Last Updated on January 5, 2023 by Alene Schill
Bed bugs bite your back, neck, arms, and legs; on worse days, you might also wake up with a bite on your face. It’s itchy and annoying, and it definitely ruins your picture-perfect face.
Our team researched and created an in-depth guide to help you understand why bed bugs bite your face and how you can avoid them.
Top 5 Reasons Why Bed Bugs Bite Your Face
1. They Are Hungry
One main reason bed bugs bite you in the face is because they are hungry, and your face is the fastest option they have of getting into your body. Just like humans and animals, once they feel hunger, they would bite any part of your body.
2. Your Face Is Exposed And Accessible
Another reason bed bugs bite you in the face is that one part of your body is easily accessible to them.
You may wear pajamas to cover your legs or a long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms, but there isn’t really anything you can wear to cover your entire face and protect it from a bed bug attack.
Read: Do Bed Bugs Get In Your Eyes?
3. They Are Attracted To Your Heat
Bed bugs are highly attracted to the body heat we emit and the carbon dioxide we exhale [1]. This gives them a chance to track you down and bite you on an exposed part of your body, including your face.
4. You Forgot Your Insect Repellent
Like mosquitoes, bed bugs can easily bite you if you do not use an effective insect repellent. Since you will be putting this on your face, ensure that the repellent you use is hypo-allergenic (e.g., safe to use on the face).
5. Your Face Sits Near Their Hideout
Bed bugs love to live in mattresses, couches, and chairs. If you sleep face down, then you are giving bed bugs easy access to your face where they can enjoy a nice bloodmeal.
Read: Do Bed Bugs Get In Your Private Parts?
What Will Happen To Your Face?
A bed bug bite is usually small and painless, but it can leave you with scars or, worse, allergic reactions.
In addition to the redness, swelling, and itching that most people experience after being bitten by bed bugs, you may also notice a small rash resembling a mosquito bite [2]. It may also lead to scarring if you accidentally scratch these little dots on your face.
Read: Why Do Bed Bugs Bite In Threes?
Tips To Avoid Getting Bitten By Bed Bugs on the Face
- Make sure your sheets are clean and washed regularly.
- Use a light-colored mattress, blankets, and pillows to spot bed bugs easily.
- Keep your bedroom free of clutter, as this can make it easier for bugs to hide in the dark corners of your room.
- Do not sleep on your dirty clothes, especially ones you have worn outside all day. Make it a habit to change your clothes before climbing to bed.
FAQs
Can bed bugs live in your pillow?
Yes, bed bugs can live on your pillow. In fact, they can live in any dark and warm place near their hosts. These pests are most active at night and feast on you while you sleep. But why do bed bugs bite me and not my husband?
Can I use bed bug repellent on my face?
Yes, you can use bed bug repellent on your face as long as it’s hypo-allergenic. This may come in many forms, including sprays, powders, and creams. It is best to go for dermatologist-approved face repellents to ensure you won’t incur any allergic reactions.
In Summary
Bed bugs can bite any exposed body parts; your face is no exception. They don’t really choose where to bite – they just go at it and enjoy their bloodfest while you sleep.
To be safe, you can wear a dermatologist-approved insect repellent and have your home checked by professional exterminators once you suspect that there is a bed bug infestation.
References:
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/bedbugs-infestation
- https://www.healthline.com/health/bed-bug-bites
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.