When do bedbugs bite: during the day or at night? - briefly
Bedbugs mainly feed after dark while their host is at rest, typically during nighttime hours. They may also bite during daylight if disturbed or if a host is present.
When do bedbugs bite: during the day or at night? - in detail
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are primarily nocturnal feeders. Their activity peaks after the host falls asleep, typically between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. During this interval, the insects are attracted by carbon‑dioxide, heat, and body‑odor, which are more concentrated in a quiet, undisturbed environment.
- Circadian rhythm: The species possesses an internal clock that drives feeding behavior toward the dark phase of the day. Laboratory studies show a marked increase in host‑seeking activity when lights are turned off.
- Host availability: Sleep provides a stable, immobile target. When people remain awake, bedbugs may still bite, but the likelihood drops sharply because movement and clothing interfere with their ability to locate a feeding site.
- Environmental influences: High temperatures (above 25 °C) can shorten the interval between meals, occasionally prompting daytime feeding if the insects are hungry. Low‑light conditions, such as dim evening illumination, also permit limited activity.
- Feeding frequency: After a blood meal, an adult requires 5–10 days to digest and develop eggs before seeking another host. Nymphs may feed more frequently, especially in warm, crowded settings, but still prefer the night hours.
Evidence from field observations corroborates laboratory data: most reported bites occur after the victim has been in bed for several hours. Reports of daytime bites are usually linked to severe infestations, where the bug population overwhelms the normal nocturnal pattern, or to individuals who nap in dark rooms.
In summary, bedbugs concentrate their feeding on the night period when hosts are stationary and environmental cues are optimal. Daytime biting can happen under extreme population pressure or favorable temperature, but it remains an exception rather than the rule.