“Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner” Sign of Bed Bug Bites

The “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern—characterized by small clusters of bug bites in a line—is a commonly recognized sign associated with bed bugs.

What Is It?

The term “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” is often used to describe what bed bug bites look like. This pattern typically features bite marks clustered in small groups, spaced just a few centimeters apart. The idea is that a single bed bug feeds multiple times in one session—biting once (“breakfast”), moving a short distance to bite again (“lunch”), and then biting once more (“dinner”).

While this is somewhat exaggerated, it’s not uncommon to find bed bug bites in clusters. Some individuals may only notice a single bite, while others may find multiple. Generally, clusters of 1–5 bites in close proximity are typical, with three bites as a common example.

A Pattern of Bed Bug Bites

• Clusters of small red bumps or welts (around 3–5)
• Bite marks within a few centimeters of each other
• Bites arranged in a row, triangle, or zigzag line

An Entomologist Explains

According to Louis N. Sorkin, a veteran entomologist who consults for MMPC, the bed bugs aren’t biting in lines or patterns on purpose.

“[Bed bugs] often will stay on blanks, quilts, or sheets against the skin of a person,” he says, “and that edge is a straight line.”

As for why bites often appear in small clusters, it’s usually not what people think. Rather than biting multiple times, bed bugs typically latch onto one spot while feeding. “Once they start, they’re in the right spot. They don’t pull out until they’re totally done and engorged,” says Lou.

Sometimes, bed bugs may probe the skin in multiple areas before finding a good spot, and enzymes in their saliva from these “test bites” may induce skin reactions (i.e. redness, bumps). Sudden host movements during sleep can also interrupt feeding and cause the bed bug to shift positions.

Other times, multiple bite marks are due to several bed bugs feeding at the same time. The cues that bed bugs follow to find exposed areas of skin—warmth, moisture, carbon dioxide—are likely to attract more than just one.

“It just might be coincidental that one to four or so bed bugs have liked the spot they got to and all start feeding in the same area.”

Common Misconceptions and FAQs

While the “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” sign is often associated with bed bugs, it’s important to know that bed bug feeding behavior is more complex. Relying solely on this pattern to identify bites causes some people to believe they have bed bugs when in fact they do not.

If you think you have been getting bites at home, we highly recommend getting a certified K9 bed bug inspection to confirm or rule out the presence of bed bugs.

Are “Bug Bites in a Line” Evidence of Bed Bugs?

A prevalent misconception is that linear bite patterns are unique to bed bugs. However, this pattern can also come from other arthropod parasites, such as fleas.¹ Fleas may reattach nearby when disrupted during feeding, resulting in a line of bites.

Do Bites Always Appear in Clusters of 3’s?

There is no scientific basis for the idea that bed bug bites always appear in threes. The number of bites depends on factors like the number of bed bugs, their location, and environmental cues. Bites can range from single marks to dozens. It’s important not to rely solely on the number of bites to diagnose bed bugs.

Does a Single Bed Bug Bite Multiple Times?

It’s often thought that a single bed bug moves from spot to spot, creating the “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern. In reality, bed bugs typically feed at one location until fully engorged.

How to Tell if You Have Bed Bug Bites

The “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern alone is not a reliable indicator of bed bugs. Bed bug bites vary in appearance and may resemble those from fleas or mosquitoes. Additionally, reactions to bed bug bites differ—some individuals show no signs at all.

For a more accurate diagnosis, look for these additional signs of a bed bug infestation:

• Live bed bugs: Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects, often found in mattress seams or cracks.
• Shell casings: As bed bugs grow, they shed their skins, which can be found near their hiding places.
• Fecal marks or droppings: These appear as tiny, dark stains on bedding or furniture.
• Bloodstains: Bed bugs may leave small bloodstains on your sheets from feeding.

Remember, bite patterns alone are not definitive proof of bed bugs. If you suspect an infestation, it’s crucial to get a professional inspection for accurate identification and treatment.

About the Author

Timothy Wong is the technical director of MMPC, an eco-friendly pest control company in Long Island City. He has over 20 years of pest control experience, holds professional licenses in NY, NJ, PA, and MA, and has published papers on bed bugs and pest control methods.

References

1. Peres, G., Yugar, L. B. T., & Haddad Junior, V. (2018). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner sign: a hallmark of flea and bedbug bites. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 93(5), 759–760. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187384 ↩︎