Do Bed Bugs Bite?
When you think about bed bugs, you likely think about their bites! Bed bugs notoriously feed on their victims when they are at rest, typically overnight. Bed bug bites are not felt at the time of the bite but will result in red, itchy bumps afterward. Here’s what to know about bed bug bites:
- Bites will appear on areas of the body that are exposed at night, such as the arms and legs.
- Bites are commonly arranged in lines or zigzag patterns.
- Everyone reacts to bites differently. Some people have no symptoms while others can get welts and more serious rashes.
When Do Bed Bugs Bite Me?
If you’ve ever woken up to see red marks on your skin that weren’t there the night before, bed bugs are likely the culprit. These pests feed overnight when people are sleeping. Their bites are typically painless and won’t wake you up. A single bed bug will usually feed for anywhere up to 10 minutes. Once they become engorged, they will crawl away until they need to feed again.
Due to their feeding schedule, bed bugs have a peak in activity between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. However, they can adjust their schedule and will emerge to feed whenever you are at rest.
Need an Estimate? Request a Callback
Where Do Bed Bugs Bite People?
Bed bugs can bite you wherever your skin is exposed when they go to feed. This includes your arms, legs, hands, feet, and even your neck. Their bites occur in lines or zigzag patterns. Unfortunately, bed bugs can even bite your face if they need to.
Although they can bite your face, there is no need to worry about bed bugs making their way inside your nose, mouth, or ears, which is a common (and understandable) concern. These bugs feed on the surface of your body and prefer to retreat after their meals rather than hang out on you.
Are Bed Bug Bites Harmful?
While bed bug bites can leave you with red, itchy bumps, they aren’t considered dangerous. In serious cases, rashes or welts can form. While bed bugs do not transmit any diseases, it’s important to treat bed bug bites in order to have them heal properly.