alana korol
2026-03-31T08:24:07-04:00

Complete comparison of scabies vs. bed bugs, including how to tell them apart, differences in appearance, itching patterns, environmental signs, and treatment approaches.

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Scabies vs Bed Bugs: How to Tell the Difference

Scabies and bed bugs are often confused because both cause itchy red bumps on the skin.

However, they are completely different conditions that require very different treatments.

Scabies is caused by microscopic mites that live under your skin

Bed bugs are visible insects that live in your environment and bite you while you sleep

Understanding the difference helps you take the right steps—and avoid treating the wrong problem.

🔬 What They Are

Scabies

Caused by microscopic mites

Live and reproduce under your skin

Invisible to the naked eye

Bed Bugs

Visible insects (about the size of an apple seed)

Live in mattresses, furniture, and cracks

Come out at night to feed

👀 What You See on Your Skin

Scabies Symptoms

Thin burrow tracks (key sign)

Small red bumps or rash

Widespread itching

Often found in skin folds

Common areas:

Between fingers

Wrists

Waistline

Armpits

👉 learn more about what are the first signs of scabies

Bed Bug Bites

Red bumps in lines or clusters

Often appear overnight

No burrow tracks

Common areas:

Arms

Legs

Neck

Face

🕒 Itching Differences

Scabies

Severe and constant

Worse at night

Spreads over time

Bed Bugs

Worse in the morning

Comes and goes

Each bite heals individually

🏠 What You See in Your Environment

Scabies

No visible bugs

No stains or residue

Spreads through people

Bed Bugs

Visible bugs in mattress seams

Dark spots (feces)

Blood stains on sheets

Musty odor in heavy infestations

🔄 How They Spread

Scabies

Prolonged skin-to-skin contact

Spreads between household members

Common with close contact

Bed Bugs

Travel through luggage, furniture, clothing

Spread room-to-room

Not spread through physical contact

⚖️ Quick Comparison

Feature | Scabies | Bed Bugs
Cause | Mites under skin | Insects in environment
Visible | ❌ No | ✔ Yes
Burrow tracks | ✔ Yes | ❌ No
Itching | Severe, worse at night | Moderate, worse morning
Spread | Person-to-person | Environment
Treatment | Body + light cleaning | Heavy environmental treatment

🌿 A Complete Treatment Approach for Scabies

If your symptoms match scabies, treatment should focus on both the body and environment.

Products such as a Scabies Complete Family Treatment System are designed to support this approach by combining:

Body wash and shampoo for cleansing (such as Scabies Body Wash and Shampoo)

Relief cream for targeted skin support (such as Extreme Scabies Relief Cream)

Surface spray for environmental control (such as Mite Marvel Mite Killer Spray)

🧠 How to Tell Which One You Have

It’s Likely Scabies If:

You see burrow lines

Itching is worse at night

Symptoms spread gradually

Multiple people in your home are affected

It’s Likely Bed Bugs If:

You see bugs or dark spots

Bites appear in lines

Only certain sleeping areas are affected

Itching is worse in the morning

❗ Can You Have Both?

It’s possible—but uncommon.

If so:

You’ll need to treat BOTH separately

Scabies treatment won’t eliminate bed bugs

Pest control won’t eliminate scabies

🔗 Related Reading

How Do I Know If I Have Scabies?

What Are the First Signs of Scabies?

How Long Does Scabies Treatment Take to Work?

The Bottom Line

Scabies and bed bugs may look similar—but they behave very differently.

Scabies lives under your skin and spreads through contact

Bed bugs live in your environment and bite exposed skin

Knowing the difference helps you choose the right treatment and get relief faster.