When do bedbugs start feeding? - briefly
Newly hatched nymphs usually take their first blood meal within four to ten days after emergence, depending on ambient temperature. Feeding typically occurs during «night» when the host is inactive.
When do bedbugs start feeding? - in detail
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) initiate blood‑feeding shortly after emergence from the egg. The first instar, known as the “first‑instar nymph,” requires a blood meal within 24–48 hours to molt to the second instar. Subsequent nymphal stages (second through fifth) follow a similar pattern: each stage must obtain a blood meal before molting to the next stage, typically within a 2–7‑day window depending on temperature and host availability.
Feeding behavior is strongly influenced by environmental temperature:
- At 25 °C (77 °F), a newly emerged nymph will seek a host within the first 24 hours.
- At 20 °C (68 °F), the interval may extend to 48 hours.
- Below 15 °C (59 °F), activity slows markedly; feeding may be delayed up to several days.
Adults also require a blood meal every 4–7 days under optimal conditions. In the absence of a suitable host, they can survive for months, entering a quiescent state until conditions improve.
The feeding cycle proceeds as follows:
- Detection of host cues (heat, carbon‑dioxide, kairomones).
- Navigation to the exposed skin surface.
- Insertion of the stylet and initiation of blood ingestion.
- Withdrawal and retreat to a hiding place to digest the meal.
- Digestion period of 6–10 days before the next feeding opportunity.
Nighttime activity predominates, with peak feeding occurring during the host’s sleep phase. Light exposure and disturbance can suppress feeding temporarily, but the insect resumes activity once conditions normalize.