At ASAP Pest Control, we get questions every day like:
“Can bed bugs spread from one person to another?”
“Is it safe to have guests over if I’ve seen bed bugs?”
“Can I catch bed bugs from staying in a hotel?”
With over 25 years of experience treating bed bug infestations in New Smyrna Beach, we’ve seen it all. In this article, we’ll answer one of the most common concerns we hear:
Are bed bugs contagious?
Can Bed Bugs Be Contagious?
Short Answer: No, bed bugs are not contagious like a cold or the flu.
Bedbugs do not live on people, and they do not transmit diseases directly. You cannot catch bed bugs through casual human contact.
But here’s the catch: bed bugs travel. They’re excellent hitchhikers, which means they can move from house to house through luggage, clothing, or furniture.
So while they aren’t contagious in the medical sense, they can infest your home very easily if they catch a ride.
How Bed Bugs Spread
| How Bed Bugs Spread | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Luggage and Bags | Bed bugs hide in seams and crevices of suitcases. |
| Used Furniture | Infested couches, chairs, or mattresses bring bugs inside. |
| Visitors or Guests | Bed bugs can move from one home to another in clothing or bags. |
| Shared Housing | Apartments, dormitories, and hotels are high-risk for transfer. |
Where Bed Bugs Live
- Mattress seams
- Box spring cracks
- Baseboards
- Bedding and upholstery
- Inside your home, especially where people sleep
Are Bed Bug Bites Dangerous?
Bed bugs bite people and animals to feed on human blood. They usually feed at night when people sleep.
Bed bug bites include:
- Red bumps
- Itchy rash
- Swelling or itching
- Sometimes skin infection from scratching
Bites May Look:
- Similar to mosquito or flea bites
- Clustered or in a line
- Sometimes cause anaphylaxis in rare cases
Most people show a reaction to bed bug bites within a day or two. Some people may not react at all. If you suspect a bite, it’s best to avoid scratching and contact a healthcare provider if you notice signs of infection.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
| Signs of Bed Bugs |
|---|
| Small reddish-brown bugs (size of an apple seed) |
| Blood spots on sheets |
| Dark fecal spots |
| Molted skins |
| Musty odor |
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed exclusively on blood meals from human hosts. A female bed bug can lay hundreds of eggs, quickly leading to a major infestation.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
| Prevention Tips | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Inspect seams of luggage and mattresses | Prevents new bugs from getting in |
| Vacuum regularly | Removes eggs and stray bugs |
| Seal cracks and crevices | Removes hiding spots |
| Wash bedding in hot water | Kills eggs and insects |
| Avoid used furniture | Could be infested |
| Use a protective cover on mattress and box spring | Blocks entry and escape points |
Take steps to prevent bed bugs every time you travel or move new items into your home.
How Bed Bugs Compare to Other Bug Bites
| Bug Type | Bite Pattern | Transmits Disease? |
|---|---|---|
| Bedbug | Red itchy bumps, often in rows | Not known to spread disease |
| Mosquito | Random red bumps | Can spread disease |
| Flea | Small, itchy clusters | Rarely transmits |
| Tick | Single bite, bulls-eye rash | Can transmit diseases |
| Scabies | Intense itching, burrows | Highly contagious |
Bedbugs are not spread person to person, unlike scabies or lice. They are insects that feed on blood but don’t live on humans.
What To Do If You Have Bed Bugs
If you’ve been bitten by bedbugs, itching is common. Bed bug bites can cause discomfort, but the best way to treat an infestation is to act fast.
Our Advice:
- Inspect your mattress, box spring, and bedding.
- Vacuum carpets, baseboards, and crevices.
- Avoid using DIY chemical insecticides—they often make things worse.
- Contact a professional exterminator like ASAP Pest Control to safely eliminate the problem.
Final Thoughts
So, are bed bugs contagious?
No, they do not spread disease or move from one person to another through touch. But yes, they move easily between homes and infest quickly.
At ASAP Pest Control, we’ve helped thousands of New Smyrna Beach families treat bed bug infestations fast and safely. If you’ve seen signs of an infestation, learn how to identify the source—and call us to help.
Need Help Now?
Don’t wait until the bedbugs infest your home. Get tips, fast action, and peace of mind from a family-owned team that cares.
📞 Call us today for expert help. (386) 957-1023
🛑 Stop the bugs before they bite again.
