Why do bedbugs not bite everyone in an apartment? - briefly
Bedbugs feed selectively because individuals differ in skin temperature, carbon‑dioxide output, and body odor, which are the primary cues they use to locate hosts. Consequently, occupants who emit weaker signals or have stronger immune reactions receive fewer bites.
Why do bedbugs not bite everyone in an apartment? - in detail
Bedbugs feed on any warm‑blooded animal, but they do not bite every resident in a dwelling because their host‑selection process is influenced by several biological and environmental variables.
First, individual attractiveness varies. Bedbugs locate hosts by detecting carbon‑dioxide, heat, and skin odors. People who exhale more CO₂, such as those with higher metabolic rates, generate stronger cues. Skin microbiota produce volatile compounds that differ between individuals; certain bacterial profiles emit odors that attract the insects more readily. Blood type also affects attraction; studies show a preference for type O over other types, while some individuals possess skin chemicals that repel the insects.
Second, immune response plays a role. Some occupants develop a rapid hypersensitivity reaction that manifests as pronounced welts, while others experience only mild or no visible signs. The lack of a noticeable reaction can be misinterpreted as an absence of feeding, though bites may still occur.
Third, spatial distribution of the insects matters. Bedbugs tend to establish colonies near the primary feeding sites. Residents who spend minimal time in infested rooms, sleep on elevated surfaces, or use bedding that is regularly laundered and heat‑treated reduce exposure. Physical barriers, such as mattress encasements, limit access to the host.
Fourth, human behavior influences feeding opportunities. Frequent movement, use of personal insect repellents, or wearing clothing that covers most of the body can decrease the likelihood of contact. Conversely, cluttered environments provide more hiding places, increasing the probability of encounters.
Typical factors can be summarized:
- Physiological cues: CO₂ output, body temperature, skin odor composition, blood type.
- Immunological response: degree of skin reaction, presence of sensitization.
- Environmental proximity: location of bedbug colonies relative to sleeping areas.
- Personal habits: time spent in infested zones, bedding hygiene, use of protective barriers.
- Preventive measures: repellents, encasements, regular heat treatment of linens.
The combination of these elements explains why some occupants remain untouched while others suffer repeated bites, even within the same apartment.