Do Bed Bugs Bite? Are They Dangerous?
Short answer: the bed bug can bite or sting, usually with mild, local effects. Bed bug bites itch and cause stress and sleep loss, but bed bugs are not known to spread disease.
Risk rating: Can bite or sting
Bed bug bites itch and cause stress and sleep loss, but bed bugs are not known to spread disease.
Are bed bugs dangerous to humans?
Bed bug bites itch and cause stress and sleep loss, but bed bugs are not known to spread disease.
On our four-level scale, the bed bug is rated can bite or sting, meaning it can bite or sting, usually with mild, local effects. Bed Bugs can bite, so it is worth handling them with care.
Are they dangerous to pets?
Bed Bugs can bite or sting curious pets that paw at them or try to eat them. Watch for swelling, drooling or limping, and call your veterinarian right away if your pet has trouble breathing or a large reaction.
Can they damage your home or garden?
Bed Bugs don't damage the home itself, but getting rid of them can be expensive and stressful.
What to do if you are bitten
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
- Use an over-the-counter antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream for itching, following the label.
- Avoid scratching, which can lead to infection.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
How to identify bed bugs
A flat, oval, apple-seed-sized insect that hides in mattress seams, bed frames and furniture and feeds on human blood at night. Infestations spread through luggage, used furniture and shared walls.
- Flat, oval, reddish-brown body without wings
- Rust-colored stains or tiny black dots on mattress seams
- Itchy bites, often in lines or clusters
| Scientific name | Cimex lectularius |
|---|---|
| Group | True Bugs |
| Size | 4–7 mm (up to about 0.28 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Red |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Bedroom or bed |
| Most active | Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Can bite or sting |
When you'll see bed bugs
Bed Bugs are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.
Typical places to check: bedroom or bed.
About true bugs
The bed bug is one of the true bugs. True bugs have piercing, straw-like mouthparts used to suck plant sap or, in a few species, blood. They develop through gradual metamorphosis: nymphs look like small, wingless adults and molt several times as they grow. Many release strong odors from scent glands when threatened.
Because nymphs look like adults, you'll often see mixed sizes of the same bug together, which is a good sign that a population is breeding nearby.
How to avoid problems with bed bugs
- Inspect mattress seams, headboards and furniture joints with a flashlight
- Wash and dry bedding on high heat for at least 30 minutes
- Hire a professional for heat or chemical treatment, since DIY rarely eliminates them
Frequently asked questions
Do bed bugs bite?
Yes. Bed bug bites itch and cause stress and sleep loss, but bed bugs are not known to spread disease.
Do bed bugs sting?
No, bed bugs do not sting.
Are bed bugs poisonous?
The bed bug can bite or sting, usually with mild, local effects. Bed bug bites itch and cause stress and sleep loss, but bed bugs are not known to spread disease.
Where do bed bugs live?
Bed Bugs are usually found in bedrooms and beds, and are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter.