What do bedbugs feed on in an apartment? - briefly
Bedbugs consume only the blood of warm‑blooded hosts, primarily humans, during nighttime feeding. In an apartment they may also bite domestic animals such as cats or dogs when human blood is scarce.
What do bedbugs feed on in an apartment? - in detail
Bedbugs are obligate hematophagous insects; they survive only by ingesting blood. In a typical apartment they obtain nourishment almost exclusively from the blood of humans, the most accessible warm‑blooded hosts. The insects locate a sleeping or resting person, insert a needle‑like proboscis through the skin, and draw a small volume of blood, usually 5–10 µl per feeding episode. Feeding occurs primarily at night when the host’s body temperature is stable and movement is minimal.
Domestic pets such as cats and dogs can serve as secondary hosts, especially when they share the sleeping environment. Bedbugs will bite exposed areas—face, neck, arms, hands, and legs—where the cuticle is thin. They prefer skin that is not covered by clothing or bedding, although they can penetrate thin fabrics if necessary.
In the presence of birds, rodents, or other small mammals within the dwelling, these animals may also be utilized, though they are rarely the primary source. Bedbugs are not attracted to food residues, carpet fibers, or furniture; they lack the enzymatic capacity to digest plant or animal tissue other than blood.
A single adult can survive several months without a blood meal, but regular feeding is required for reproduction. After ingesting a meal, digestion takes 5–10 days, during which the insect rests in a concealed harbor. Females lay eggs after each blood meal, ensuring the colony’s growth.
Key points about feeding in a residential setting
- Primary host: human blood
- Secondary hosts: cats, dogs, occasional birds or rodents
- Targeted body regions: exposed skin, especially face, neck, arms, and legs
- Feeding schedule: nocturnal, 5–10 µl per meal, every 3–7 days for adults
- Survival without food: up to several months, but reproduction depends on regular meals
- No consumption of fabrics, food crumbs, or debris; blood is the sole nutrient source.