What Is the Difference Between Bedbugs and Lice?

When dealing with small pests that cause bites and itching, it’s easy to confuse bed bugs and lice. Both are parasitic pests that rely on human blood for survival, but they have distinct differences in appearance, behavior, and habitats. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper identification and treatment. Here’s an in-depth look at bed bugs vs lice and how to address infestations effectively.

Key Differences Between Bed Bugs vs Lice

Feature	Bed Bugs	Lice
Size	Larger, about 5–7 mm (size of an apple seed).	Smaller, about 2–3 mm (size of a sesame seed).
Shape	Flat and oval-shaped (unfed); rounder after feeding.	Long and narrow with visible legs and claws.
Color	Reddish-brown; bright red after a blood meal.	Whitish to gray, blending with hair or clothing.
Habitat	Found in bedding, furniture, cracks, and walls.	Live on the scalp, body, or clothing depending on the type.
Behavior	Active at night, feed on exposed skin while you sleep.	Stay on the host 24/7, feeding multiple times a day.
Eggs/Nits	Do not lay eggs on humans or clothing.	Lay eggs (nits) on hair shafts or fibers of clothing.
Treatment	Requires professional pest control, thorough cleaning, and heat treatments.	Medicated shampoos, lice combs, and washing personal items.

Physical Differences: Bed Bug vs Lice

At first glance, bed bugs and lice may look similar, but they differ significantly in size, color, and structure.

Key Characteristics of Bed Bugs

Size: Larger than lice, about 5–7 mm (the size of an apple seed).
Shape: Flat and oval-shaped when unfed; rounder after feeding.
Color: Reddish-brown but turns bright red after a blood meal.
Habitat: Found in furniture, bedding, and cracks in walls.

Key Characteristics of Lice

Size: Smaller, about 2–3 mm (the size of a sesame seed).
Shape: Long, narrow bodies with visible legs.
Color: Whitish to gray, blending with hair or clothing.
Habitat: Found on the scalp, body, or clothing, depending on the type.

Behavioral Differences: Lice and Bed Bugs

The behavior of these pests can also help in identifying them. Bed Bugs

Active at night, feeding on exposed skin while you sleep.
Bite marks often appear in clusters or lines on areas like the arms, legs, and neck.
Do not live on the human body but hide in bedding, furniture, or crevices.

Lice

Live directly on the human body, feeding on blood multiple times a day.
Bite marks cause intense itching, particularly on the scalp, neck, or waist.
Lay eggs (nits) on hair shafts or clothing fibers.

While bed bugs prefer a nocturnal lifestyle, lice stay close to their host 24/7.

Can Bed Bugs Live in Hair?

A common question is whether bed bugs in hair are a possibility. While bed bugs may bite near the scalp, they do not infest hair like lice do. This is because their flat bodies are not designed to navigate through hair. Instead, they prefer hiding in bedding or furniture close to where humans sleep.

On the other hand, lice thrive in hair, gripping onto strands with their clawed legs. If you notice small, moving insects in your hair, it’s likely lice rather than bed bugs.

Body Lice vs Bed Bugs

Both body lice and bed bugs are known for causing itchy bites, but they have key differences:

Key Characteristics of Body Lice

Habitat: Found in clothing seams, moving to the skin only to feed.
Conditions: Common in situations with poor hygiene or crowded living conditions.
Eggs: Lay eggs in clothing, not furniture.

Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on wasps and ways to tackle a wasp infestation.

Key Characteristics of Bed Bugs

Habitat: Found in cracks, mattresses, or furniture, feeding during the night.
Infestations: Infestations are more widespread and can occur in clean environments.

How to Treat and Prevent Bed Bug Infestations

Wash bedding, clothes, and fabrics in hot water and dry on high heat.
Vacuum furniture, carpets, and mattresses regularly.
Use mattress encasements to prevent bed bug hiding spots.
Call a pest control service for severe infestations.

How to Treat and Prevent Lice Infestations

Use over-the-counter treatments like medicated shampoos.
Comb hair with a fine-tooth lice comb to remove nits and live lice.
Wash clothes, bedding, and personal items in hot water.
Avoid sharing personal items like hats, brushes, and towels.

Prevention is key for both pests. Regular cleaning and awareness of signs can help avoid future infestations. If you’re struggling with an infestation, contact a professional pest control service today for expert advice and solutions. Need an estimate for pest control? Our team is standing by, ready to help. Get A Risk Free Estimate!