What are common initial symptoms of bed bug bites?

The common initial symptoms of bed bug bites primarily include itchy red welts on the skin. These welts are the body's reaction to the saliva of the bed bugs, which they inject while feeding. The bites often appear in clusters or lines and can become increasingly itchy over time.

This response is typical because the area around the bites is often inflamed due to the body's immune response. While some individuals may experience varying reactions to the bites, such as discomfort or mild pain, the hallmark symptom that is most frequently reported and recognized among those who are bitten is indeed the itchy red welts. Such symptoms are important for both identification and understanding the potential for bed bug infestations, as individuals may not always realize they have been bitten until the welting and itching begin.