![black bed bugs black bed bugs](https://pulpbits.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/black-bug.jpg)
The skin reaction to a bed bug bite may be delayed for up to two weeks, particularly if it is the first time that the sufferer has been bitten. More serious (anaphylactic-like) systemic reactions are rare but have been reported.
![black bed bugs black bed bugs](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/natureplus/servlet/JiveServlet/download/99029-40120/20170528_114552.jpg)
Some have no reaction at all, while others have strong, blistering reactions. Reactions to bed bug bites are highly variable between people. Similar reactions can also be caused by scabies mites and a wide variety of allergens. This can cause bites to occur in rows as they move along the edge of the exposed skin searching for a suitable feeding site.īites should never be considered a conclusive sign of a bed bug infestation, as they can be caused by a range of other insects including midges, mosquitoes, fleas and lice. Faecal spots deposited on non-absorbent surfaces such as varnished wood, often dry as a dark, raised lump.īed bugs feed on exposed skin and often prefer not to climb onto the host as they feed. Faecal spots deposited on absorbent surfaces such as bed sheets are wicked into the fibres, resembling ink from a fountain pen. The appearance of the faecal spots is also influenced by the absorbency of the substrate they are deposited on. Blood identification kits have shown promise at being able to distinguish the faecal material of blood-feeding insects, such as bed bugs, from that of other household invertebrates the products section.įaecal spots can vary in colour from black through to tan depending upon the relative proportions of digested blood and uric acid. Spots found high on the walls, on the ceiling, or on light fittings are much more likely to be produced by flies. However, very similar spots can be produced by spiders, flies and German cockroaches, so location can be an important factor in distinguishing the two.
![black bed bugs black bed bugs](https://www.nhm.ac.uk/natureplus-final/natureplus/servlet/JiveServlet/download/48008-18035/image.jpg)
Black, ink-like spots on the sheets, mattress or bed frame are one of the most recognisable tell-tale signs of bed bugs. These faecal spots are often one of the first indicators of an infestation. However, they can last for a long time and cannot therefore be used to distinguish active and past infestations.īed bugs start producing dark, aqueous faecal material as soon as they have fed. With experience the cast skins of bed bugs are easily distinguishable from those of other insects. Hatched eggs are recognisable by the absence of an end-cap and their translucent appearance. Viable eggs are pearl coloured and, during the later stages of development, the eye-spot of the developing embryo is visible through the shell of the egg. Under magnification hatched and viable eggs can easily be distinguished. 1.2 mm long), but easily distinguishable (with experience) from those of other household insects. As bed bugs do not have a larval stage, these features are visible at all stages of the lifecycle (except the egg).