Can Bed Bugs Live in Your Hair?

Bed bugs, the small, brownish-red insects that are most well-known to hide in beds and feed on humans while they sleep, are excellent hitchhikers. These pests seek refuge in many environments, including homes, hotels, schools, offices, and even public transportation, all in search of a host to make their next blood meal. 
 
While they’re most commonly associated with mattresses, furniture, and clothing, many people worry that bed bugs might also live in their hair similar to lice. The good news (if there’s any when it comes to bed bugs) is no, bed bugs do not live on humans or in their hair. 

Although bed bugs can bite your scalp, it’s unlikely they’ll live in your hair. Their flat, oval bodies aren’t designed to cling to hair, fur or feathers, making hair an unsuitable place for them to live.

Do Bed Bugs Stay In Your Hair?

If a bed bug does hitch a ride in your hair and feeds on your scalp, they won’t stay there long. After feeding, bed bugs retreat to secluded hiding places where they can digest their meal, mate, and lay eggs, and hair doesn’t offer the privacy they need.

Symptoms of Bed Bugs in Hair

Multiple bed bug bites on your scalp could indicate bed bugs have been feeding there, but they won’t stick around following the bite. If you suspect bed bugs in your hair or on your body, a shower will rinse them away.

When to Call a Bed Bug Professional

When bed bugs make it into your home, they can be extremely difficult to get rid of. If you discover a bed bug infestation, it’s vital to contact a pest control professional immediately.