosiphon inodorus (Mexican Chicken Bug)
The Mexican chicken bug looks similar to Cimex species but is larger and more elongated. It hides in poultry housing, barn walls, and wooden structures. Signs of infestation include bloodstains, fecal spots, and molted skins.
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9. Oeciacus vicarius (Swallow Bug) Bite, Symptoms & Identification
The swallow bug (Oeciacus vicarius) is a parasitic insect that primarily feeds on swallows but may bite humans when birds leave their nests. It is commonly found in North America, especially in areas where swallows build mud nests on buildings, bridges, and cliffs. Its bites are similar to those of bed bugs, causing red, itchy welts, often in clusters or linear patterns on exposed skin.
Symptoms of Oeciacus vicarius Bites
- Small, red, swollen bumps, usually appearing in clusters
- Intense itching and irritation, which can lead to skin infections
- Possible allergic reactions, including swelling and blistering
- Increased risk of secondary infections due to scratching
How to Identify Oeciacus vicarius (Swallow Bug)
The swallow bug (Oeciacus vicarius) is similar in appearance to bed bugs but has longer body hairs. It hides in bird nests, cracks in walls, and under eaves. Signs of infestation include bloodstains, fecal spots, and shed skins near swallow nesting sites.
10. Oeciacus hirundinis (European Swallow Bug) Bite, Symptoms & Identification
The European swallow bug (Oeciacus hirundinis) is a parasitic insect that primarily feeds on swallows but can bite humans when birds leave their nests. Found in Europe and parts of Asia, it thrives in cliffside bird nests, attics, and wall crevices. Its bites resemble those of bed bugs, causing red, itchy welts that often appear in clusters or straight lines on exposed skin.
Symptoms of Oeciacus hirundinis Bites
- Small, red, swollen bumps, often appearing in groups
- Persistent itching and irritation, which may worsen with scratching
- Possible allergic reactions, including swelling or blistering
- Secondary infections from excessive scratching
How to Identify Oeciacus hirundinis (European Swallow Bug)
The European swallow bug (Oeciacus hirundinis) is similar to Oeciacus vicarius but is primarily found in Europe. It hides in bird nests, cracks in walls, and near swallow roosts. Signs of infestation include bloodstains, fecal spots, and shed skins.
Step-by-Step Guide to Treat Bed Bug Bites
1. Clean the Affected Area
- Wash the bites with soap and lukewarm water to remove bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Reduce Itching and Swelling
- Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to soothe irritation.
- Use an antihistamine (oral or topical) to control allergic reactions and itching.
- Place a cold compress (ice wrapped in a cloth) on the bites for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling.
3. Avoid Scratching
- Scratching can cause skin infections and worsen irritation.
4. Treat Infections (If Needed)
- If bites become red, swollen, or pus-filled, apply an antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin).
- For severe infections, consult a doctor for oral antibiotics.
5. Prevent Future Bites
- Wash bedding, clothes, and infested items in hot water and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum mattresses, furniture, and cracks to remove bed bugs and eggs.
- Consider professional pest control for severe infestations.
