When Does Bed Bugs Feed?
WouterThe first step in eliminating bed bugs is to identify the source of their infestation. The most common source is human blood, but bed bugs will also feed on other animals – bats, birds, and rodents. Most of the time, bed bugs will feed at night and will hide from humans during the day. They are attracted to dark and moist areas, such as the seams of mattresses, tufts, and wood joints of box springs. They will also hide in loose wallpaper and other upholstery materials.
Bed bugs feed on human blood, but there are some species that are less picky about what kind of blood they feed on. Species such as Cimex lectularius prefer human blood, while other species will feed on the blood of other mammals, including bats. Regardless of their host preference, bed bugs feed on blood that is rich in nutrients. Some types of blood can be dangerous to humans. It’s recommended to get professional help if you suspect you have bed bugs.
While bedbugs don’t spread diseases, they do cause discomfort and broken sleep. They feed once every five to ten days, depending on the time of day and the temperature of their habitat. If the environment is warm enough, they feed more frequently. After feeding, they return to their hidden harborages to survive.
