Is it true that bedbugs bite only one person? - briefly
No; a single bedbug can feed on several hosts, and multiple bites on one person are common.
Is it true that bedbugs bite only one person? - in detail
Bedbugs are opportunistic hematophagous insects; they will feed on any available warm‑blooded host. The idea that a single bug limits its feeding to one person is inaccurate.
When a bedbug awakens to feed, it follows carbon‑dioxide, heat and body odor cues. In a multi‑occupant dwelling it encounters several potential sources within minutes. Consequently, a single insect may bite different people during successive feeding cycles, especially if the occupants share a sleeping surface or bedroom.
Factors influencing which individuals receive bites include:
- Proximity to the harboring refuge – bugs hide in cracks, mattress seams, or furniture near the host.
- Body heat and CO₂ output – larger or more active individuals emit stronger signals.
- Blood type and skin chemistry – some studies suggest preference for type O, but preferences are not exclusive.
- Sleeping position – people who lie closer to the harbor tend to receive more bites.
Bedbugs typically feed every 3–5 days, taking a small blood meal that swells their abdomen. After engorgement they retreat to their hideout to digest, molt or lay eggs. During the digestion period they do not feed, but once the cycle restarts they may seek a new host. In households with several residents, the same bug can bite different people over successive cycles.
Bite patterns reflect this behavior. Clusters of red welts often appear on exposed skin, such as arms, neck and face. The distribution does not indicate that the insect is restricted to one host; rather, it shows where the bug accessed skin during each feeding episode.
In summary, bedbugs are not host‑specific to a single person. They opportunistically bite any accessible human or animal, and a single insect can feed on multiple occupants over time. The misconception may arise from the observation that some individuals notice more bites, but this reflects personal exposure rather than an inherent limitation in the bug’s feeding behavior.