Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia bacteria.
You may wonder if all the pests who carry the bacteria are capable of transmitting the infection?
Are ticks and bed bugs the same?
Which of these transmit Lyme disease?
We will discover here if bed bugs transmit the Lyme illness. We will clarify the roles these two pests play in disease transmission. Let us dive in to know more.
Bed Bugs and Lyme Disease
- Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are wingless insects that are fed on blood, chiefly from humans. The frequency of feeding is usually every 5- 7 days.
- And the activity time is during the night. They usually hide under the mattress, household items, luggage seams, and so on.
- Bed bugs are stimulated by carbon dioxide and heat. This is for the exact same reason they bite while one is asleep. The bites are not felt until later.
- Bites are in straight lines or clusters or groups– this pattern is also known as the “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern.
Now the question arises, can bed bugs cause or spread Lyme disease/ any other illness?
- No, bed bugs do not transmit Lyme disease. In fact according to the research published, bed bugs are not vectors of disease like ticks or mosquitos.
- Even though bed bugs are not life- threatening, they can have serious impacts–
- Severe itching
- Secondary skin infection
- Mental health problems
- Cost eradication
Evidence of Bacteria Survival Inside Bed Bugs
The Borrelia bacteria does not survive inside the bed bugs, the way they survive inside the ticks. These are the highlights of the evidence related to the two insects.
Why do you think that is?
- The gut environment of the ticks allows the Borrelia bacteria to survive and transmit during the next bite.
- So basically, Bed bugs do not have this biological providence which a tick has!
- Few researchers suggest that there is no evidence of transmission of the diseases to humans by bed bugs ever confirmed.
Bed Bugs vs Ticks Disease Transmission:
- Ticks are proven carriers for Lyme disease as the bacteria survives in their midgut and while feeding on humans, they emit the infected saliva into the bloodstream.
- Bed bugs are not suitable for Borrelia survival and they feed quickly.
Comparing Bites: Tick vs Bed bug
| Feature | Tick | Bed Bug |
| Biting stage | Nymph/adult tick | Adult insect |
| Pain at bite | Usually painless | Not felt during bite |
| When itches start | Several hours to a day later | Hours to overnight |
| Bite location | Anywhere | Exposed skin during sleep |
| Pattern | Single site | Rows or zigzag clusters |
| Risk of disease | High | None confirmed |
| What to Do if Bitten |
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Bed Bugs: Myth vs Fact
Myth 1: Bed bugs spread Lyme disease.
Fact: Bed bugs cannot transmit Lyme disease. They are blood- feeding pests, there is not a single evidence proving that they are capable of transmitting or spreading Lyme disease to humans.
Myth 2: Bed bugs are found in dirty or unclean homes.
Fact: Irrespective of the “cleanliness” parameter, they can infest anywhere. They seek places where they can find humans easily to feed on.
Myth 3: Bed bugs are active only during the nighttime.
Fact: Bed bugs are said to be nocturnal in nature and tend to feed during the night. However, their activity is not limited to the nighttime. Bed bugs can be active during the day too.
Myth 4: You can see bed bugs with the naked eye.
Fact: Early- stage bed bugs, nymphs, their eggs are quite tiny and hard to see with the naked eye. However, an adult bed bug is the size of an apple see which is visible to the naked eye. Thereby the early stages and infection can go completely unnoticed. It is crucial to notice or look for signs such as blood spots or dark fecal stains on your bedding.
Myth 5: Bed bugs are only found in beds.
Fact: No, they just do not live in your bed. They can hide on furniture, baseboards, picture frames, and so on.
