Bed Bug Feeding Habits

What are the feeding habits of bed bugs?

• All forms of bed bugs, except eggs, require a blood meal and thus feed on a variety of animals.
• Humans are a preferred host in many cases.
• Bed bugs feed mainly at night. Some research shows they prefer the hours of 2-5am.
• A single bed bug can inflict multiple bite sites when feeding, looking for a good blood source.
• Bed bugs first inject a salivary gland substance that numbs the area so their host (you!) cannot detect their mouthpart puncturing your skin to siphon up a blood meal.
• Believe it or not! Bed bugs can travel 20-100 feet for a blood meal. So, even though you do not see them, they are coming from significant distances in a room to reach you.