Waking up with itchy red bumps can leave anyone wondering what bit them. Two of the most commonly confused culprits are bed bugs and chiggers. While both can cause significant skin irritation, these pests are entirely different in appearance, behavior, and where they are encountered. Correct identification is essential for proper treatment and prevention.
This guide explains the key differences between bed bugs and chiggers—including where they live, how their bites look, which is more concerning, and how to get rid of each pest effectively.
Where They Live
Bed Bugs: Bed bugs live indoors, most often in mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, bedroom carpets, baseboards, and cracks in furniture. They are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide, feeding on humans while they sleep. If you consistently wake up with bites—especially in a bedroom setting—bed bugs are the more likely cause.
Chiggers: Chiggers do not live in beds or inside homes. They thrive outdoors in humid, shaded, grassy environments such as fields, tall weeds, brush, and forest edges. People typically pick up chiggers when hiking, camping, gardening, or sitting on the ground. If you’ve spent time outdoors and begin itching later that day, chiggers are usually the culprit.
Size Differences
Bed Bugs: Bed bugs are visible to the naked eye—about the size of an apple seed (4–5 mm). They are reddish-brown, oval, and flat unless engorged with blood.
Chiggers: Chiggers are extremely small—only 1/150 of an inch—and appear as tiny red specks, often too small to see individually. Many people never see chiggers themselves, only the reaction they leave behind.
How the Bites Look
Bed Bug Bites:
- Raised, red welts
- Often appear in clusters or straight lines (“breakfast, lunch, dinner” pattern)
- Common on arms, legs, shoulders, face, and neck
- May form zigzag patterns
Chigger Bites:
- Intensely itchy, red bumps or rash-like clusters
- Often located on lower legs, waistline, sock line, or areas where clothing is tight
- Bumps may have a central red dot
- Resemble small pimples or hives
Which Is More Dangerous?
Neither bed bugs nor chiggers are considered medically dangerous for most people. However, both cause irritating bites and can lead to secondary infections if scratched excessively.
Bed Bugs: Do not transmit diseases, but bites can cause allergic reactions, swelling, or sleep disruption. Severe infestations require immediate attention.
Chiggers: Their bites can cause extremely intense itching but typically resolve within a few days. Some people may develop more significant allergic responses.
If you experience swelling, hives, fever, or signs of infection, seek medical care promptly.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs and Chiggers
Eliminating Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are extremely difficult to remove without professional intervention. Recommended steps include:
- Vacuuming seams, mattresses, furniture, and floor edges frequently
- Washing bedding, clothing, and soft items in high heat
- Using steam treatments for mattresses, carpets, and furnishings
- Inspecting luggage and used furniture before bringing it indoors
Because bed bugs hide in inaccessible areas, professional heat or chemical treatment is the most reliable way to eliminate them completely.
Getting Rid of Chiggers
Chiggers rarely infest homes. Prevention is the best strategy:
- Avoid tall grass, overgrown weeds, and brushy areas
- Wear long sleeves, pants, and insect repellent outdoors
- Shower immediately after being outdoors to remove any lingering larvae
- Use approved outdoor insecticides in problem areas
If you experience repeated outdoor chigger problems, a pest professional can treat lawns, shrubs, and property edges to reduce populations.
When to Call a Professional
If you suspect a bed bug infestation or experience repeated unexplained bites indoors, professional treatment is essential. Bed bugs spread quickly and become more expensive to eliminate the longer they persist.
For recurring chigger issues or severe outdoor infestations, our technicians can inspect your yard and apply targeted treatments to prevent future bites.
Effective identification and early intervention help keep your home and family comfortable and bite-free. If you're unsure whether you’re dealing with bed bugs or chiggers, contact Pestcom Pest Management for an inspection.