If you’ve ever woken up covered in itchy bites while your partner slept peacefully beside you, you’re not alone
And no, you’re not imagining things!
Bed bugs do seem to favour certain people over others, and science offers a few explanations as to why.
1. Body Heat and Carbon Dioxide
Bed bugs are highly sensitive to warmth and carbon dioxide, which help them locate a host. People who run warmer or breathe more heavily (especially during sleep) may be more likely to attract these pests.
This could include individuals with a faster metabolism, those who are more active during the day, or even people who snore.
2. Skin Chemistry and Natural Odours
Every person has a unique skin microbiome — the collection of bacteria and natural oils that live on our skin. Bed bugs are drawn to certain scents, and subtle differences in body odour or skin secretions can make some people more attractive to them.
Wearing scented lotions or perfumes might also affect this dynamic, sometimes attracting or repelling bugs.
3. Blood Type Preferences
Although research is still limited, some studies suggest that bed bugs may prefer specific blood types.
In controlled lab tests, bed bugs have shown a tendency to feed more frequently on people with blood type O than those with type A or B.
That said, in a real-world setting, availability and proximity usually trump preference.
4. Skin Exposure and Sleep Habits
Those who sleep with more exposed skin may provide easier access for feeding. Bed bugs typically bite the neck, arms, and legs, so people who wear less clothing to bed or kick off their covers could become easier targets.
5. Stillness and Sleep Patterns
Bed bugs are more likely to bite someone who stays still for long periods. If you’re a restless sleeper, you may avoid bites simply by moving around more and disrupting the bugs’ feeding process.
Final Thoughts
While bed bugs don’t discriminate in a personal or malicious way, biology and behaviour do make some people more appealing than others.
If you’re the unlucky “favourite” in your household, don’t take it personally. But do take steps to eliminate the infestation quickly.
Regular inspections, professional pest control, and mattress protectors can all help turn the tables on these unwelcome bedfellows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do bed bugs really prefer certain people over others?
Research suggests that bed bugs may be more attracted to some individuals due to factors such as body heat, carbon dioxide output, and natural body odours. However, if bed bugs are present, they will generally feed on any available host.
Why do some people get bitten while others don’t?
In many cases, everyone is being bitten, but not everyone reacts to the bites. Some individuals develop visible red, itchy marks, while others may show little or no reaction, making it seem as though they are not being targeted.
Are bed bugs attracted to certain blood types?
Some studies on biting insects have explored possible links between blood type and attraction, but there is no conclusive evidence that bed bugs consistently prefer one blood type over another in real-world infestations.
Can perfumes or deodorants attract bed bugs?
There is limited evidence that perfumes or deodorants significantly influence bed bug behaviour. Bed bugs are primarily attracted by the carbon dioxide people exhale, body heat, and other natural cues associated with human hosts.
Do bed bugs prefer dirty homes or unwashed people?
No. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt, poor hygiene, or household cleanliness. They seek blood meals rather than food waste or unsanitary conditions, which means they can infest both clean and cluttered environments.
Can avoiding bites from bed bugs prevent an infestation?
No. Even if some household members experience fewer visible bites, bed bugs can still establish themselves within a property. The key to preventing a larger infestation is early detection, inspection, and appropriate treatment.