Bed Bug Bites vs. Mosquito Bites: How to Tell

Solving the Itchy Mystery

Waking up with a red, itchy welt can be alarming. Is it a stray mosquito that got in, or the start of a nightmare infestation? While reactions vary from person to person, there are distinct differences in how these bites typically appear.

The "Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner" Pattern

The biggest giveaway for bed bugs is the pattern. Mosquito bites are usually random and isolated. Bed bug bites, conversely, often appear in a line or a tight cluster. This is often referred to by exterminators as "breakfast, lunch, and dinner" as the bug moves along your skin to feed multiple times.

Location, Location, Location

• Mosquitoes: Prefer exposed skin. If you are sleeping under a blanket, mosquito bites will usually be on your face, neck, or arms that stick out.
• Bed Bugs: Can crawl under loose clothing. Bites on the stomach, back, or areas covered by pajamas are more likely to be bed bugs.

Reaction Time

Mosquito bites itch almost immediately. Bed bug bites contain an anesthetic in the saliva, meaning you might not feel the itch for hours or even days after the bite occurs.

Summary Table

Feature	Mosquito	Bed Bug
Pattern	Random	Lines/Clusters
Location	Exposed Skin	Anywhere
Reaction	Immediate	Delayed