How do bedbugs attack? - briefly
Bedbugs sense body heat and carbon‑dioxide, then use a needle‑like proboscis to inject anticoagulant saliva and withdraw blood. Feeding typically lasts 5–10 minutes before the insect retreats to hide.
How do bedbugs attack? - in detail
Bedbugs locate a host primarily through carbon‑dioxide emission, body heat, and chemical cues from skin. When a person is asleep, the insects rise from their harborages and move toward the source of these signals.
The feeding sequence proceeds as follows:
- Orientation – sensory organs detect CO₂ plumes and thermal gradients, guiding the bug to the skin surface.
- Landing – the insect attaches using its tarsal claws and a hook‑like structure that provides stability on fabric.
- Penetration – a slender, needle‑like mouthpart (the proboscis) pierces the epidermis, creating a channel that reaches a blood vessel.
- Saliva injection – the bug releases anticoagulant and anesthetic compounds that prevent clotting and mask the bite, allowing uninterrupted feeding.
- Blood ingestion – the insect draws up to 0.003 ml of blood within 5–10 minutes, filling its distended abdomen.
- Detachment – after reaching a satiated state, the insect withdraws the proboscis and returns to a hidden refuge to digest the meal.
During digestion, the blood is broken down by enzymes, and waste products are excreted as dark spotting on bedding. The abdomen expands visibly, providing a visual cue for infestation. Feeding typically occurs at night when the host is immobile, but bedbugs can also feed during daylight if disturbed.
Host‑seeking behavior is reinforced by the insect’s ability to remember successful feeding sites. After an initial blood meal, the bug may return to the same location for subsequent feedings, leading to repeated bites in a confined area. The combination of sensory detection, rapid puncture, and pharmacologically active saliva enables efficient blood acquisition while minimizing host awareness.