Who do couch bedbugs bite? - briefly
Couch bedbugs feed on humans who are in direct contact with an infested sofa or chair, and they will also bite other warm‑blooded pets such as dogs and cats when available. Their bites are opportunistic, targeting any host that provides a blood meal.
Who do couch bedbugs bite? - in detail
Couch‑dwelling bedbugs feed on warm‑blooded hosts that are present on or near a sofa. The primary target is humans; the insects locate a person by detecting body heat, carbon dioxide, and skin odors. After a bite, a small, painless puncture appears, often followed by a red, itchy welt.
Secondary hosts include domestic animals that share the furniture, such as cats and dogs. Bedbugs can ingest blood from these pets, although the blood meal is typically smaller than that taken from a person. Small mammals like rodents, if they occupy the same room, may also be bitten, but they are not preferred.
Feeding preferences change with the insect’s developmental stage. First‑instar nymphs require a blood meal to molt and can survive on any warm‑blooded animal. Later instars and adults show a stronger inclination toward human blood because it provides the protein and lipids needed for reproduction.
Factors influencing host selection:
- Availability: the host that is most accessible on the couch at night is most likely to be fed upon.
- Temperature: a body surface temperature of 30–34 °C is optimal for feeding.
- Carbon‑dioxide output: higher exhalation rates attract the bugs.
- Host movement: still, sleeping individuals are preferred over active ones.
Understanding these patterns helps in identifying bite sources and implementing targeted control measures.