How ti Investigate Hives and if They are Bed Bug Bites

by Marie
(NY, NY)

I have been breaking out into massive hives over the past month, and have noticed they are most severe in the morning when I wake up or (starting last night) in the middle of the night. I am concerned that these are from bed bugs, but I also break out during random parts of the day, even when I've been away for the weekend and not sleeping in my bed.

Any thoughts?

I am going straight home from work to inspect my bed!!

Suggestions From Our Editor

Hi Marie,

I’m sorry to hear about your hives and the stress this is causing — it sounds frustrating and concerning. Here are a few possibilities and steps you can take.

Could It Be Bed Bugs?

The timing of your hives appearing in the morning or at night raises the possibility of bed bugs. Bed bugs tend to bite exposed skin while you sleep, leaving small, red, itchy welts that often appear in clusters or lines. However, they don't typically cause hives (raised, itchy welts over larger areas of the body) unless someone has a significant allergic reaction.

The Breakouts During the Day

If you're experiencing hives during the day, even when away from your bed, it might suggest another trigger, such as:

Allergic reactions: This could be to something you ate, a product you’ve used on your skin, or even airborne allergens.

Environmental factors: Changes in temperature, stress, or even sunlight exposure can sometimes cause hives.

Inspecting Your Bed

When you inspect your bed tonight, here’s what to look for:

Sheets and mattress seams: Check for small rust-colored stains (bed bug feces) or tiny dark spots.

Live bugs: Bed bugs are small, flat, and reddish-brown—about the size of an apple seed.
Shell casings: Look for pale yellow, shed skins that the bugs leave behind.
Hiding places: Check nearby furniture, baseboards, or even electrical outlets, as bed bugs hide during the day. You can spot bed bugs with the naked eye.

Use a flashlight and magnifying glass if possible.

What If You Don’t See Bed Bugs?
If your inspection doesn’t reveal evidence of bed bugs, it may still be worthwhile to consult a dermatologist or allergist. A professional inspection of your home could also confirm or rule out a pest issue.

Next Steps:
1. If you find bed bugs, contact a licensed pest control professional for proper treatment. DIY methods can sometimes make the problem worse.

2. Keep track of your symptoms—what you’ve eaten, products used, or places you’ve been—to help identify other potential triggers.

3. Wash your bedding in hot water and dry it on high heat to eliminate allergens or other irritants.

Best of luck with this,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook