Who bites at night — bedbugs? - briefly
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) are the insects that bite people during the night, feeding on blood while the host sleeps. Their bites appear as small, itchy red welts.
Who bites at night — bedbugs? - in detail
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are the insects responsible for nocturnal bites on humans. Adult females require a blood meal every five to ten days to reproduce; males feed less frequently. Feeding occurs after darkness, typically between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., when hosts are immobile and body temperature is elevated.
During a bite, an anesthetic and anticoagulant are injected, preventing immediate pain and allowing uninterrupted feeding for 5–10 minutes. The bite leaves a small, red, raised spot that may develop a halo of swelling. Reactions range from no visible effect to intense itching and secondary infection.
Key biological traits:
- Flattened, wingless body, 4–5 mm long.
- Nocturnal activity; attracted to carbon‑dioxide, heat, and pheromones.
- Eggs (≈200 per female) hatch in 6–10 days; nymphs undergo five molts before reaching adulthood.
- Survival without feeding can exceed 300 days under cool conditions.
Health implications:
- Dermatological irritation; possible allergic responses.
- Psychological distress, insomnia, anxiety.
- No proven disease transmission, but secondary bacterial infection is documented.
Control measures:
- Inspection – examine seams, mattress tags, and cracks for live insects, shed skins, or dark fecal spots.
- Isolation – encase mattresses and box springs in zippered covers rated for bed‑bug protection.
- Heat treatment – raise infested items to ≥50 °C for ≥30 minutes; professional steamers achieve required temperature.
- Chemical application – use EPA‑registered residual insecticides on voids and baseboards; rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance.
- Vacuuming – remove insects and eggs; discard vacuum bag or empty canister immediately.
- Professional eradication – engage licensed pest‑management operators for integrated‑approach programs.
Prevention focuses on early detection, limiting clutter, and careful inspection of second‑hand furniture before introduction into living spaces.