Bed bugs and chiggers vs bed bugs bites are two different species. Bed bugs live in mattresses, box springs, and hidden areas like bed frames. Chiggers live in grasses and brush. Both species bite. Bed bug bites start as small, flat, red welts that can easily be mistaken for other common bites such as those from mosquitos and fleas. They develop into itchy bumps or blisters. Chigger bites also begin as red bumps but quickly erupt into clusters of clear, fluid-filled blisters with surrounding redness and itching.