What does a bed bug eat? - briefly
Bed bugs are hematophagous insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm‑blooded animals. They typically bite exposed skin while the host is asleep.
What does a bed bug eat? - in detail
Bed bugs are obligate hematophages; their sole nourishment comes from the blood of warm‑blooded animals. Humans provide the most common source, but the insects will also feed on birds, rodents, dogs, cats, and other mammals when available.
Feeding occurs primarily at night when the host is at rest. The bug detects carbon dioxide, heat, and body odors, then inserts its elongated proboscis into the skin. Saliva containing anticoagulants and anesthetic compounds is injected, allowing uninterrupted blood intake. An adult consumes roughly 0.1–0.2 ml of blood per meal, which supplies the protein, lipids, and carbohydrates required for growth, reproduction, and metabolic maintenance.
Nymphs follow the same pattern. After each molt they must obtain a blood meal to trigger the next developmental stage. Consequently, a single individual may feed every 3–7 days during the active season, extending to several weeks when environmental conditions are unfavorable.
Digestive processing begins within minutes; enzymes break down hemoglobin and other plasma components. Waste is excreted as dark fecal spots near the feeding site, a diagnostic sign of infestation. The ingested blood also supports egg production; a well‑fed female can lay 200–300 eggs over her lifetime.
Key points summarizing the diet:
- Host range: humans, birds, rodents, domestic pets, other mammals.
- Feeding time: nocturnal, coinciding with host inactivity.
- Meal size: 0.1–0.2 ml per adult; proportionally smaller for nymphs.
- Frequency: every 3–7 days under optimal conditions; longer intervals in cold or dry environments.
- Nutrient use: protein for tissue synthesis, lipids for energy, carbohydrates for metabolic processes.
- Reproductive link: blood intake directly influences oviposition rate.
The exclusive reliance on vertebrate blood defines the species’ ecological niche and underlies control strategies that target host‑seeking behavior and feeding interruptions.