It’s a common concern for anyone dealing with or trying to prevent a bed bug infestation: can bed bugs fly? The simple answer is no, bed bugs are wingless insects and are incapable of flight. Unlike some other pesky insects, they also lack the ability to jump long distances, like fleas. Bed bugs primarily move around by crawling.
Bed bugs belong to the insect order Hemiptera, known as true bugs. They are parasitic insects that feed on blood, possessing piercing-sucking mouthparts. Their life cycle involves gradual metamorphosis, progressing through egg, nymph, and adult stages. Nymphs are similar in appearance to adults, with the key difference being the adult stage is required for reproduction. Female bed bugs typically lay only a few eggs each day.
Common bed bugs have a preference for human hosts and are less attracted to pets or other furry animals. They are frequently transported by humans, often hitchhiking in personal items such as luggage, handbags, gym bags, and other belongings that are placed near sleeping areas. While bed bug bites can cause skin irritation and discomfort, sometimes severe in sensitive individuals, it’s important to note that bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans.
If you suspect a bed bug problem, seeking help from a pest control professional is highly recommended. Bed bug infestations are notoriously difficult for homeowners to resolve independently due to the bugs’ resistance to many over-the-counter treatments and their ability to hide effectively in various cracks and crevices.
Bed Bug Control: Further Resources
How to identify Bed Bugs?
Learn what Bed Bugs look like, and how to detect if you have a Bed Bug Infestation.
How do you get Bed Bugs?
Find out how Bed Bugs infiltrate your home and where they are attracted to.
How serious are Bed Bugs?
Learn about Bed Bug bites. their feces and how they can impact your health.
What Orkin does
Learn how Orkin handles Bed Bugs, homeopathic cures and the cost of Bed Bug extermination services.
