How do indoor bedbugs bite a person? - briefly
Bedbugs use their needle‑like proboscis to puncture the skin, inject saliva that prevents clotting, and then sip blood for several minutes. The resulting lesions are tiny, red, itchy bumps that commonly occur in rows or clusters on exposed areas.
How do indoor bedbugs bite a person? - in detail
Bedbugs locate a sleeping host by sensing body heat, carbon‑dioxide exhalation, and skin odor. Once a suitable spot is identified, the insect climbs onto exposed skin, typically on the face, neck, arms, or legs.
The feeding process proceeds as follows:
- Probe insertion: Two slender mouthparts, the maxillae and mandibles, pierce the epidermis. The maxillae form a hollow canal that serves as a channel for fluid exchange.
- Saliva delivery: Through the canal, the bug injects saliva containing anticoagulants, vasodilators, and a mild anesthetic. These compounds prevent clotting, expand capillaries, and reduce the host’s immediate perception of the bite.
- Blood uptake: The insect draws blood passively as it flows into the canal, filling its distended abdomen. A single feeding session may last from five to ten minutes, during which the bug can ingest up to 0.2 ml of blood.
- Withdrawal: After engorgement, the mouthparts retract, leaving a puncture that is often invisible to the naked eye.
The visible reaction typically appears several hours later. The injected saliva triggers a localized immune response, producing a raised, erythematous wheal that may itch or develop into a small blister. The severity of the lesion depends on the host’s sensitivity, the number of feeding events, and the duration of exposure.
Factors influencing bite occurrence include:
- Environmental conditions: Warm indoor temperatures (20–27 °C) and high humidity accelerate bug activity.
- Host behavior: Motionless periods, such as sleep, increase the likelihood of contact.
- Infestation density: Higher population numbers raise the probability of multiple bites in a single night.
- Clothing coverage: Areas of skin uncovered by garments are more frequently targeted.
Repeated feeding can lead to clustered lesions, often arranged in linear or zig‑zag patterns reflecting the insect’s movement across the host’s body. Over time, chronic exposure may cause secondary skin infections if lesions are scratched or not properly treated.