Which bedbugs bite? - briefly
Only the blood‑feeding females of the common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) and its tropical counterpart (Cimex hemipterus) bite humans; males do not. Both species locate hosts at night using heat and carbon‑dioxide cues.
Which bedbugs bite? - in detail
The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is the primary species that feeds on human blood. It thrives in residential settings, hotels, and shelters, locating hosts by detecting carbon dioxide, heat, and body odor. Females lay eggs in cracks and crevices; nymphs progress through five molts, each requiring a blood meal before molting.
The tropical or bat‑associated bed bug (Cimex hemipterus) also bites humans, especially in warm, humid climates. Its distribution overlaps with that of C. lectularius in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Like its counterpart, it is attracted to the same host cues and requires blood for development.
Other cimicid species occasionally bite humans but are not typical pests:
- Cimex pipistrelli – primarily feeds on bats; human bites occur only when bat colonies are displaced.
- Leptocimex boueti – found in sub‑Saharan Africa, mainly parasitizes rodents; occasional human feeding reported in rural dwellings.
- Paracimex sp. – associated with birds; rare human encounters documented in poultry farms.
Key characteristics of biting behavior:
- Feeding occurs at night; insects emerge from hiding places to attach to exposed skin.
- Saliva contains anticoagulants that cause the familiar erythematous, itchy welts.
- A single adult may ingest 5–10 µl of blood per meal; multiple feedings can happen if the host is disturbed.
- Bites are often aligned in a linear or clustered pattern, reflecting the insect’s probing movement.
Identification of the culprit relies on visual inspection of the insect (reddish‑brown, flat, oval, 4–5 mm long) and detection of shed exoskeletons, fecal spots (dark specks), and a sweet, musty odor. Laboratory confirmation uses morphological keys or molecular assays targeting mitochondrial DNA.
Control measures focus on eliminating harborages, applying heat treatment (≥50 °C for 30 min), or using approved insecticides. Monitoring with interceptors and mattress encasements reduces re‑infestation risk.