Who do bed mites bite? - briefly
Bed mites feed mainly on human blood, biting exposed skin such as the face, arms, and torso while a person sleeps. They can occasionally bite other warm‑blooded mammals, but humans are their primary target.
Who do bed mites bite? - in detail
Bed mites feed primarily on the blood of humans. They target any person who sleeps on an infested surface, regardless of age, gender, or health status. The insects are attracted to body heat and carbon‑dioxide, so the most common bite locations are exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. Children and the elderly are often reported more frequently in case studies because they tend to have longer periods of exposure during sleep.
Pets can be bitten, but incidents are rare. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals are occasionally fed upon when they share a bed or sleep on the same mattress, yet the primary host remains human. Wildlife, such as rodents, may serve as incidental hosts if they occupy the same sleeping environment, but these cases are exceptional and typically occur in heavily infested, unsanitary dwellings.
Feeding behavior is nocturnal. After locating a host, a mite inserts its mouthparts and draws a small volume of blood, often for only a few minutes before retreating to a hiding place. Multiple feedings may occur throughout the night, especially when the infestation level is high. The bite itself is painless at the moment of penetration; delayed reactions appear as:
- Red, raised welts
- Itching that intensifies several hours after the bite
- Swelling that can last up to 48 hours
- Secondary skin irritation from scratching
Individuals with heightened sensitivity may develop larger welts or develop allergic responses, including hives or, in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. Immunocompromised patients are at greater risk of secondary infection due to prolonged scratching.
In summary, the definitive host for bed mites is the human sleeper, with occasional incidental feeding on domestic animals or rodents under severe infestation conditions. Bites are concentrated on exposed skin, occur during nighttime, and manifest later as itchy, inflamed lesions.