It’s one of the itchiest questions you’ll never want to ask yourself.
Bed bugs aren’t just a nightmare for mattresses and couches. They’re a source of constant questions and concerns.
One common myth that makes everyone squirm is this one: can bed bugs stay in your hair?
While bed bugs are undoubtedly pesky, the truth about their preferences, especially when it comes to your scalp, might surprise you (and perhaps, provide some relief).
Keep reading to uncover the facts, bust the myths, and find out how you can prevent these pests from ever stepping foot in your abode.
Why Bed Bugs Won’t Shack Up in Your Hair
Here’s the good news: bed bugs are not fans of your hair. They’re clingy in their own way, but not to your scalp.
Bed bugs are nesting parasites, which means they prefer to hang out in dark, undisturbed places rather than camping out on a moving target like your head.
Unlike lice or fleas, bed bugs are not built to grip onto hair or skin for long periods. They lack the claw-like adaptations of lice that make your hair a cozy home. Instead, bed bugs use their flat, oval-shaped bodies to squeeze into tight spaces, such as:
- Mattress seams
- Cracks in headboards or bed frames
- Furniture joints
- Electrical outlets
Even though a rogue bed bug might wander onto your scalp while you sleep, they’ll eventually scamper off as they aren’t designed to thrive there. Plus, a good shower and shampoo will usually flush them right out.
The Science of Their Preferences
While bed bugs might bite any exposed skin (yes, even the scalp), they don’t linger for very long. They feed quickly and then hightail it back to their favorite haunts. After all, bed bugs love dark and hidden crevices, not exposed and light-filled areas like your hair.
Here are some other fast facts about their behavior:
- Bed bugs prefer undisturbed hiding spots within 8 feet of their host’s sleeping area.
- They dislike light and are most active when it’s dark and quiet.
Exposure to heat above 113°F can kill them in about 90 minutes, so hair-dryer-level temperatures are enough to make them regret wandering into your hair.
Okay, But What Can Live in Your Hair?
Hair may not be a bed bug’s dream home, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Here are some common pests that are more likely to hang out on your scalp:
- Lice: The most common hair-dwelling bug. These tiny parasites are equipped with claws to cling to hair strands.
- Fleas: While rare, fleas from pets could pay a visit to your scalp. They usually prefer your furry friends.
- Scabies mites: They burrow into the skin rather than living in your hair, but in severe cases, they might venture to the scalp.
The good news? If bugs in your hair are the issue, it’s likely not a bed bug. The bad news? There’s another culprit at play here.
What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs
If you’re dealing with itchy bites around your scalp (or anywhere else) and suspect a bed bug infestation, here’s your action plan:
- Inspect your bedding, mattress, and surrounding furniture. Look for tiny rust-colored stains, exoskeletons, or live bugs.
- Wash all bed linens, pillowcases, and clothing on high heat.
- Vacuum frequently to suck up wayward hitchhikers.
- Contact the experts at Natura Pest Control to help eliminate the problem entirely.
How Natura Pest Control Can Help
So can bed bugs stay in your hair? To recap, the answer, fortunately, is a resounding no.
Although they might pop onto your scalp temporarily, they’re not going to hang out there for the long haul since your hair doesn’t provide the right conditions for them to thrive. Nevertheless, you probably don’t want them anywhere near you, and that’s where we come in.
At Natura Pest Control, we’ve seen it all when it comes to bed bugs in the Vancouver-Portland Metro area. If you’re tired of losing sleep over these bloodthirsty invaders, it’s time to take action.
Our team specializes in safe, effective pest management tailored to your home’s unique needs.
We’ll make sure every last bug is evicted, giving you peace of mind (and itch-free nights) again.
Get in touch with us today!
Did You Know?
Despite being infamous household pests, bed bugs are some of nature’s least efficient breeders. Each female lays just one egg per day, taking 10 days for it to hatch and another five to six weeks for the offspring to reach adulthood. Compare that to a housefly, which lays 500 eggs in just a few days! That means even though infestations can grow over time, they don’t happen overnight.
FAQ
Can bed bugs stay in your hair?
No, bed bugs don’t stay in your hair. They prefer dark, undisturbed hiding spots near your bed, such as mattress seams, furniture joints, or cracks in headboards.
What bugs are more likely to live in hair?
Bugs like lice or fleas are better adapted to live in hair. They have claw-like appendages that allow them to cling to hair strands, unlike bed bugs.
How can I tell if I have bed bugs?
Look for small rust-colored stains on mattresses, shed exoskeletons, and clustered itchy bites. Check tight spaces near your bed, such as mattress seams or furniture cracks.
How do I get rid of bed bugs?
Contact a professional pest control company like Natura Pest Control for an effective treatment plan. Washing linens in hot water, vacuuming, and heat treatments can also help.
