Bed Bug Bites Triangle: How to Spot, Treat & Stop Them Now
If you wake up and noticed odd, red, and itching spots on your skin, you might be thinking about when you got them. One common pattern you might find is three bites in a triangle.
These unique bed bug bite triangles are usually gives a signal that bed bugs have been biting on you. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what these bites are, how to differentiate them from flea bites, and what you need to do for treatment.
What are bed bug bite triangle patterns?
Bed bugs bites in triangle is the most common pattern that occurs when they bites. Such bites looks like a triangular shape. This is because bed bugs bite repeatedly, usually in a close distance from each other.
Bed bugs bite numerous times once they get full, which creates three bug bites in a triangle. It’s an indication that bed bugs was feeding on your skin while traveling from one location to the next.
Bed bugs are nocturnal, this is why they commonly bite during the night when you are sleeping. Because of their quick speed, bed bugs can travel room to room after biting without getting noticed.
Why are there 3 bites in a triangle on my body?
Noticing three bites in a triangle is a sign of bed bug bites. These bugs feed at the same place, causing several bites at one section of your skin. Bed bugs feed on humans around various locations within the same portion of the body, forming a triangle.
They are typically little but can sometimes become swollen, red, and itchy. If you observe three triangular bumps or something similar, you must seek professional advice.
Do fleas also bite in a triangle pattern?
As compared to bed bugs, flea bites randomly. Fleas bite pets instead of humans. For this reason, flea bites on humans are not that common compared to bed bugs bite.
Flea Bites vs Bugs Bite? How They Are Different
The primary different of flea bites vs bed bug bites is the appearance of both.
It is very common to see flea bites around ankles on human body. But bed bugs mostly bites to the exposed area like arms, shoulders or neck.
Also, bed bug bites triangle patterns are much easy to see as these insects feed in groups. If you notice bites in a triangle or three bites at the same place it’s a clear sign of bed bugs.
Here’s the difference in their behavior:
Bed Bugs:
Bed bugs are common to be found near beds, furniture, and wall cracks. They like to hide during the day and only come out at night to feed.
Fleas:
On the other hand, cats and dogs are the common animal prey of fleas. They live in the animal’s fur and bite humans only when they need to.
5 Best Ways to Identify Bed Bug Bites
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with bed bug bites or another type of bite, here are some key ways to help identify them:
1. Didn’t feel it
Bed bugs are unique in that they inject an anesthetic when they bite, which means you won’t feel the bite right away. These pests feed for several minutes, often without you noticing. If you wake up to three bumps in a triangle, but didn’t feel the bites during the night, they could likely be from bed bugs.
2. Looks like a mosquito bite
Bed bug bites often resemble mosquito bites, being red, swollen, and itchy. If you’ve recently been in an area with mosquitoes, it might be difficult to tell the difference. However, if you haven’t been exposed to mosquitoes and you see bites, especially in a bed bug bites triangle, it’s more likely they’re from bed bugs.
3. New bites when you wake up
It is very common to get bitten by bed bugs while sleeping, as they get active at night mostly. If you wake up with new bites that weren’t there when you went to bed, this could be a clear sign of a bed bug infestation. These bites might form a triangle pattern, with several bites close together.
4. Dried blood spots
Once bed bugs are done sucking blood, they leave behind blood spots on human skin or sheets. If you wake up and find dried blood spots around the bite marks, it’s a good sign that you’re dealing with bed bugs.
5. Bites in a line
One common characteristic of bed bugs is that they often bite in a line. If you notice a line of bites, sometimes forming a triangle, this could mean that you’re dealing with bed bugs rather than another pest.
How to Treat Bed Bugs and Flea Bites
Many people wish to eliminate bed bugs and flea because of their bites. The good news is there are different strategies that works best to heal their bites. Here are a few treatments to consider:
Cool Cloth
Gently wash the affected area with a cool cloth and a mild soap. This will help reduce swelling and ease itching.
Antihistamines
Taking an antihistamine pill or applying an antihistamine cream can help calm the skin reaction to bed bug bites and flea bites.
Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage any pain or swelling associated with the bites.
Avoid Scratching
It’s important not to scratch the bites, as this can cause further irritation and even infection. Instead, focus on soothing the bites with cool compresses and medications.
FAQs
1. What causes a triangle pattern of bed bug bites?
The bed bug bites triangle occurs when multiple bed bugs feed in the same area, creating a cluster of bites that form a triangle pattern.
2. How can I tell if the bites are from fleas or bed bugs?
Flea bites usually occur on your lower legs and are less likely to form a bed bug bites triangle. Bed bugs, on the other hand, feed in clusters on exposed skin areas, often leaving three bites in a triangle.
3. How can I get rid of bed bug bites?
To treat bed bug bites, wash the area with cool water, apply antihistamines, and avoid scratching. You may also want to call a pest control company for professional treatment if you have an infestation.
Still Seeing the Bed Bug Bites Triangle?
Don’t wait until it gets worse. If you’re waking up with itchy triangle-shaped bites, it’s time to take action. Just call our pest control professionals, we’ll find the source and help you sleep bite-free again.