Why do bedbugs bite me? - briefly
Bedbugs bite to obtain a blood meal necessary for growth and reproduction. Their feeding is triggered by the host’s body heat, carbon dioxide emission, and movement.
Why do bedbugs bite me? - in detail
Bedbugs are obligate hematophagous insects; they require human or animal blood to complete each developmental stage. Feeding occurs primarily at night when hosts are at rest, because darkness reduces the risk of detection. The insects are attracted by a combination of carbon‑dioxide exhaled by the host, body heat, and skin‑derived chemicals known as kairomones. Once a suitable site is located, the insect inserts its elongated proboscis through the epidermis, injects a small volume of saliva, and withdraws blood.
The saliva contains anticoagulant proteins that keep the blood fluid, as well as anesthetic compounds that diminish immediate pain. These substances also provoke an immune response in the skin, leading to the characteristic reddened welts that appear several hours after the bite. The intensity of the reaction varies among individuals; some people experience only faint erythema, while others develop pronounced swelling, itching, or secondary infection. This variability reflects differences in immune sensitivity, the amount of saliva delivered, and the presence of bacterial agents carried by the insect.
Several factors increase the likelihood of being bitten:
- High infestation density: more insects present on the sleeping surface raise the probability of contact.
- Cluttered environment: crevices and fabric folds provide hiding places, facilitating closer proximity to the host.
- Warm ambient temperature: accelerates insect metabolism and feeding activity.
- Host availability: individuals who spend extended periods in bed without interruption become preferred targets.
Typical bite patterns include linear or clustered arrangements, often located on exposed skin such as the arms, neck, and face. Bites are usually painless at the moment of feeding, making early detection difficult. The delayed skin reaction assists in distinguishing bedbug bites from those of other arthropods.
Control measures focus on reducing the insect population and eliminating access to hosts. Effective strategies include:
- Thorough inspection of mattresses, box springs, and surrounding furniture for live insects, shed skins, and fecal spots.
- Encasement of mattresses and pillows with impermeable covers to trap existing bugs and prevent new infestations.
- Application of heat treatment (temperatures above 45 °C) to infested items, which kills all life stages.
- Use of approved insecticides in cracks, seams, and baseboards, following label instructions to avoid resistance development.
Understanding the biological mechanisms behind feeding and the environmental conditions that favor bites enables targeted interventions, reducing the incidence of reactions and minimizing the public health impact of these pests.