When do bedbugs not bite? - briefly
Bedbugs refrain from biting during non‑feeding phases, including the egg stage, molting periods, and when temperatures fall below approximately 15 °C. They also do not bite if no suitable host is available.
When do bedbugs not bite? - in detail
Bedbugs feed only when certain physiological and environmental conditions are met; otherwise they remain inactive. The primary circumstances that prevent biting are:
- Absence of a suitable host – without a human or warm‑blooded animal nearby, bedbugs cannot locate a blood meal and will stay hidden in cracks or crevices.
- Extreme temperatures – exposure to temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F) or above 45 °C (113 °F) suppresses feeding activity; the insects either enter a dormant state or die.
- Insufficient humidity – relative humidity under 30 % leads to dehydration, reducing the insects’ willingness to emerge from their shelters.
- Disruption of the circadian rhythm – bedbugs are most active during the night, especially in the early hours before sunrise. Light exposure or disturbances during daylight hours diminish their propensity to bite.
- Recent blood meal – after engorging, a bedbug requires several days to digest the blood and develop eggs; it will not seek another host during this period.
- Chemical deterrents – exposure to insecticides, repellents containing DEET, essential oils (e.g., tea tree, lavender) or diatomaceous earth can impair feeding behavior or cause mortality.
- Physical barriers – tightly sealed mattresses, encasements, and bed frames that eliminate cracks prevent bedbugs from reaching the skin, effectively blocking bites.
Understanding these factors helps differentiate periods of activity from times when the insects are unlikely to feed. Monitoring temperature, humidity, and host availability, along with maintaining sealed sleeping environments, reduces the risk of bites.