Why do bedbugs bite multiple times? - briefly
Bedbugs require multiple small blood meals to acquire sufficient protein for each developmental stage, prompting them to feed repeatedly on the same host. Their probing mouthparts create several punctures during a single feeding, resulting in multiple bite marks.
Why do bedbugs bite multiple times? - in detail
Bedbugs typically feed on a single host for several minutes, during which they may insert their mouthparts into the skin repeatedly. Each insertion delivers a small amount of saliva that contains anticoagulants and anesthetic compounds. The insect withdraws and re‑inserts the proboscis to spread these agents over a larger area, ensuring efficient blood intake and reducing the chance of clot formation.
The feeding cycle consists of three stages:
- Probe phase: the bug explores the skin surface, locating a suitable spot.
- Salivation phase: repeated injections of saliva keep blood flowing and mask the bite.
- Suction phase: the insect draws blood in short bursts, often alternating with pauses to prevent detection.
Host reactions also influence bite frequency. When the skin’s sensory nerves detect irritation, the bug may pause and relocate to avoid an immune response. Additionally, the insect’s sensory organs detect temperature and carbon dioxide gradients, prompting it to move toward areas with richer blood supply.
Environmental factors such as temperature, host movement, and the presence of competing parasites can cause bedbugs to bite more than once during a single feeding session. Warmer conditions increase metabolic rates, leading to faster blood consumption and a higher likelihood of multiple insertions.
In summary, repeated bites result from a combination of physiological needs (anticoagulant distribution, blood flow maintenance), sensory avoidance of host defenses, and external conditions that affect feeding efficiency.