Are Bed Bugs Attracted to Blood?
WouterThere is much debate about whether or not bed bugs are attracted to blood. Some say that they are. Others believe they are attracted to a specific type of blood. Whatever the case, it’s important to understand that these insects are parasites and depend on their host species for survival. Bed bugs feed on humans because we provide them with a constant and unlimited source of food.
The bites from bedbugs are typically painless during the attack, but over time, most people develop an allergic reaction to the saliva transmitted by the insects. The resulting skin irritation is a painful and red, itchy reaction. Usually, the bites appear in clusters or patterns.
If you suspect that your bed has a bug infestation, the first step is to clean your mattress. Bedbugs can hide in crevices and folds of mattresses and box springs. They have papery skins that are similar to popcorn kernels, but much smaller. They also leave dark marks from their blood-filled droppings. You can check these marks with a wet towel soaked in water.
Bedbugs are not attracted to wood furniture. Therefore, removing wooden furniture will not decrease the risk of an infestation. Besides blood, bedbugs are also attracted to the body heat and CO2 produced by a host. These factors increase the bugs’ attraction to a host, which is why they’re more likely to be found at night.
