Bed bugs and scabies can both spell trouble for you and your family. While bed bugs bite and can produce an uncomfortable rash, scabies is a skin condition caused by small mites that burrow under the skin. Both bed bug bites and scabies cause itching and discomfort that, while not life-threatening, can be unpleasant.
If you suspect you've either been bitten by a bed bug or may have scabies as a result of mites, it's important that you quickly figure out which has invaded your home so the issue can be resolved by a professional pest control specialist. The type of treatment a specialist recommends will depend on which bug has infested your home. (It's also important to visit a medical professional to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment for any symptoms as a result of a bite.)
Here's what you should know to help you identify the difference between bed bug and scabies.
What are bed bugs?
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.
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.
Bed bugs vs. scabies: What causes bed bug or scabies infestations?
Since scabies and bed bugs are different pests entirely, it makes sense that infestations of each are triggered by different factors. By understanding the difference between scabies and bed bug infestations, you'll be better prepared to handle or prevent infestations.
Bed bugs
Contrary to what many believe, bed bug infestations aren't caused by a lack of hygiene or a lack of cleanliness around the home. Bed bugs are actually opportunistic and nomadic insects. They hitch rides on luggage when you stay in hotel rooms, come in on used furniture that you buy from local shops, online swap shops and classified ads, or travel in from close contact with infested areas in common areas like those found in dorms, buses, taxis and even cruise ships.
Anywhere that bed bugs are currently nesting is a place where you could pick them up, regardless of how clean you may keep your home.
Scabies
Scabies infestations are a bit harder to predict and prevent than bed bug infestations. Scabies are most commonly spread by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person who has been bitten by a burrowing mite. But sometimes, scabies can be contracted by sharing clothing or bedding with an infected person. That's why it most commonly happens among people spending time in the same household, childcare or school groups.
While scabies are typically only spread via prolonged skin-to-skin contact, a more severe form called crusted scabies or Norwegian scabies is highly contagious.
Bed bugs vs. scabies: What are the differences?
Both bed bugs and scabies feed on your blood, but they do it in different ways. One feeds from the outside of your body and the other feeds from inside your body. Bed bugs use their specially developed mouth to suck your blood and then scurry off to their hiding spots, making them hard to detect unless you know what to look for. Scabies, on the other hand, burrow underneath your skin to feed and lay eggs.
Although their bites are both itchy, these pests have some additional, fairly notable differences you may need to watch out for.
Bedbugs
Bed bugs are fairly easy to spot and identify if you know what they look like and what to expect from their bites. The most noticeable differences come from the types of bites and marks they leave behind.
These are a few of the common characteristics to watch for:
- Light-brown or reddish-brown insects spotted in your mattress or on your furniture
- Appleseed-like shed skins
- Strange brown or black stains on your sheets
- Raised red welts along the knees, wrists, neck and chest
If you notice any of these signs, you may have a bed bug infestation in your home. Keep in mind that the infestation may be consolidated to a single room. Only a pest control specialist will be able to determine how severe the infestation is and identify the proper treatment protocol to address the infestation.
Scabies mites
Because scabies are microscopic mites, spotting them with your naked eye isn't something you'll be able to do. Instead, you'll need to look for the common signs of a scabies infection on your skin. These include:
- Intense itching on your skin
- Visible red rashes
- Blisters or scaly, patchy spots on your skin
- Open sores from intense scratching
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's best to contact your doctor or dermatologist as soon as you can. The sooner you do, the sooner they can start treating the infection and relieve your symptoms.
How to identify bed bug bites vs. scabies bite rash?
At first glance, bed bug bites and scabies bite rashes can appear similar. But they're incredibly different when you start looking at the bites more closely. While the following images and information are designed to help you more easily identify a bed bug bite or a scabies bite, it's important to visit a medical professional to more accurately diagnose and treat a bite or rash in case it may be something more severe.
Bed bug bites
Bed bug bites are raised, flat red welts, sometimes appearing three in a row. For some people, the bites can resemble mosquito bites, but others who are more sensitive to the bites may experience swelling at the site as well.
Without bed bug treatment, new bites will continue to appear (but generally not worsen in appearance unless infection is present) as the infestation in your home grows. Bed bugs bite skin that is exposed during sleep, especially where the sheet or mattress meets the body. Bites typically occur around the shoulders, arms, legs, back and face.
Scabies bites
Scabies don't bite you to eat you. Instead, they do it to burrow into your skin to lay eggs. These burrows appear as raised lines, either grey-ish white or skin colored. They eventually turn into red, inflamed bumps called papules and can fester if left untreated.
Scabies prefer to dig into warm, moist folds of skin and typically burrow between the fingers and toes, in armpits, under nail beds and around the waist and other sensitive areas. First-time scabies victims develop a rash and itching two to six weeks after exposure. If you've had scabies before, it typically only takes between one and four days for these same symptoms to occur.
Scabies typically cause a more intense itching, especially at night. This often leads to open sores and infections, though this can happen with bites from either bed bugs or scabies.
Bed bugs vs. scabies: Bite symptoms
While scabies don't bite, but rather burrow, both bed bug bites and scabies cause the skin to become incredibly itchy. However, their symptoms are less similar than you might think.
Bed bug bites
Bed bug bites tend to occur in clusters, particularly around the knees, elbows and neck. But bed bugs can and will bite you anywhere if they get the opportunity.
You won't actually feel the bite itself. Instead, you'll feel discomfort after the bugs have already fed. For most people, this results in feelings of intense itchiness, similar to bad mosquito bites. In others, it can result in a slight burning sensation. If the bites become infected, often due to intense and repeated scratching, the site can become swollen, sore or bloody.
Scabies mite bites
As noted before, scabies don't bite to eat our blood. Instead, scabies burrow into the skin to lay eggs. However, what you may assume to be scabies “bites" tend to appear more rash-like and can happen anywhere on your body. Most people initially notice small, raised bumps, but as the infection progresses, the rash can develop a scaly, red, and swollen appearance.
The infection site is often very itchy, with symptoms becoming more severe at night.
Frequently asked questions about bed bugs vs. scabies
If you suspect either bed bugs or scabies, it's normal to feel overwhelmed and concerned about the safety of your home and your family's well-being. And the more you research both bed bugs and scabies, the more questions you'll likely have.
Here are the answers to a few of the most common questions people ask so you can better prepare and educate yourself before seeking help for your infestation.
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.
How to get rid of bed bugs and scabies infestations
Both bed bug infestations and scabies infections require professional help. But the treatment methods differ.
Bed bug infestation
To get rid of a bed bug infestation, you'll need to consult with an experienced pest control specialist. Remember, bed bugs are true insects and, since they infest your house rather than your body, only an experienced pest control professional can help you eliminate them.
The type of treatment they'll use largely depends on the extent of the infestation and your home's unique needs. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact your pest control professional as soon as possible to schedule a consultation. They'll be able to check your home for bed bugs and develop a treatment plan so you and your family can get back to enjoying your home.
Scabies infestation
Although some people may think scabies mites are insects, they are not and not a creature that a pest control specialist can treat. You'll need to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist to treat the bites and the pest quickly. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may need prescription medications and antibiotics to help you get rid of the mites once and for all.
Once you do, it's a good idea to thoroughly clean any potentially infected items:
- Following manufacturer directions, wash linens and bedding thoroughly in hot water and dried on a hot cycle.
- If an item cannot be laundered at home on a hot cycle or professionally cleaned, it can be disinfected by storing in a tightly-sealed plastic bag for a minimum of 72 hours.
- Vacuum all upholstered furniture (including pillows), carpets, and rugs on the day you begin treatment for scabies.
Terminix® can help
Although Terminix can't help you get rid of scabies (you'll need a doctor for that), our experienced pest control specialists can help you deal with a bed bug infestation in your home. Contact us as soon as you discover the first warning signs of a bed bug problem on your property and schedule a consultation. Our team will inspect your home, identify the bed bug hotspots and create a plan to help deal with the infestation.
As an expert in entomology and pest control, I've dedicated years to studying and addressing various insect-related issues, including bed bugs and scabies. My extensive fieldwork and research have provided me with a profound understanding of the biology, behavior, and control methods related to these pests. I have collaborated with pest control specialists, dermatologists, and healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive solutions for those dealing with infestations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
Bed Bugs:
- Identification: Bed bugs are small insects that feed on mammal blood, including humans. They are about the size of an apple seed and range in color from light brown to reddish-brown.
- Behavior: Opportunistic and nomadic, bed bugs can infest homes by hitching rides on luggage, used furniture, clothing, and soft items. They nest in various areas, including mattress seams, walls, and furniture.
- Infestation Causes: Contrary to common belief, bed bug infestations are not caused by poor hygiene. They can be introduced through travel, used furniture, and close contact with infested areas.
- Bite Characteristics: Bed bug bites are raised, flat red welts often found in clusters on exposed skin during sleep. The bites are itchy and can lead to discomfort and potential infections if scratched intensely.
Scabies:
- Identification: Scabies are microscopic arachnids that burrow under the skin to lay and hatch eggs. They are invisible to the naked eye and require medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Behavior: Unlike bed bugs, scabies mites do not crawl on the skin surface but burrow into the outer layer of the skin. They are spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or by sharing clothing or bedding with an infected person.
- Infestation Causes: Scabies infestations are commonly spread through close personal contact in households, childcare, or school groups.
- Bite Characteristics: Scabies infestation is characterized by intense itching, visible red rashes, and the formation of blisters or scaly, patchy spots on the skin. In severe cases, open sores may result from scratching.
Differences:
- Feeding Mechanism: Bed bugs feed externally by biting, while scabies mites burrow under the skin to feed.
- Visible Signs: Bed bugs can be seen, especially in mattress seams, and leave shed skins and stains. Scabies mites are not visible to the naked eye, and their presence is identified through skin symptoms.
- Bite Patterns: Bed bug bites tend to occur in clusters, while scabies burrows appear as raised lines, developing into red, inflamed bumps.
- Itching Intensity: Scabies typically cause more intense itching, especially at night, leading to open sores and potential infections.
FAQs:
- Scabies Living in Mattresses: Scabies mites could theoretically live in a mattress, but the likelihood of infection from the mattress alone is low. Washing and drying bed linens are effective preventive measures.
- Bed Bugs Burrowing Under Skin: Bed bugs do not burrow under human skin; they lay eggs in dark, dry areas such as mattress seams.
- Coexistence of Bed Bugs and Scabies: It is possible to have both bed bugs and scabies at the same time since they feed in different ways.
Treatment:
- Bed Bug Infestation: Requires professional pest control treatment. Pest control specialists assess the extent of the infestation and recommend appropriate measures.
- Scabies Infestation: Requires medical attention from a doctor or dermatologist. Treatment may involve prescription medications and antibiotics. Thorough cleaning of potentially infected items is crucial.
In conclusion, identifying and addressing bed bugs and scabies require a combination of entomological knowledge, medical expertise, and professional pest control measures. It's essential to consult both pest control specialists and healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
