Why Do Bed Bugs Only Bite Me?

Have you ever woken up with mysterious bite marks while others in your household seem unaffected? It’s a common and unsettling experience, making many wonder if bed bugs prefer specific individuals. The notion of bed bug selectivity towards a particular person is a widespread misconception. In fact, a 2016 study revealed that bed bugs are more strongly drawn to certain colours, like red and black, than to any particular human trait. As professional exterminators, we’re here to clarify the factors that influence bed bugs’ biting patterns.

To understand bed bug preferences, one must first know their appearance and habits. Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood. They’re nocturnal, meaning that they typically emerge at night to feed. Their flat, oval bodies, ranging from 1 to 7 mm in size, allow them to hide in tight spaces. We recall a client who initially mistook a bed bug for a flaxseed lodged in his mattress seam. He brushed it off, only to realise it was moving, revealing its true identity. While humans are bed bugs’ primary target, these pests are opportunistic feeders. We’ve encountered cases where they’ve bitten pets, like dogs and cats, particularly in areas with thinner fur. So, while they are well adapted to feeding on humans, their diet is not exclusively human.

Check also: I Can’t Find Bed Bugs But I Have Bites

The idea that bed bugs prefer certain blood types or people is simply not true. Bed bugs are drawn to warmth, carbon dioxide, and body odours – all of which humans emit. They don’t have a refined palate for specific blood types. What varies is our individual reaction to their bites. Some people experience intense itching and swelling, while others show no visible signs. In fact, approximately 30% of people don’t experience any visible reaction at all. It’s not uncommon for couples to report that only one partner is bitten when, in reality, both are likely being fed upon. This difference in reaction is a crucial point to understand. We’ve seen many cases where a whole family has been bitten, but only one or two members show signs of the bites.

Read also: Why DIY Bed Bug Treatments Don’t Work (and What Actually Does)

It’s important to understand that while bed bugs don’t discriminate in their feeding, several factors determine where and how often they bite:

Proximity and Accessibility: Bed bugs usually hide in close proximity to their hosts, often in mattresses, bed frames, or nearby furniture. Those who sleep closest to these hiding spots are more likely to be bitten. Clutter also provides ideal hiding places, allowing bed bugs to spread throughout a room and bite multiple individuals. We’ve seen cases where a room with a great deal of clutter has led to a major infestation, with bites occurring all over the residents’ bodies.

Read also: What Draws Bed Bugs Out of Hiding?

Skin Temperature and Body Odour: Bed bugs are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide we emit while we sleep. While individual variations in body odour, particularly the lactic acid in sweat, might slightly influence their initial attraction, it’s not a matter of preference; they are simply following the signals that lead them to a blood source. Research has shown that carbon dioxide is the strongest attractant, with heat and sweat acting as secondary signals.

Skin Thickness and Blood Vessel Proximity: Bed bugs prefer areas with thinner skin and readily accessible blood vessels, which is why bites often appear on the neck, arms, and legs. This also applies to bed bug bites on pets. If you suspect your cat or dog has been bitten, you should check the skin on their stomach, around and inside their ears, and in the folds between their legs and body.

Check also: What can be mistaken for bed bug bites?

Movement During Sleep: Those who move less during sleep are more likely to be bitten repeatedly. Bed bugs like to feed undisturbed, so if two people sleep in the bed, they will often choose the person who sleeps still.

Read also: Why Bed Bugs Come Out At Night

Individual Reactions to Bites: Individual reactions to bed bug saliva are the primary reason for the illusion of selective biting. Some people have stronger allergic reactions than others, leading to more noticeable bites. Understanding that the absence of visible bites doesn’t mean someone wasn’t bitten is crucial. Delayed reactions are also common, with symptoms appearing hours or even days after the bite. We’ve had clients return to us weeks later, after having initially no visible symptoms, only for them to be now showing the telltale bite marks.

Read also: Do Bed Bugs Carry Diseases?

Prompt identification of a bed bug infestation is essential for effective pest control. Common signs of bed bug infestation include visible adult insects or eggs, rusty or reddish stains on bedding and mattresses, dark faecal spots, and a distinct musty odour. If you suspect an infestation, begin your inspection by thoroughly checking mattress seams, bed frames, and nearby furniture.

For detailed guidance on inspecting mattresses, refer to our article: Do Bed Bugs Live in Mattresses.

Similarly, our post, How to Check Second-Hand Furniture for Bed Bugs, provides instructions on examining furnishings. Beyond these familiar hiding places, bed bugs can conceal themselves in less obvious areas throughout your home, which are detailed in our article Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Keeping bed bugs away involves a few key steps. Regularly inspect bedding and furniture for any signs of these pests, and consider using mattress and pillow encasements to create a barrier. Consistent vacuuming, particularly around bed frames and furniture, can also help to remove any stray bed bugs or eggs. Exercise caution when purchasing used furniture, as these items can be a common source of infestations. When travelling, thoroughly inspecting hotel rooms is essential to prevent bringing bed bugs home.

Read also: Bed Bug Extermination Services – What to Expect From The Process

However, if you suspect an infestation, professional pest control is crucial. At Bed Bug Specialist London, we have the expertise and experience necessary to eliminate bed bug infestations effectively. It’s important to remember that bed bugs are opportunistic pests, and various factors, not actual selectivity, influence biting patterns. The differences in bite reactions often create the illusion of selectivity, leading to misconceptions. The timely addressing of bed bug infestations is essential to prevent further spread and discomfort. If you suspect you have bed bugs, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. We are here to provide comprehensive bed bug treatments for your home and help you regain peace of mind, ensuring a pest-free environment.