What Do Bed Bugs Eat? Myths vs. Truth

Ever woken up to those pesky red bites and thought, “What do bed bugs eat that keeps them coming back night after night?”  

We’ve all heard about their undying love for fresh blood, but did you know there are myths and misunderstandings surrounding their dietary preferences, especially when it comes to period blood?  

If you’re seeking clarity on their eating habits, or simply want to know more about these nocturnal nuisances, you’re in the right place. By the end of this read, you’ll not only be informed but also empowered to make your nights more peaceful and bug-free.

What Do Bed Bugs Eat? 

Bed bugs crave fresh, warm blood. Humans and pets are their top choices, but if these aren’t available, they might settle for rodents like rats.

What Blood Type Do Bed Bugs Like? 

There’s no blood “type” that bed bugs prefer. They’re not picky about blood groups but rather the quality of blood. Fresh, warm blood with hemoglobin – that’s what they’re after. Hemoglobin gives blood its red color and is a critical nutrient for these pests. 

It’s a myth that period blood can lure bed bugs to your bed. These bugs are more interested in your body’s warmth and the carbon dioxide you breathe out. And here’s something intriguing: when a woman is on her period, her body temperature might rise slightly. This can make her more noticeable to bed bugs, but not because of the period blood itself. It’s all about the warmth! 

Some women might not even experience a noticeable rise in body temperature during their period. So, they’re just like anyone else to a bed bug. 

How Often Do Bed Bugs Eat? 

Now that we’ve tackled the myths surrounding bed bugs and period blood, let’s dive into another couple of interesting questions. How often do these tiny bloodsuckers feast, and how long can they survive without a meal? 

Bed bugs, like all creatures, have their own dining schedule. Typically, they feed once every 3 to 7 days. But here’s a fun (or maybe creepy) fact: while they don’t eat daily, they might try to bite more than once during a single feeding session. Imagine them taking a three-course meal from different parts of your body! However, if food – or rather, blood – is scarce, they can and will adjust their feeding habits to survive. 

How Long Can Bed Bugs Live Without Blood? 

Brace yourself for this, because bed bugs are astonishingly resilient. An adult bed bug can live for several months without a blood meal. Yep, you read that right – months! Some have even been recorded to survive for up to a year under the right conditions. Their nymphs (or baby bed bugs) are a little less hardy but can still manage several weeks without feeding. This incredible survival ability is what makes them such persistent pests in many homes. 

Are Bed Bugs Attracted to Period Blood? 

Ah, back to the question that’s likely brought many sleepless nights to some. The short and sweet answer? No, bed bugs aren’t particularly interested in period blood. But why does this myth persist, and what’s the real story behind their preferences? 

Bed bugs, despite their rather unsettling name, are fairly simple creatures with uncomplicated tastes. They’re after one thing: warm, fresh blood. While period blood might be, well, blood, it isn’t the kind that gets these critters excited. 

Why Bed Bugs Don’t Like Period Blood? 

You see, period blood isn’t just the red stuff that flows in our veins. It’s a mix of bacteria, uterine tissues, and other elements that, by the time it leaves the body, isn’t what we’d call “fresh.” The blood bed bugs are so keen on is rich in hemoglobin, a protein that they absolutely adore, and that’s mainly found in the fresh blood flowing in our veins. 

Also, there’s a temperature factor. Fresh blood is warm, making it all the more enticing for these tiny pests. Period blood, once outside the body, quickly cools down, losing its appeal. 

Lastly, bed bugs have evolved to suck blood from living hosts, not sip from pools of it. They’re not equipped to gulp down blood the way we’d drink a glass of water. Their anatomy is designed to pierce skin and draw out fresh blood directly. 

FAQs 

Do Bed Bugs have Blood in them?

In a way, yes! When bed bugs feed, they engorge themselves with the blood of their host. So, if you were to squash a recently fed bed bug (not the most pleasant thought, I know), it might release a blood spot. However, this isn’t “their” blood – it’s the blood of their most recent meal. 

What do Bed Bugs eat Other than blood?

Blood is the main menu for bed bugs. Specifically, human blood is their favorite. In the absence of human hosts, they might settle for animals like birds or rodents. But, they don’t nibble on crumbs, leftovers, or any other household food items. They’re strictly hematophagous, which means they feed on blood. 

Do Bed Bugs suck blood? 

Absolutely! Bed bugs are adept bloodsuckers. They use a specialized mouthpart called a proboscis to pierce the skin of their host and extract blood. Think of it like a tiny, sharp straw. 

Can Bed Bugs survive without blood?

Surprisingly, yes! Adult bed bugs can go several months without a blood meal, and under certain conditions, they might survive even up to a year. Nymphs, or baby bed bugs, can also survive for weeks without feeding. Their resilience is truly remarkable. 

How long can Bed Bugs live without eating? 

While bed bugs thrive on regular blood meals, they’ve also mastered the art of waiting. Adult bed bugs can pull through for several months without taking a single bite. And if conditions are cooler, they’ve been recorded to hang on for more than a year without feeding! Their younger counterparts, the nymphs, can withstand several weeks on an empty stomach.  

Do Bed Bugs eat wood? 

No, they don’t. Bed bugs might hide in wooden structures like bed frames or floorboards, but they don’t consume wood. They’re strictly about that blood diet! 

What insects eat Bed Bugs? 

Bed bugs, like all creatures, have their adversaries. Some natural predators include spiders, cockroaches, and ants. Certain types of mites might also snack on them. However, relying on these predators as a primary method of bed bug control isn’t recommended. Their appetite for bed bugs isn’t voracious enough to effectively control an infestation. 

Can Bed Bugs eat through Plastic?

Bed bugs can’t eat through plastic. If you’re trying to protect items from them or isolate infested items, plastic bags or containers can be effective. However, bed bugs are tiny and can slip through very small openings, so ensure any storage solution is well-sealed. 

Do Bed Bugs eat Clothes?

No, bed bugs aren’t interested in munching on your favorite tee. However, they might hide in clothes, especially if these are left near the bed or on the floor. It’s always a good idea to check and clean clothing if you suspect a bed bug presence. 

Conclusion

While bed bugs can be quite the nuisance, understanding them is half the battle. Armed with this knowledge, you’re better equipped to tackle them head-on, or better yet, keep them far from your living spaces. Here’s to peaceful, bug-free nights! 

For more intriguing insights into pests and their peculiarities, dive into our comprehensive guide on “What do bed bugs eat” at Pestweek. Our journey together doesn’t stop here; explore our myriad of other informative articles to stay enlightened. Enjoyed this read? Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family to spread the knowledge!