Who bites at night besides bedbugs? - briefly
Mosquitoes, fleas, different species of mites (including bird and rodent mites), and certain spiders such as the brown recluse are common nocturnal biters.
Who bites at night besides bedbugs? - in detail
Nighttime skin irritations are often attributed to bedbugs, yet several other organisms and conditions can produce similar bites.
Mosquitoes are active after dusk in many regions. Female Anopheles, Culex and Aedes species locate hosts by carbon‑dioxide and heat, delivering a painless puncture followed by an itchy wheal. Their activity peaks during twilight and can persist throughout the night in humid environments.
Fleas, particularly the cat‑ and dog‑fleas (Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis), jump onto sleeping humans when pets share the bed. Their bites appear as clusters of small, red papules surrounded by a halo of inflammation.
Mites such as the tropical itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) and the bird‑feeding grain mite (Dermatophagoides spp.) can bite at night. Scabies mites burrow into the epidermis, causing intense nocturnal pruritus, while dust mites may provoke allergic reactions that mimic bites.
Spiders, especially the brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) and the black widow (Latrodectus mactans), sometimes bite while concealed in bedding. Their envenomation produces a localized lesion that may develop necrosis or systemic symptoms.
Nocturnal flies, including sand flies (Phlebotomus spp.) and blackflies (Simulium spp.), feed during the night in tropical and temperate zones. Their saliva contains anticoagulants that trigger swelling and a burning sensation.
Additional non‑insect causes include:
- Allergic reactions to detergents, fabrics or topical products applied before sleep.
- Dermatological conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, which flare during periods of reduced cortisol.
- Psychogenic itching, where stress or anxiety intensifies perception of skin sensations at night.
Identifying the culprit requires examination of bite morphology, timing, geographic location and exposure history. Laboratory analysis or skin scrapings may confirm mite infestation, while entomological inspection of bedding can reveal hidden arthropods. Prompt removal of the source and appropriate topical or systemic treatment reduce discomfort and prevent secondary infection.