Are Bed Bites From Spiders, Earwigs or Bed Bugs

by Brian
(Oshawa, Ontario. Canada)

My wife had just washed all my linen and I put it on my bed. I sleep in the lower level of the house as I snore real bad. I'm on the 4th level, not the basement which is the 5th level, its a 5 level side split.

I woke up and noticed my leg was itchy. Later so is my arm and my other leg. Very itchy as the day went on. Multiple bites on legs in 2 or 3 areas, arms 1 bite.

Could it be a spider or earwig as I have seen them but never seen or have any issues with bedbugs. Yes we looked. This happened once before a long time ago, and again immediately after the bedding being washed.
Any Ideas?

Editor Response - Bed Bugs, Spiders or Earwigs?

Hi Brian,

I understand how frustrating and concerning it can be to wake up itchy with multiple bites. Here are a few thoughts on how to narrow it down.

Could It Be Bed Bugs?

While bed bug bites are a possibility, it sounds less likely if you’ve inspected your bed and haven’t found any signs (e.g., live bugs, shed skins, fecal stains near mattress seams). Bed bug bites often appear in clusters or lines, especially on exposed skin while sleeping, but they don’t always occur immediately after changing bedding.

Spiders or Earwigs?

It’s unlikely that spiders or earwigs are the culprits. Spiders rarely bite unless provoked, and earwigs don’t typically bite humans. However, their presence could still be a factor if they are crawling on the bed or causing you to scratch.

Could It Be Related to the Freshly Washed Linens?

Given that this has happened before after freshly washed bedding, here are some other possibilities:

Detergent or Fabric Softener Allergy: Skin reactions to detergents, fabric softeners, or dryer sheets can cause itching or hive-like bumps that mimic bug bites.

Irritants Introduced During Washing: If the bedding wasn’t thoroughly rinsed, detergent residue might be causing irritation.

Dust Mites or Mold Spores: If the linens sat damp for a while before drying, it could promote allergens like mold or dust mites, leading to itchy reactions.

Suggested Next Steps:

Rewash Your Linens: Use a hypoallergenic detergent and skip the fabric softener. Ensure the bedding is thoroughly rinsed and dried.

Inspect Your Room: Although bed bugs seem unlikely, it’s still a good idea to inspect for signs of pests, including spiders or other insects.

Monitor Your Skin: If new bites or irritation continue to appear, consider consulting a dermatologist. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines can help reduce itching in the meantime.

Keep in Mind:
If you haven’t experienced any issues with bed bugs in the past and your inspection came up empty, this could very well be an allergic reaction or irritation rather than a pest issue. It might help to keep track of whether the symptoms persist with future bedding changes or under similar conditions.

Best of luck,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook