It is common to wonder about the sensation of bed bugs, particularly the unsettling thought of them crawling on your skin. Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects that feed on blood, and their secretive nature often leads to uncertainty about their presence. The reality of detecting them is often quite different from common assumptions.
The Sensation of Bed Bugs
You cannot feel bed bugs crawling on your skin. These insects are small, about the size of an apple seed, and very light. Their movements are slow and deliberate, making them stealthy. Bed bugs are most active at night when people are asleep, which reduces the likelihood of detecting their subtle movements.
While a crawling sensation is unlikely, you might feel the effects of their bites. Bed bug bites are painless at the moment they occur because the insects inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant as they feed. Hours or days later, the bites develop into itchy, red welts. These welts can appear anywhere on exposed skin, such as arms, legs, and the neck.
Bites often present as raised, reddened areas. Sometimes, bites appear in a linear pattern or in clusters, commonly referred to as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” This pattern helps distinguish bed bug bites from those of other insects. The delayed reaction and characteristic patterns are more reliable indicators than any perceived crawling sensation.
Recognizing Bed Bug Activity
Since feeling bed bugs crawl is not a reliable sign, identifying an infestation relies on recognizing specific physical evidence. Bite marks are a primary indicator, appearing as itchy, red welts on exposed skin that developed during sleep. These marks frequently occur in lines or zigzag patterns, providing a clue to the presence of bed bugs. While bites alone are not conclusive, they often prompt a closer inspection for other signs.
Visual evidence of the bed bugs themselves can confirm an infestation. Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown, oval-shaped, and flattened, but they become engorged and reddish after feeding. Younger bed bugs, called nymphs, are smaller and translucent, while their tiny, pearly-white eggs, about the size of a pinhead, are often found in crevices. These can be located along mattress seams, bed frames, or behind headboards.
Other tangible signs include fecal spots, which are small, dark, rust-colored stains that look like specks of dried blood. These are found on sheets, mattresses, walls, and furniture near sleeping areas. Additionally, translucent, empty exoskeletons, which are shed skins from nymphs as they grow, can be found in similar hiding spots.
Small spots of blood on sheets may also be present from crushed bugs or from bites that bled slightly. In cases of heavy infestation, a faint, sweet, musty odor can be present.
Addressing a Potential Infestation
If you suspect a bed bug infestation, thoroughly inspect suspected areas. Check mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and nearby furniture for the visual evidence described. Pull back sheets and look closely along edges and in crevices. Confirming their presence is important before taking further action.
To contain the problem, wash and dry all bedding, curtains, and clothing on the highest heat settings recommended for the fabric. Bag and seal any items that cannot be laundered. Reducing clutter in the affected area also helps limit hiding spots for the insects.
Bed bugs are difficult to eradicate without professional assistance. Due to their resilience and ability to hide in tiny spaces, professional pest control is often necessary for effective treatment. When seeking professional help, look for services with specific experience in bed bug remediation. Preventative measures, such as inspecting luggage after travel and regular vacuuming, can also help reduce the risk of future infestations.