Do Bed Bugs Spread Disease?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans. Unlike mosquitoes or ticks, bed bugs don’t pass pathogens through their bites. So, if you’re worried about catching something like Lyme disease or malaria from a bed bug, you can unclench your jaw—that part isn’t happening.

So Why Do Bed Bugs Feel Like a Health Nightmare?

Even though they don’t spread disease, bed bugs still earn their terrible reputation:

• Itchy, inflamed bites that can last days (or weeks if you’re unlucky)

• Allergic reactions in some people

• Secondary skin infections from excessive scratching

• Sleep loss, anxiety, and stress—because nothing says “restful night” like wondering what’s crawling on you

  
  

In other words, they may not carry disease, but they absolutely carry chaos.

The Bottom Line

Bed bugs won’t make you sick with a disease—but they can seriously affect your comfort, sleep, and sanity. If you suspect an infestation, don’t wait it out or try to “tough it out.” Bed bugs are stubborn, sneaky, and very bad roommates.

Short answer: Nope.