Yes, it's absolutely possible to have bed bugs and not see them, especially in the early stages, because they are small, nocturnal, expert hiders in cracks/crevices, and don't bite every night; people often notice bites or dark spots (fecal matter/shed skins) before seeing the bugs themselves, with infestations often going unnoticed for months.
They have small, flat bodies enabling them to hide in tight gaps and crevices where they spend most of their time in hiding. Despite their notorious ability to go unnoticed, it isn't impossible for a vigilant homeowner or apartment renter to notice signs of a potential bed bug infestation.
Because bed bugs are quite small (and don't multiply rapidly at first), it's possible to go several months without noticing their presence.
To get rid of bed bugs while pregnant, prioritize non-chemical methods like thorough vacuuming, steam cleaning, washing bedding in hot water (over 60°C) and drying on high heat, and encasing mattresses, while consulting a doctor and a licensed pest control professional (PMP) for safe, targeted treatments, especially for significant infestations, as they can use low-pesticide or heat-combined methods. Avoid DIY chemical sprays and always inform your PMP about the pregnancy to ensure the safest approach, potentially avoiding pesticides during the first trimester.
To know if you have bed bugs, look for itchy bites (often in rows on exposed skin), reddish or dark spots (feces) on bedding, rust-colored stains, tiny pale eggs or shed skins (exoskeletons), and inspect mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture for the actual bugs, which are small, flat, and reddish-brown. A musty, sweet smell can also indicate a severe infestation, according to the Better Health Channel and SA Health.
Bed bugs bite each person differently, but the most common appearances of bed bug bites include:
High heat (steam, hot dryer) and some contact sprays like rubbing alcohol or specific low-toxicity sprays kill bed bugs and their eggs instantly, but complete eradication requires persistent treatment like vacuuming, sealing cracks, using diatomaceous earth (DE), and washing items at high temperatures. While chemicals work, heat is highly effective, killing bugs in all life stages on contact, especially when temperatures reach 60°C (140°F) or higher, according to health.vic.gov.au and myhealth1st.com.au.
You can use your washing machine and dryer to kill bed bugs infesting clothes and other washable items. Clothes laundered in hot water and/or dried in temperatures hotter than 122°F for 20 minutes will kill all stages of bed bugs.
Many people cannot feel bed bugs crawling due to their quiet, swift movement and small size. Skin sensitivity varies; some individuals might notice a slight tickling or itching, while others may feel nothing. Bed bugs are nocturnal, often hiding during the day, making detection by crawling sensation less likely.
Bed bugs dislike strong scents like lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus. These natural aromas can deter bed bugs by creating an environment they find unpleasant, though they're not guaranteed to eliminate an infestation. Using essential oil sprays or sachets can help as a preventive measure.
However, bed bugs aren't a seasonal pest as they're active year-round. Bed bugs seek heat signatures to find blood to feed on. If a house is warmer in the summer due to lack of air conditioning, bed bugs may be more active instead of hiding in cryptic places. They are known to be at their peak from June to October.
Showering can help remove any bed bugs present on your skin temporarily, as water and soap can disrupt their ability to cling to surfaces. However, showering alone is not sufficient to eliminate a bed bug infestation, as these pests primarily reside in hidden cracks and crevices within your home.
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs do not actually live in hair—though they may bite at your scalp. They prefer to live in dark, secluded spaces, such as behind your bed, between furniture and walls, or within cracks on your floorboard.
Do not squish a bed bug as it will release the blood and any pathogens it may be carrying. Resist the urge to scratch the bites. your agency's policy in regards to whether a doctor's order is required.)
Their flat shape enables them to readily hide in cracks and crevices. Bed bugs cannot fly. Bed bugs hide during the day in dark, protected sites. They seem to prefer fabric, wood, and paper surfaces.
Bed bugs are not generally attracted to specific smells like some other insects are. Instead, they are drawn to the scent of human skin and breath.
Three key signs of bed bugs are itchy bites (often in lines or clusters), dark spots or rust-colored stains on bedding (fecal matter or crushed bugs), and the presence of the bugs or their pale, shed skins in mattress seams, bed frames, and crevices. A musty odor in severe infestations and tiny, pearly eggs in hidden spots are also strong indicators.
Because bed bugs are attracted to warmth where they're most likely to find their food source, using various methods to heat the suspected infected areas could be helpful. Try heating your bed (or any infected area) with a steamer, blow dryer, or heater to bring bugs out of hiding.
Bed bugs lay eggs in a lot of places, but we highly doubt they are going to lay eggs in anyone's ear. They will, however, lay eggs in the seams of a suitcase, a pocketbook, a sleeping bag, a piece of clothing, and more.
Bugs would be repelled by hanging a bear's skin in your room – presumably the sight was thought to frighten them into moving elsewhere. Placing bags of wormwood 'between your bed and sacking [bedding]' would similarly stop the insects from making themselves at home in mattresses.
Question: What is the main cause of bed bugs? Answer: Bed bugs don't just appear. They hitchhike from one place to another, often going unnoticed. Clinging to luggage, clothing, or secondhand items, they can easily make their way into homes.
If a bed bug finds its way onto your clothing while you're wearing it, it may stay on the fabric for several hours—potentially even a full day. However, it's important to understand their behavior: They prefer still environments: Bed bugs tend to avoid movement.
Yes, bed bugs can survive in blankets, especially if the infestation is severe. Bed bugs are resilient pests that can hide in the folds and seams of blankets, making it challenging to eliminate them without proper treatment.
Natural scents like tea tree oil and peppermint oil can help repel bed bugs when used around sleeping areas. Some oils, like neem and orange oil, may help kill bed bugs or slow down their ability to spread.
Infestation Level and Bite Frequency
In that case, you might experience bites only sporadically – perhaps once a week, as a nymph, for instance, needs to feed between each moulting stage as it grows. The lack of bites for a few nights doesn't necessarily indicate the lack of bed bugs.