Why Do Bed Bugs Bite? Learn What Attracts Them and How to Stop the Bites Fast

Last Updated on 01/07/2025 by Tony Abrahams

If you’ve ever woken up with mysterious itchy red marks, you’re not alone; and you’re probably wondering: why do bed bugs bite? Bed bugs bite because they need your blood to survive.

Yep, it’s gross. But it’s also totally avoidable. This blog breaks it all down; what makes bed bugs bite, how often they do it, how it affects you, and most importantly, how to stop it from happening again.

Let’s get into it.

Why Do Bed Bugs Bite Humans?

Bed bugs bite because they feed exclusively on blood. That’s it. No snacks, no crumbs, no dirty sheets; just blood.

They’re especially drawn to:

• Body heat
• Carbon dioxide (what we breathe out)
• Our natural skin scent

So when you’re asleep, still, warm, and exhaling quietly in the dark; you’re basically ringing the dinner bell. Once they’ve had their fill, they crawl back to their hiding spots and lay low.

Bed Bug Bites in Australia: How to Find, Treat and Prevent Bed Bugs Fast
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What Attracts Bed Bugs Into My Home?

Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs aren’t a sign of uncleanliness. They’re expert hitchhikers and can sneak into your home via:

• Luggage after a hotel stay
• Second-hand furniture
• Visitors with infestations at their own home

They don’t care how clean your house is. They only care that there’s a warm body sleeping in it.
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When Do Bed Bugs Bite?

• Mostly at night, usually just before dawn
• Usually once every 5–10 days per bug
• But if you’ve got a full infestation? You could be bitten every night by multiple bugs

They’re stealthy. You won’t feel them biting because they inject a mild anesthetic and anticoagulant so they can feed without waking you.
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What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Bed bug bites usually show up as:

• Small, red, itchy bumps
• In clusters or a line (sometimes called “breakfast, lunch and dinner”)
• Mostly on areas like arms, neck, shoulders, and legs

Some people don’t react at all. Others can experience extreme itching, swelling, or even allergic reactions. It varies from person to person.
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Are Bed Bug Bites Dangerous?

Not usually. Bed bugs are gross, but they don’t spread disease.

The main risk is:

• Allergic reactions (in rare cases)
• Infections from scratching too much
• Anxiety and poor sleep from knowing you’re being bitten

Still; it’s a pest problem you definitely want to solve fast.
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How Can I Stop the Bites and Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

To stop the bites, you need to get rid of the bed bugs.

Here’s how you can do it DIY-style (without hiring an expensive pest controller):

• Wash and dry everything on high heat: This kills bed bugs and their eggs in bedding and clothes.
• Steam your bed frame: Use a handheld steamer on the bed frame to kill bugs instantly (but never on mattresses; just cover those).
• Cover your mattress and ensemble base: Special zippered bed bug covers trap bugs inside and stop new ones getting in.
• Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE) powder: Apply it to bed frame joins and inside barrier traps. It’s safe for humans and pets and kills bed bugs long-term.
• Use Bed Leg Barrier Traps: These create an instant, invisible barrier. Bed bugs walk through the powder inside the trap and die over time. This also prevents them from ever reaching your bed again.
• Isolate your bed: Keep your bed 30cm away from walls and furniture. That way, the only access point is through the traps under your bed legs.

Together, this system works instantly and gives you long-term protection with just one application.
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FAQs About Why Do Bed Bugs Bite?

Q1: Can bed bugs bite during the day?
Yes, if they’re hungry enough and you’re still for long enough. But they strongly prefer nighttime feeding.
Q2: Do bed bugs bite pets too?
They can, but they prefer humans. Pets can also carry bugs into the house unknowingly.
Q3: Will bug spray stop the bites?
Only temporarily; and only if you hit them directly. Bed bug sprays from supermarkets rarely work unless you know exactly where the bugs are hiding.
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Final Thoughts: Why Do Bed Bugs Bite?

Bed bugs bite because they need your blood to survive. But with the right strategy, you can stop them in their tracks. The Bed Bug Barrier Isolation Method uses steam, Diatomaceous Earth, mattress covers, and scientifically tested bed leg traps to:

• Kill bugs instantly
• Stop bites from day one
• Protect you for the long term

No poisons. No need to leave your home. No repeat applications. Just peace of mind.
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Are You Looking for an Organic DIY Treatment?

Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For An Ensemble Bed

Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For A Bed with Slats

If you have enjoyed our blog, Why Do Bed Bugs Bite?, then you might like to read about Smells Bed Bugs Hate.
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Sources: Why Do Bed Bugs Bite?

https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/bites+stings+and+pests/bed+bugs+prevention+and+treatment

https://mydr.com.au/bites-and-stings/bed-bugs-and-bites