Where can bedbugs bite?

Where can bedbugs bite? - briefly

Bedbugs typically bite exposed skin, including the arms, hands, legs, neck, and face, favoring areas not covered by clothing.

Where can bedbugs bite? - in detail

Bedbugs feed on exposed skin, preferring areas that are easily accessible while a person is at rest. The insects locate warm, thin‑skinned regions where blood flow is close to the surface. Typical feeding sites include:

  • Neck and shoulders
  • Upper arms and forearms
  • Hands, especially the backs of the wrists
  • Torso, focusing on the chest and abdomen
  • Lower back and hips
  • Legs, most often the calves and ankles
  • Feet, particularly the tops of the toes

Bites may also appear on the face, especially around the eyes and cheekbones, though such locations are less common because the head is often protected by pillows or blankets. The distribution of bites often follows a linear or clustered pattern, reflecting the insect’s movement across the skin while feeding. Lesions are usually red, slightly raised, and may become itchy or inflamed after several hours.