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July 20, 2025
Summer brings warm weather, outdoor fun, and unfortunately for some, an increase in itchy skin irritations. If you’ve noticed red, itchy bumps after a hot day, you might worry about bed bugs—but it could actually be heat rash. At Secured Environments Pest and Wildlife Services, we want to help you understand the difference so you can take the right steps to protect yourself and your home.
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, occurs when sweat ducts become blocked during hot, humid conditions. This causes small red bumps or blisters to appear, often accompanied by itching or a prickly sensation. Heat rash commonly shows up in areas where sweat collects, such as the neck, chest, back, and skin folds.
Bed bug bites usually appear as small, red, swollen bumps often arranged in a line or cluster. They tend to show up on exposed skin areas during sleep—like arms, legs, and the face. Unlike heat rash, bed bug bites may develop into larger itchy welts and sometimes cause allergic reactions.
Both heat rash and bed bug bites can cause red, itchy bumps that appear suddenly and may be mistaken for one another. During summer, when sweating is common, heat rash is more frequent. However, anxiety about bed bugs may lead people to assume any unexplained rash is an infestation.
Location: Heat rash often appears in sweat-prone areas, while bed bug bites are mostly on exposed skin during sleep.
Pattern: Bed bug bites tend to form lines or clusters; heat rash is more evenly spread.
Timing: Heat rash can appear during or right after heat exposure, while bed bug bites usually show hours to days after being bitten.
Other Signs: Look for physical signs of bed bugs like blood spots on sheets, shed skins, or a musty odor in your bedroom.
If you suspect bed bugs, it’s important to act quickly. Contact a pest control professional like Secured Environments Pest and Wildlife Services for a thorough inspection and treatment plan. If it’s heat rash, cooling the skin, staying dry, and wearing breathable fabrics usually helps.
Whether it’s heat rash or bed bugs, understanding the difference will keep you calm and ready to take action. If you need expert help identifying or controlling pests in your home, contact Secured Environments Pest and Wildlife Services today. We provide safe, effective pest management so you can enjoy summer worry-free.