At what time do bedbugs bite? - briefly
Bedbugs generally feed during the night, often while people are asleep, because they are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. They can also bite during daylight if a host is accessible, but nighttime activity is the norm.
At what time do bedbugs bite? - in detail
Bedbugs are nocturnal feeders. Their activity peaks during the early hours of darkness, typically between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., when humans are most likely to be still in bed. The insects are attracted to body heat and carbon‑dioxide, which rise as a person sleeps, prompting the bugs to emerge from their hiding places and locate a feeding site.
Key factors influencing the exact timing:
- Host presence: Feeding begins only after a host is detected; if a person gets up early, the bugs may bite earlier in the night.
- Species and temperature: Higher ambient temperatures accelerate metabolism, causing bites to occur sooner after nightfall.
- Disturbance: Vibrations or light can delay feeding, as bugs prefer undisturbed conditions.
The feeding process itself lasts 5–10 minutes. After engorgement, the insect retreats to its harbor to digest the blood meal, a period that can last from several days to two weeks, depending on temperature and life stage. Consequently, a single night may involve multiple bites if the bug is interrupted or if several individuals feed sequentially.
Understanding this nocturnal pattern helps in timing interventions, such as applying heat treatments or using interceptors, to target bugs when they are most active.