Bed bugs are small insects that feed on mammal blood. That means they can bite dogs,cats,humans and any other mammals living in your home. They typically enter your house by piggybacking on your luggage or traveling in used furniture,clothing and various soft items. Although they can nest anywhere in your house,bed bugs typically take up residence along the seams of mattresses,inside walls and in furniture. As long as the space is dry and dark,they're happy to build a home there. These bugs are small – about the size of an apple seed – and range in color from light brown to reddish-brown.

Can scabies live in a bed mattress?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,scabies infestations are passed through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual or through prolonged exposure to clothing or bedding an infected person has used. So,while scabies mites could,in theory,live in a mattress,it's highly unlikely that you'd develop an infection just from the mattress alone. Instead,scabies mites prefer to live on skin where they have access to the nutrients they need to survive and can burrow into your skin to lay their eggs. These mites will not survive more than two or three days away from human skin. If you're worried about catching scabies in bed,the best thing you can do is thoroughly wash and dry your bed linens. This should kill the mites.

Are bed bugs able to burrow and lay eggs under human skin?

Thankfully,bed bugs are not able to burrow under human skin to lay their eggs. Instead,they lay eggs in dark,dry areas like the seams along your mattress and inside pieces of furniture. Remember,bed bugs bite you on your skin. They don't burrow into it like scabies mites do.

Can you have bed bugs and scabies at the same time?

Unfortunately,it is possible to have both bed bugs and scabies at the same time. As previously discussed,both insects feed on your blood,but they do so in different ways. Bed bugs bite you on the outside of your body and scabies burrow beneath your skin to feed. This means they're not in direct competition with each other and can (unfortunately) thrive at the same time.

Do bed bugs cause scabies?

Bed bugs do not cause scabies. In fact,bed bugs are not known to be vectors of disease pathogens or encourage other infestations in your home.

Are bed bugs and scabies contagious?

While bed bugs are not contagious,these pests can easily migrate from person to person,and from place to place. Bed bugs can hitch rides on clothing,luggage,and furniture and then infest your home and move from one home or room to another. Scabies,on the other hand,require prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person in order to be contagious. However,as mentioned previously,crusted or Norwegian scabies are highly contagious.

How long do bed bugs vs scabies last?

Bed bug infestations can last for years if left untreated since they breed and grow rapidly. However,adult bed bugs can live on their own for about 10 months. During that time,they can breed and the infestation can spread throughout your house. Scabies mites can live for as long as two months on a human. And while it's possible for an infection to last longer than that,most people find the symptoms too uncomfortable to tolerate for more than a few weeks without seeking medical help.

The Differences Between Bed Bugs vs. Scabies

Q: What are scabies mites?

Bed bugs are insects,but scabies are actually arachnids. And while they feed on human blood,they don't do it by crawling around and biting the surface of your skin. Instead,they burrow into the outer layer of skin where they then lay and hatch their eggs. Unlike bed bugs,scabies mites are invisible to the naked eye. They're microscopic parasites that you won't see even if they're crawling around on the surface of your skin. And since they're not insects in the traditional sense,you're going to need more than just pest control specialists to help treat them. Rather,you'll need to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to find the right treatment method.

Scabies vs bed bugs, how are they different? Both scabies and bed bugs are parasites of humans however they feed in different ways. Though not life-threatening, both require prompt identification and treatment.

A doctor or dermatologist should be consulted about scabies for proper diagnosis and treatment. A pest control professional can help with bed bug infestations. Although both bites can cause itching, these pests have some fairly notable differences you should be aware of.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of mammals, including humans, dogs, and cats. They often enter homes via luggage, used furniture, clothing, and other items. Bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed and range in color from light brown to reddish-brown.

These pests typically nest in the seams of mattresses, walls, and furniture, preferring dry, dark spaces. Signs of bed bugs can include shed skins (exoskeletons), brown or black stains on sheets, and raised red welts on the skin, especially around the knees, wrists, neck, and chest.

bed bug body

What are scabies mites?

Scabies are microscopic arachnids that burrow into the outer layer of human skin where they will continue to live and reproduce. They are not visible to the naked eye.

Common signs of scabies include intense itching, visible red rashes, blisters, scaly patches, and open sores from scratching. If you suspect a scabies infestation, it's best to contact a doctor or dermatologist so they can accurately diagnose and treat your symptoms.

scabies mites under microscope

What causes bed bugs and scabies infestations?

While scabies or bed bugs can both cause itchy misery, they require different treatment plans. Understanding their differences will better prepare you to handle or prevent infestations.

Bed bugs

Bed bug infestations are not contagious. Infestations are created and spread when these tiny pests hitch rides on luggage, used furniture, and clothing, especially in high-traffic areas such as hotels, dormitories, and public transportation. Bed bug infestations can last until they are treated and eradicated, as they can survive for several months without feeding.

Scabies

Scabies infestations are caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin. They typically spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person but can also be transmitted by sharing clothing or bedding.

Scabies are contagious, especially in close-contact environments such as households, childcare centers, and schools. The more severe form, crusted scabies, is highly contagious. Scabies infestations can persist until they are treated. Without treatment, the mites can live on a person for one to two months.

person itching arm from bites

Bed bugs vs. scabies bites

Is itchy skin keeping you up at night? Deciphering scabies vs. bed bug bites can be tricky, but understanding the differences can help. The provided images and information can help you identify bites, but it's recommended that you consult with a medical professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Bed bug bites

Common bed bug bite characteristics include:

Raised, flat red welts, often in clusters
Mosquito-like bites for some or general swelling
Bites typically occur on exposed skin during sleep
Commonly found on shoulders, arms, legs, back, and face
Reactions will differ among individuals, some will not react at all

bed bugs on a toddler

Scabies bites

Common bed bug bite characteristics include:

Burrows that look like raised lines
Red, inflamed bumps called papules
Preferred bite locations include between the fingers and toes, in the armpits, under nail beds, around the waist, and other warm, moist folds of skin
Rashes and itching can occur two to six weeks after exposure. For those who have been previously exposed, signs will appear much faster

scabies on hand

Bed bugs vs. scabies bite symptoms

Scabies and bed bugs can cause intense itching. However, their symptoms differ significantly. A doctor can diagnose scabies vs. bed bugs.

Bed bug bites can sometimes occur in clusters. Discomfort can arise after feeding, causing intense itchiness like mosquito bites or a slight burning sensation. It may take several hours to a week for an individual to react to bed bug bites.

The irritation caused by scabies may resemble a rash and can occur anywhere on the body. Initially, small, raised bumps are present, but the rash can become scaly, red, and swollen as the infection progresses. The infection site is often very itchy, with symptoms becoming more severe at night.

How to help get rid of bed bugs and scabies infestations

Education and awareness about scabies vs bed bugs are essential for early detection and effective management of infestations. Bed bug and scabies infestations require professional help, but the treatment methods differ.

Though bed bugs are not dangerous, bed bug infestations do require a consultation with a pest control company. Terminix’s expert technicians can help remove bed bugs and develop a targeted treatment plan to help eliminate bed bugs in all life stages. To help prevent infestations, you can:

Inspect second-hand furniture, or any other items, before bringing them into your home
Reduce clutter in your living space to eliminate potential hiding spots for bed bugs
Inspect personal belongings during travel and once you arrive home

If you’re concerned about bed bugs in your home, schedule an inspection with Terminix today.

Scabies infestations require medical treatment from a doctor or dermatologist, and the person may need prescription medications or antibiotics. To help prevent scabies, you can:

Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have scabies to prevent transmission
Regularly launder clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water to kill any potential scabies mites
Refrain from sharing personal items such as clothing and towels to reduce the risk of spreading scabies

Scabies or bed bugs can be challenging to eradicate, but their impact can be minimized with proper treatment and prevention measures.

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Bed bugs vs. scabies: What you need to know