Why do bedbugs bite only children? - briefly
Bedbugs are drawn to the higher body temperature, greater carbon‑dioxide emission, and softer skin that children usually exhibit, making them more likely to bite young hosts. Adults are also bitten, but their reactions are often less apparent.
Why do bedbugs bite only children? - in detail
Bedbugs (Cimex lectularius) locate hosts by detecting carbon‑dioxide, heat, and skin odors. Children emit relatively higher levels of carbon‑dioxide per body weight and often have a higher surface‑to‑volume ratio, making their heat signature more pronounced. Their skin is thinner, allowing easier penetration of the insect’s mouthparts and more rapid access to blood vessels.
Physiological differences also influence bite frequency. Immature immune systems produce weaker inflammatory responses, so a bite may go unnoticed longer, giving the bug more time to feed. In addition, children tend to move less deliberately during sleep, providing a stable target. Adults frequently shift position or use blankets that create a barrier, reducing contact time.
Behavioral factors contribute as well. Caregivers often inspect children’s bedding more thoroughly, leading to earlier detection of bites in this group. Consequently, reports of infestations appear skewed toward younger hosts, reinforcing the perception that only minors are affected.
Environmental aspects can amplify the trend. Nurseries, daycare centers, and family homes with multiple children present higher concentrations of potential hosts, increasing the likelihood that a bedbug colony will encounter a child. Shared sleeping arrangements and close contact further elevate exposure risk.
In summary, the apparent preference for younger individuals results from a combination of physiological susceptibility, behavioral patterns, and environmental concentration of hosts rather than an intrinsic species‑specific selectivity. Adults are equally vulnerable when comparable conditions exist.