What do bedbugs feed on in the house? - briefly
Bedbugs feed exclusively on the blood of humans, typically biting at night while the host is asleep. They use a needle‑like proboscis to pierce the skin and ingest a small amount of blood each time they feed.
What do bedbugs feed on in the house? - in detail
Bedbugs obtain nourishment exclusively from the blood of warm‑blooded hosts that enter their environment. In residential settings, the primary source is human blood; occasional feeding on domestic pets such as cats or dogs occurs when these animals share the sleeping area. The insects locate a host by detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, and skin odors, then pierce the skin with a specialized proboscis to draw a minute quantity of blood, typically 0.02–0.03 ml per meal.
Feeding dynamics vary with life stage:
- Nymphal instars (1st–5th): each requires a blood meal to molt to the next stage. Early instars may feed for as little as five minutes, while later instars extend the feeding period up to 15 minutes.
- Adult females: require blood to produce eggs; a single meal can sustain egg production for several days.
- Adult males: feed less frequently, primarily to maintain metabolic needs.
Meal frequency depends on host availability and ambient temperature. In optimal conditions (22–26 °C, high humidity), adults may feed every 3–5 days; during cooler periods, intervals can extend to two weeks.
Typical feeding locations within a house include:
- Mattress seams, box‑spring folds, and headboards where hosts rest.
- Upholstered furniture, especially crevices and cushions.
- Wall cracks, baseboards, and behind picture frames that provide concealed harborage near sleeping areas.
Bedbugs do not consume other food sources, such as fabrics, wood, or food residues. Their survival hinges entirely on access to blood meals, making host presence the decisive factor in infestation persistence.