Treatment for Bed Bug Bites
Most bed bug bites do not require medical treatment and clear up on their own within a week or two. If you react badly with symptoms continuing for a long period of time, medical advice should be sought.
For smaller reactions, an over-the-counter antihistamine may help reduce symptoms. If itchiness is not relieved, consult a doctor who may be able to prescribe a stronger medicine to treat the symptoms.
Easing Mild Reactions
- Wash bites with soap and water to reduce infection risk
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Use over-the-counter antihistamine cream or tablets
- Avoid scratching - it can break the skin and cause infection
When To See a Doctor
- Widespread or persistent rash
- Signs of allergic reaction (severe swelling, breathing difficulty)
- Bites that look infected (warmth, pus, spreading redness)
- Symptoms continuing for more than two weeks
Treating the Source, Not Just the Bites
While managing the symptoms helps, eliminating the bed bugs themselves is the only way to stop the bites. Bed bugs are notoriously hard to eradicate with DIY products. JG Pest Control offers chemical treatment, freeze treatment, and same-day heat treatment - all guaranteed.
More About Bed Bugs
Roy Couch is the Technician Manager at JG Pest Control, leading the technician team across the UK. He holds the BPCA Diploma and the RSPH Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Aluminium Phosphide, and is qualified in the Safe Use of Rodenticides.
Peter Bowers-Davis is a board volunteer at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the UK trade body for professional pest management. He works across the Tyro UK group of companies, including JG, setting technical standards, treatment protocols and training programmes.