8 Differences Between Bed Bug Bites and Spider Bites with Table

What is the difference between bed bug bites and spider bites?

Many people are often bitten but it becomes difficult for them to know whether they were bitten by a bed bug or spider when they wake up.

The bites possess similar characteristics but one has to be keen while looking at them in order to get the right treatment for the bite.

The main difference between bed bug bites and spider bites is that the bed bug bites appear in clusters while spider bites appear in the singular.

Differences Between Bed Bug Bites and Spider Bites

Comparison Table (Bed Bug Bites Vs Spider Bites)

Characteristics Bed Bug Bites Spider Bites
Appearance They appear in clusters. They appear in the singular.
Frequency of bites They bite every night. They only bite once.
When they bite They bite at night. They bite when they are threatened for self-defense.
Bite mark They only suck blood hence difficult to see the mark. They have two fangs hence they leave behind two holes.
The pain of the bite The bites do not hurt. The bites hurt.
The severity of the bite They are less severe. They are more severe.
Number of bites They bite many times. They bite once.
Size of the bite The bites are comparatively smaller. The bites are larger.

What are Bed Bug Bites?

Bed bug bites are small red bumps on your skin. They are normally painful and appear in clusters as bed bugs live in groups and when they are biting each takes a turn hence the bites appear in clusters.

The bites have mild pain associated with some itchiness. When scratched pus can fill them then blisters can also develop in the area.

They typically bite at night or at that time when you are not seeing them. They have straw-like in which they just suck blood hence the bite mark is normally invisible.

The bites can be found on any part of the body as they do not choose where to bite.  They depend on human blood so they have to bite each and every part they access for them to get their food.

Treatment to the bites can be obtained across the counter. They can be antihistamine cream, herbal skin lotion, and other remedies. The area has to be cleaned before applying the cream for effective results.

What are Spider Bites?

Spider bites are often large as the spider is a big insect. The bite marks are normally left behind. They leave behind two holes as they possess two fangs that they use to bite.

The spider bites can be very dangerous as the spider carries venom. They bite at once and it is for self-defense hence you should be careful when handling spiders.

As there are various species of spiders, some bites will appear much larger depending on the species of spider that has bitten you.

As the bites are larger and become more swollen, they hurt and this makes the bitten person feel like scratching the area every now and then which makes the bite worse.

Spiders bite any time of the day or night. They do not have a specific time when they have to bite. Their bites appear in groups on the back, torso, arms, and neck.

Their treatment can be obtained across the counter. There are various anti-histamine creams and anti-itching creams. Anti-venom injections may also be required as the spider inject venom when it bites.

Main Differences between Bed Bug Bites and Spider Bites

  1. Bed bug bites appear in clusters while spider bites appear in the singular.
  2. Bed bug bites occur every night while spider bites in once.
  3. Bed bug bites are comparatively smaller while spider bites are larger.
  4. Bed bug bites do not hurt while spider bites hurt.
  5. Bed bug bites do not leave marks while spider bites leave behind two holes
  6. Bed bugs bite during the night or at a time when you are not seeing them while spiders bite any time.
  7. Bed bugs bite for them to get a source of survival while spiders bite for self-defense.

Similarities between Bed Bug Bites and Spider Bites

  1. The bites are both itchy.
  2. Both bites appear as red bumps on the skin.
  3. Both bites can be treated over the counter.

In Conclusion

Bed bug bites and spider bites both cause itchiness on the skin. One should observe keenly to find which bite specifically is to deal with for him or her to get the correct treatment.

Bed bug bites occur in clusters as they live in groups and each has to bite in order to feed itself. Spider bites occur singly as they only bite once for self-defense.

The main feature that makes bed bug bites appear different from spider bites is the way they appear on the skin.

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