What do indoor bedbugs feed on? - briefly
Indoor bedbugs survive by piercing the skin of humans (or occasionally other warm‑blooded hosts) and ingesting their blood. They require a blood meal every few days to develop and reproduce.
What do indoor bedbugs feed on? - in detail
Indoor bed bugs are obligate hematophages, meaning every developmental stage requires a blood meal to progress. The source of nourishment is exclusively the blood of warm‑blooded animals that are present within the living space. Humans constitute the primary host, accounting for the majority of feedings observed in domestic infestations. In addition to people, bed bugs will also exploit domestic pets such as dogs and cats, as well as occasional wildlife that may enter a residence—rodents, birds, and even feral cats.
Feeding occurs primarily at night when the host is at rest. The insect is attracted by body heat, carbon dioxide, and kairomones released from the skin. It locates a suitable area of exposed skin, often the face, neck, arms, or hands, but may also bite concealed regions if the host’s clothing is loose. The mouthparts penetrate the epidermis, and the bug injects saliva containing anticoagulants, anesthetics, and anti‑inflammatory compounds. This enables a rapid, painless withdrawal of blood.
A single engorgement supplies roughly 0.5–1 mg of blood, sufficient to sustain the insect through the next developmental molt. Nymphs require a blood meal before each molt, typically every 3–5 days under optimal conditions. Adults can survive for weeks to months without feeding, especially in cooler environments, but will resume feeding when a host is available.
The nutritional composition of the ingested blood provides proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates necessary for egg production. A well‑fed female can lay 200–500 eggs over several weeks, each egg requiring a subsequent blood meal for the embryo to develop.
Key points regarding host selection:
- Humans (primary host)
- Domestic dogs and cats
- Small mammals (e.g., mice, rats)
- Birds that roost indoors
- Occasionally other warm‑blooded wildlife that gains entry
Feeding signs include tiny, painless puncture marks, localized erythema, and a characteristic “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” pattern of three bites in a line. Understanding the strict reliance on blood from these hosts clarifies why bed bugs thrive in environments where people sleep or rest for extended periods.