Can bed bugs live in your hair?

"I’ve been waking up with bites near my head. Can bed bugs live in your hair?"

No, bed bugs cannot live in your hair. Unlike lice or fleas, bed bugs are not adapted to navigate through hair or stay on a moving host. They prefer to feed quickly, usually at night, and then retreat to a nearby hiding spot, such as a mattress seam, bed frame, or baseboard.

That said, it is possible for a bed bug to crawl across your scalp while feeding. So while bed bugs hiding in your hair are very unlikely, bites on your head, neck, or face are still possible if they're feeding while you sleep.

What if I find a bug in my hair?

If you've found a bug in your hair, it's probably not a bed bug. Here's what it could be:

• Head lice: Tiny, wingless insects that live and lay eggs directly on the scalp. They're most common in children and spread through close contact.
• Fleas: Fast-moving and capable of jumping, fleas can land in hair temporarily but don't live there. They're more commonly found on pets and in carpets.
• Ticks: Ticks can attach to the scalp and surrounding skin after crawling through hair. If you find a tick embedded in your skin, seek advice from a healthcare professional on safe removal.
• Mites: Certain mite species can affect the scalp, though this is relatively uncommon. If you're concerned, consult a healthcare professional.

Our technicians can carry out a thorough inspection and, if bed bugs are present, walk you through the available bed bug control treatments for your home.