Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. While a common concern is whether these pests can burrow into skin, they do not. Bed bugs are external parasites, meaning they remain on the surface of the host’s body to feed.
How Bed Bugs Interact with Skin
Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are nocturnal insects that feed on blood. They pierce the skin using specialized mouthparts, a proboscis, to draw blood. This proboscis contains two stylets; one injects saliva containing an anesthetic and an anticoagulant, while the other draws blood. The anesthetic in their saliva ensures the host typically does not feel the bite initially.
A single feeding session usually lasts between 3 to 10 minutes, after which the bed bug becomes full and withdraws its mouthparts. Once engorged with blood, they retreat to nearby hiding spots, such as cracks, crevices, or mattress seams, where they digest their meal. They are attracted to carbon dioxide exhaled by hosts and body heat, which helps them locate a feeding source, typically between midnight and 5:00 AM. Bed bugs generally feed every 3 to 7 days, though they can survive for several months without a blood meal.
Recognizing Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites typically appear as small, red, and itchy welts on the skin. These bites often occur on exposed skin areas during sleep, such as the arms, neck, face, and hands. A distinctive characteristic of bed bug bites is their pattern, which can be a cluster, a zigzag, or a linear arrangement.
The appearance and severity of bed bug bites vary greatly among individuals. Some people may develop red, swollen bumps with a dark red center, or even fluid-filled blisters. Others may experience no visible reaction at all, or a delayed reaction that takes several days to appear. While itching is a common symptom, some individuals may only feel mild discomfort or a burning sensation. Differentiating bed bug bites from other insect bites, such as those from mosquitoes or fleas, involves observing the bite pattern and location. Mosquito bites are typically isolated and larger, while flea bites often appear around the ankles and have a central red spot.
What to Do About Bed Bugs
If bed bug bites are suspected, inspect your sleeping area for signs of an infestation. Look for visible bed bugs, eggs or eggshells, small black fecal spots, or reddish-brown smears of blood on sheets or mattresses. These signs are often found in mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. Bed bugs can also hide in cracks in walls, furniture, and electrical outlets.
Initial steps to manage a suspected infestation include:
- Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and then dry them on the highest heat setting.
- Vacuum the mattress, box spring, and surrounding areas daily. Immediately seal and discard the vacuum bag in an outdoor trash container.
- Encase mattresses and box springs in tightly woven, zippered covers to trap any remaining bed bugs inside.
- Reduce clutter in the bedroom to limit hiding spots for bed bugs.
- For persistent or widespread infestations, contacting a professional pest control service experienced in bed bug treatment is highly recommended for effective elimination.