Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are small, reddish-brown parasitic insects that feed exclusively on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. These nocturnal pests typically emerge from their hiding spots while a host is inactive, often during sleep, to take their blood meal.
The Short Answer: Can Clothing Stop Bed Bugs?
Standard socks and most loosely woven clothing are not a definitive barrier against bed bug feeding, but the bugs generally do not bite through the fabric itself. The bed bug’s feeding tube is not designed to chew or saw through fabric fibers like a piercing mouthpart of a mosquito might for thin materials. Instead, they are opportunistic and will exploit any vulnerability in your covering to reach the skin.
Bed bugs are relentless in their pursuit of a blood meal and will simply crawl around or under a loose garment to find exposed skin. If a sock or pajama cuff is loose, the insect will crawl underneath to the ankle or leg. For thin or loosely woven fabrics, such as lightweight cotton or silk, the bed bug’s slender mouthpart can sometimes navigate the gaps between the threads to penetrate the skin beneath.
Only materials with an extremely tight weave, like canvas, denim, or specialized synthetic fibers, may offer a physical barrier that the bed bug cannot penetrate or crawl under if the clothing is snug. However, relying on sleepwear alone is impractical, as the pests will simply target any uncovered area, such as the neck, hands, or face. Mattress encasements made of tightly woven material are effective because they prevent the bed bug from accessing the host through the mattress surface and trap the bugs inside.
The Mechanics of a Bed Bug Bite
A bed bug does not possess chewing mouthparts; instead, it feeds using a specialized, needle-like structure called a proboscis. This proboscis is a modified set of mouthparts, known as the stylet fascicle, which is housed within a sheath-like structure. To feed, the bed bug extends the stylet fascicle, which is composed of four microscopic stylets that slide together to form two canals: one for injecting saliva and one for drawing blood. The saliva injected contains an anticoagulant and an anesthetic, which allows the insect to feed without the host immediately noticing the bite. The typical feeding duration lasts only a few minutes, after which the bug quickly retreats to its hiding place.
Why Bed Bugs Target Lower Extremities
Bed bugs are primarily attracted to a sleeping host by two main cues: exhaled carbon dioxide and body heat. Carbon dioxide is the most significant attractant, acting as a long-range signal that guides the pests toward the general area of the host. The warmth of the body then serves as a short-range locator for the feeding site.
Bites are often concentrated on the lower legs, ankles, and feet not because the bugs prefer these areas, but due to their proximity to common harborages. Bed bugs often live in the seams of the mattress, the box spring, or the bed frame, which are all close to the floor.
To reduce bites on the lower body, one simple measure is to ensure that all bedding, including sheets and blankets, is tucked in tightly to minimize gaps. Additionally, ensure that the bed skirt or any fabric does not touch the floor, which can provide a bridge for the bugs to climb up. Moving the bed slightly away from the wall can also eliminate a common access point for the pests.