Last Updated on January 5, 2023 by Alene Schill
Some say that bed bugs can live in your skin. Others say that bed bugs can make a home in your eyelashes. Can these pesky critters really make a home in your body? Can bed bugs live in your skin?
We spent 72 hours researching and compiling an in-depth guide to help you figure out the answer.
Can Bed Bugs Live On Human Skin?
The answer is no; bed bugs can’t live on human skin.
Some people say that bed bugs can live on human skin. They argue that these insects are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide we emit.
They also point out that bed bugs have been known to survive for long periods of time without food. Researchers found that bed bugs could live for over 400 days without a meal in one experiment!
On the other hand, others say that bed bugs cannot live on human skin. They argue that these insects need blood to survive and would quickly die if they could not feed.
It has also been pointed out that bed bugs are often found in areas where people sleep, such as beds and couches. Bed bugs are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that we emit when we sleep.
With all this information going around, it can be quite confusing and may even be misleading to those who do not conduct sufficient research.
What Are Signs of Infestation?
The best way to determine if you have a bed bug infestation is to look for signs of these insects. These include:
- Bites: Bed bugs often bite people while they are sleeping. These bites usually appear in a line or cluster and can be itchy and reddish in color.
- Bloodstains: You may also find small bloodstains on your sheets or clothing. These stains are usually from bed bugs that have been squashed.
- Excrement: Bed bugs also leave behind small black spots of excrement [2]. These spots are usually found in areas where bed bugs hide, such as cracks and crevices.
Before looking for signs of infestation, it is important that you know exactly what bed bugs look like. These nasty pests are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on human blood [1]. They are usually brown or reddish-brown in color and are about the size of an apple seed. Find out if bed bugs are attracted to particular blood types here.
Bed bugs cannot fly. However, they can move swiftly over surfaces. These insects are often found in hotels, motels, and apartments.
Related Posts:
- Are Bed Bugs Attracted To A Specific Blood Type?
- Can Bed Bugs Get In Your Private Parts?
- What Do Bed Bug Bites Feel Like?
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide On Your Body?
These pesky bed bugs cannot hide or live on your body. Despite the myth, they can only live in close proximity to humans. So, while they may bite us and leave nasty and itchy red marks, they cannot actually live in our bodies. But can you feel bed bugs crawling on you?
Bed bugs are small, round, brown insects that feed on human blood. Bed bugs cannot live on your body but on areas where people sleep, such as beds and couches. However, they can also hide in other places, such as:
- Baseboards: Bed bugs often hide in the cracks and crevices of baseboards.
- Carpets: These insects can also hide in the fibers of carpets.
- Clothing: Bed bugs may also hide in clothing, such as in the folds of shirts and pants.
How Do You Keep Bed Bugs Off Your Skin?
The best way to avoid being bitten by bed bugs is to keep them off your skin. This can be done by applying:
Vicks VapoRub®:
This product contains menthol, which can keep bed bugs away. Also, menthol’s strong scent can help mask the carbon dioxide you emit, making it less likely for bed bugs to bite you.
Insect Repellants:
There are many insect repellents you can use to keep bed bugs away [3]. These include products that contain DEET, picaridin, and lemon eucalyptus oil.
Essential Oils:
Essential oils like Eucalyptus and Lavender oil help keep bed bugs away. They also provide a soothing scent that can help you to relax.
Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil can help to keep bed bugs away. In addition, it can help to soothe the itchiness of bites.
FAQs
Can bed bugs get inside the human body?
No, bed bugs cannot get inside the human body. However, they can bite you and leave itchy red marks on your skin.
Can bed bug eggs stay on your skin?
No, bed bug eggs cannot stay on your skin. These eggs must be in contact with a hard surface, such as wood or fabric, in order to hatch. But will bed bed bugs stay on your skin even after a shower?
Where do bed bugs bite the most?
Bed bugs usually bite people on the arms, legs, or back. However, they can bite any area of the body that is exposed. But why do these bugs bite me and not my spouse?
Will Vaseline keep bed bugs from biting?
Yes, Vaseline may help to keep bed bugs from biting. The thick consistency of Vaseline can help to keep these insects away.
Can bed bugs hide in your hair?
No, bed bugs cannot hide in your hair. These insects are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that we emit when we sleep, so they will most likely hide on your clothes so they can be in close proximity to your skin.
Key Takeaways
To prevent bed bug bites, make sure to do what you can to keep them off your skin. This can be done by using products that contain menthol or essential oils. You can also keep bed bugs away by using insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.
If you think you have a case of bed bug infestation, look for signs of these insects, such as bites, bloodstains, or excrement. These insects usually hide in areas where people sleep, such as beds and couches. However, they can also hide in your furniture and other places, such as baseboards, carpets, and clothing.
Once you find tell-tale signs of bed bugs in your home, you should immediately contact a pest control expert. Do not try to remove these insects yourself, as this can worsen the infestation.
References:
- https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/how-find-bed-bugs
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-identify-and-clean-bed-bug-stains-5186800
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/bedbugs-infestation
Alene Schill is a property manager from Columbus, Ohio, who has dealt with numerous pest control agencies. She helps families find the perfect homes and knows very well that bed bugs are an ultimate deal-breaker. She enjoys cycling around Scioto Mile during her spare time.