Why Do Bed Bugs Bite Me and Not Others? Here's Why You’re the Target

Reader Question: Why Do Bed Bugs Bite Me and Not My Girlfriend?

Hello, Why is it that when I am trying to sleep the bed bugs bite me only and not my girlfriend. Her daughter also sleeps with her when I am not their. Why only me?. Please give me some kind of different answer.

Our Response

Hi, thank you for your question! Bed bugs biting one person and not another is a surprisingly common concern. It’s important to understand that bed bugs don’t specifically prefer one person over another, but certain factors make some individuals more attractive to these pests. Let’s explore why this might be happening to you.

Why Bed Bugs Might Target You

• Body Heat: Bed bugs are attracted to body heat, and some people naturally emit more heat than others. If your body temperature runs slightly higher, it might make you more noticeable to them.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Bed bugs are drawn to CO2 exhaled during sleep. If you exhale more CO2 due to deeper or faster breathing, they may focus on you.
• Skin Chemistry: Individual differences in skin odor and sweat composition can make one person more attractive to bed bugs. These subtle differences might not be noticeable to humans but can influence insect behavior.
• Proximity to the Bugs: Bed bugs typically stay close to
  their feeding source. If you sleep closer to their hiding spots (such as near the bed frame, mattress seams, or cracks in the wall), they may choose you over others.
• Reaction to Bites: It’s also possible that your girlfriend and her daughter are being bitten but don’t react to the bites. Not everyone is allergic to bed bug saliva, so some people may show no visible signs or feel any itching.

What You Can Do

1. Inspect the Sleeping Area: Check your mattress, bed frame, and surrounding furniture for signs of bed bugs, such as live bugs, eggs, shed skins, or black fecal spots.
2. Use Bed Bug Interceptors: Place interceptors under the legs of the bed to trap and monitor bed bugs trying to climb up.
3. Encase Your Mattress and Pillows: Use bed bug-proof encasements to trap bugs and prevent new ones from settling in.
4. Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum your mattress, bed frame, and surrounding areas daily to remove bugs and eggs.
5. Consult a Professional: If the infestation persists, contact a pest control expert for an inspection and treatment plan.

It’s not uncommon for bed bugs to seem selective in their bites, but this is usually due to factors like body heat, CO2 levels, or individual reactions. Taking the steps above can help address the issue and reduce bites. Let us know if you have more questions or updates—we’re here to help!

Best regards,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Bed Bugs Handbook