When do bedbugs bite? - briefly
Bedbugs generally feed during the night, attaching to exposed skin while the host is asleep. Their feeding intervals range from several days to a week, influenced by temperature and host availability.
When do bedbugs bite? - in detail
Bedbugs are nocturnal hematophages that typically seek a blood meal after the host has settled down for sleep. Their activity peaks in the dark hours, especially between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., when ambient temperature is around 21‑26 °C and carbon‑dioxide levels rise from human respiration. The insects are attracted to body heat, scent, and vibrations, which guide them to exposed skin.
Feeding behavior follows a predictable pattern:
- Approach: The bug climbs from a harboring site (mattress seam, baseboard, furniture) to the host’s body.
- Probe: It inserts a slender, beaded mouthpart into the skin, secreting anticoagulants and anesthetics.
- Engorgement: Blood intake lasts 3–10 minutes, depending on the insect’s hunger level and size.
- Retreat: After a full or partial meal, the bug returns to its hideout to digest and molt.
A single adult may feed every 4–7 days under optimal conditions, though starvation can extend this interval to several weeks. Nymphs require a blood meal after each molt, so the frequency is similar but may vary with developmental stage. Bedbugs can also bite during daylight if the host remains motionless and warm, such as when reading in bed or watching television, but such incidents are less common.
Signs of a recent bite include a small, raised, red welch that may develop a central punctum. Reactions appear within minutes to several hours and can persist for days. Multiple bites often form linear or clustered patterns reflecting the insect’s movement across the skin.
Understanding the temporal feeding cycle aids in detection and control, as interventions timed to interrupt nighttime activity—such as heat treatment, encasements, or insecticide application—are most effective.