Bed bugs are one of the most annoying pests to deal with. They hide in tiny cracks and crevices, come out at night, and bite people while they sleep. If you have a bed bug problem, you might be wondering: Can bed bugs get in your hair?
The short answer is no. Bed bugs do not live in human hair like lice or fleas. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t crawl onto your scalp for a quick bite. Let’s take a closer look at why bed bugs don’t live in hair, how they behave, and what you can do if you think bed bugs are bothering you.
Do Bed Bugs Live in Hair?
Unlike lice, which are adapted to cling onto hair strands, bed bugs prefer smooth surfaces like fabric, wood, and bedding. Their legs are not designed to grip onto hair, making it difficult for them to stay in your scalp for long periods.
Bed bugs hide in places like:
- Mattresses
- Box springs
- Cracks in furniture
- Behind wallpaper
- Carpets and baseboards
When they need to feed, they come out at night, bite exposed skin, and return to their hiding spots. If a bed bug does crawl into your hair, it is usually by accident, and it won’t stay there for long.
Can Bed Bugs Bite Your Scalp?
Bed bugs prefer biting areas with easy access to blood, such as the neck, arms, and legs. However, they can bite the scalp if there is exposed skin. People who have little or no hair may experience bites on their heads, but this is less common.
Since bed bug bites are painless at first, you might not realize you’ve been bitten until red, itchy welts appear. If you notice bites near your hairline, it is likely bed bugs have been feeding on your skin while you sleep—not living in your hair.
How to Tell If Bed Bugs Are in Your Hair
If you feel something crawling in your hair, it’s probably not bed bugs. Unlike lice, bed bugs do not cling to the scalp, lay eggs in hair, or move quickly. However, if you suspect bed bugs have been near your head, look for these signs:
- Bite marks – Small red welts, often in a line or cluster, on your scalp, neck, or forehead.
- Blood stains on your pillow – When bed bugs feed, they sometimes leave tiny blood spots behind.
- Bed bug droppings – Dark specks or stains on your pillow, sheets, or near your bed.
- Shed skins or eggs – Tiny bed bug shells or eggs near your bedding.
If you are experiencing itchiness in your hair but don’t see other signs of bed bugs, check for lice or dandruff instead.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
If you think bed bugs have been crawling in your hair, don’t panic. Unlike lice, they won’t stay there long. However, you should take steps to remove any bed bugs from your home as soon as possible.
Here’s what you can do:
- Wash your hair. Use regular shampoo and warm water to rinse out any bugs that may have accidentally crawled onto your scalp.
- Wash and dry your bedding on high heat. Heat kills bed bugs and their eggs, so wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water and dry them on the highest setting.
- Vacuum your mattress and furniture. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove bed bugs hiding in cracks and crevices.
- Declutter your space. Reducing clutter makes it harder for bed bugs to hide and reproduce.
- Use bed bug-proof covers. Mattress and pillow encasements prevent bed bugs from getting in or out.
- Call a professional. If the infestation is serious, hiring a pest control expert specializing in bed bugs extermination in NYC or your area is the best way to eliminate them completely.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
The best way to avoid bed bugs in your hair—or anywhere in your home—is to prevent an infestation in the first place. Here are some tips to keep bed bugs away:
- Check hotel rooms before sleeping. Bed bugs often hitchhike in luggage and clothing. Inspect the bed and furniture before unpacking.
- Be cautious with secondhand furniture. Always inspect used couches, mattresses, and chairs before bringing them home.
- Keep your home clean and clutter-free. A tidy space makes it harder for bed bugs to hide.
- Use mattress and pillow protectors. These covers act as a barrier, preventing bed bugs from getting in or out.
- Regularly inspect your bed and furniture. Catching bed bugs early can prevent a full-blown infestation.
Final Thoughts
While bed bugs cannot live in your hair, they can still bite your scalp if given the opportunity. If you suspect bed bugs are in your home, act quickly to get rid of them before they spread. Washing your hair, cleaning your bedding, and calling a professional for bed bugs extermination in NYC or your area will help ensure your home stays bed bug-free. With the right precautions, you can prevent these pesky pests from disturbing your sleep and peace of mind.
