Who else can bite on a sofa besides bed bugs? - briefly
Fleas, mites, ticks, some spiders, and mosquitoes can bite a person on a sofa. These arthropods often arrive via pets, clothing, or open windows.
Who else can bite on a sofa besides bed bugs? - in detail
Various arthropods and small vertebrates can cause bites on upholstered furniture besides the well‑known Cimex lectularius.
Fleas (Siphonaptera) often jump from pets or wildlife onto sofas. Their bites appear as small, red papules, usually grouped in clusters. Flea life stages can hide in the fabric folds, especially if the sofa is near carpet or pet bedding.
Dust mites (Dermatophagoides spp.) do not bite, but their fecal particles trigger intense itching and dermatitis that may be mistaken for bites. Accumulated dust in cushions creates an environment for these microscopic organisms.
Mites of the Trombiculidae family, commonly called chiggers, sometimes infest indoor environments. Their larval stage attaches to skin, injecting saliva that produces itchy welts. Chiggers favor damp, poorly ventilated upholstery.
Spiders, particularly the house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) and the common cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides), may bite if handled. Bites are rare and usually painless, but can cause localized redness.
Ticks (Ixodida) can crawl onto a sofa from pets or wildlife. Engorged ticks may remain attached to fabric for days, and their bite can transmit pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi.
Mosquitoes (Culicidae) occasionally rest on furniture and bite when the host is nearby. Their proboscis penetrates skin, leaving a raised, itchy spot.
Bed bug relatives, such as the tropical bed bug (Cimex hemipterus), share similar habits and can also infest sofas, producing bites indistinguishable from those of the common bed bug.
Maggots of certain fly species, especially the cheese fly (Piophila casei), may be present in organic debris within cushions. While they do not bite, they can cause skin irritation through contact.
To mitigate these risks, maintain regular vacuuming, wash removable covers at high temperatures, reduce indoor humidity, and inspect pets for ectoparasites. Professional pest assessment may be necessary when bites persist despite routine cleaning.