How to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites Overnight?
Bed bug bites can be itchy, and they can create a range of symptoms from slightly inconvenient itching to a rash and welts that are painful. Some people have no idea that they have been bitten, but others can be sensitive and have a very strong physical reaction and be unable to sleep at night. No matter what your situation might be, you need to make sure that your bites are, in fact, from bed bugs. If they are, you can take certain steps to get rid of the bites as quickly as possible.
Firstly Identify the Bites! Are they from Bed Bugs?
When you notice that something has bitten you, it can be disconcerting. Most of the time you won’t see the culprit, so you need to determine what it is. Bed bug bites resemble other insect bites, but there are a few characteristics that distinguish it.
Bed bugs will normally bite in groups. You will see three to five rows of little red bites together. Some types of spiders will bite in groups as well, but they will normally have a bite mark in the center of the bump. Mosquito bites will usually be individual bites, although you may see more than one.
Check Your Bed for Signs of Bed Bugs
If you have bed bugs, you will be able to find signs in your bed. Bed bugs can be very small, but you will see small red spots of blood. Bed bugs bite people to feed on their blood, so they leave little spots behind. In addition, young bed bugs shed their skin five times before they are mature, so you may find the skin on your bed. You can also find the bed bugs themselves resting in the creases of your bed.
If you look for bed bugs overnight, you should be able to find them because they are nocturnal. You should examine your bedding with a flashlight, and try to find signs of bed bugs. If you have the rows of bites and find the signs of bed bugs, then you can safely assume that the bed bugs bit you.
Treatments to Get Rid of Bed Bug Bites Overnight
If you want to get rid of bed bug bites right away, there are several different treatments you can try. Take a look at the following remedies:
- Baking Soda Paste: You can mix baking soda with water to make a homemade paste, and spread it onto the bites. You can leave it there for about 30 minutes, and then rinse it off. Baking soda is a great remedy because it helps to relieve the itch and reduces the redness and inflammation in the bite. You can place aloe or an aloe gel on your skin after you clean it, and this will help to keep the itching away overnight.
- Oatmeal or Baking Soda Bath
If you are awakened and find that you are covered in bed bug bites, you will need to take more drastic action. You can draw a warm bath, and add oatmeal or powdered oats. If you don’t have these products, try baking soda with a touch of salt. Fill the tub and soak in it for about 30 minutes. This will help relieve your body of the itching, and the oatmeal or baking soda will reduce the inflammation and redness of the bites. You can use some aloe on your body after your bath.
- Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is another great remedy for bed bug bites. It helps to reduce inflammation and it will relieve the itching. It is easy to find at a drug store, and if you have it available, you can take a cotton ball, and blot the bed bug bites. You will want to hold the cotton with witch hazel on the bites for five or ten minutes. You should not rinse it off; let the witch hazel stay on your skin to help eliminate the bites.
- Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion is a great remedy for bed bug bites. It will dry out the bites and protect your skin while it heals, and it will reduce the itching. You can take a cotton ball and generously apply the calamine lotion to the bites. You should not rinse it off because it will help your skin to heal.
- Cucumber
Another natural remedy is cucumber. Cucumber can reduce redness, itching, and inflammation. You can cut a few slices and rub the slices on the bed bug bites. You can rub it until it takes the itching away. Make sure that the slices are thick enough to be useful. If it is too thin, it will not have the same effect. Once you notice the bumps subsiding, you can go to bed. You can put aloe on your skin so that it heals while you sleep.
- Oral Antihistamines
If you find that your body is covered in a rash or with a lot of red welts, you might be having a more serious reaction. An oral antihistamine can help to control the rash and the swelling. You should follow the instructions on the package when you use this medication. This medication can be very useful for getting rid of the bites quickly.
- Tea Bags Tea is known for its healing properties, and you can use tea bags to help treat your bed bug bites. Take two tea bags, and boil some water. Dip the tea bags in the water, and then place them in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. Take the tea bags out and use them as a compress on your bites. They will help to relieve the inflammation, redness, and itching. Press on the bites until you feel relief.
- Vicks Vapor Rub Yes the common cold and congestion relief cream with the pungent smell we instantly recognize! What is it exactly about this product that bugs hate? Its the mint. Find out more why vicks vapor rub can repel Bed Bugs.
Final Words
It can be disconcerting to wake up with red, itchy bites in the middle of the night, and luckily, there are ways to treat your itchy skin. Any of the above treatments will help to remove the swelling, redness, and itchiness of the bites.