Who do bedbugs bite the most and why? - briefly
«Bed bugs» primarily feed on humans, favoring individuals who produce greater heat and carbon dioxide—typically adults with higher metabolic rates, pregnant women, and people with blood type O. These physiological signals make such hosts the most detectable and accessible for the insects.
Who do bedbugs bite the most and why? - in detail
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) locate hosts by detecting heat, carbon‑dioxide, and volatile skin compounds. The individuals most frequently bitten share physiological traits that amplify these cues.
Adults, especially those with higher metabolic rates, emit greater quantities of carbon‑dioxide and body heat. Pregnant women produce up to 30 % more carbon‑dioxide than non‑pregnant adults, making them especially attractive. Children, whose surface‑area‑to‑mass ratio is higher, also generate relatively more heat per unit body weight, increasing detection probability.
Blood‑type influences feeding preference. Laboratory assays indicate a marked attraction to type O blood; type A and B blood elicit weaker responses. The preference correlates with the concentration of certain sugars and proteins on the skin surface that act as kairomones for the insects. A study reported «Cimex lectularius shows preference for type O blood», highlighting the biochemical basis of host selection.
Skin microbiota further modulate attractiveness. Individuals whose skin harbors higher levels of Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium species release volatile fatty acids that stimulate probing behavior. Conversely, a diverse microbial community can mask these signals, reducing bite incidence.
Behavioral factors amplify exposure. Persons who sleep unclothed or wear thin nightwear present less physical barrier to the insect’s stylet. Frequent night‑time movement creates additional heat and carbon‑dioxide plumes, guiding bedbugs toward the host. Bedding made of tightly woven fabrics or treated with insect‑repellent compounds can diminish contact.
In summary, the most commonly bitten individuals combine elevated carbon‑dioxide output, increased heat emission, favorable blood‑type chemistry, and skin‑microbe profiles that generate strong olfactory cues. Environmental and behavioral conditions that reduce these signals lower the likelihood of bedbug feeding.