Could You Eat Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs aren’t harmful, but eating them could cause allergic reactions for some people. The protein found in some arthropods can cause breathing problems, and they are often a source of food allergy for those with asthma. A bed bug’s protein content is low, but the insect’s exoskeleton is rich in minerals.

Bedbugs have a long life span. They can survive for two to three months without a blood meal. During the colder months, their metabolism slows down. This enables them to live longer, and they can live up to a year without eating. However, they are still susceptible to a host’s presence. Therefore, you should be careful if you suspect that your home has a bedbug infestation.

The main difference between bed bugs and dust mites is that bedbugs are not able to eat dust or crumbs. They feed almost exclusively on human blood, and their tube-shaped mouths make it impossible for them to digest other foods. During their early stages, they feed on dead skin, while waiting for the nutrients that they need to grow and thrive. Once they reach full adulthood, they don’t need to feed often, and they can survive without a host for a year or more.

Despite being so small, bed bugs are actually natural predators of other insects. However, this doesn’t mean that you should eat them. The bugs’ natural enemies include cockroaches, masked hunters, and some lizard and spider species. The best way to control the presence of bed bugs is to take preventative measures. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, call a pest control expert to eradicate it as quickly as possible.

Continue reading:

How Much Bed Bug Treatment Should You Expect to Pay? What Can You Put on Bed Bug Bites? How to Remove Bedbugs From Hanging Clothes Where Do Bed Bugs Come From Outside? How Do Bed Bugs Change Color When They Die? Can Bed Bugs Eat Dogs? How Can Bed Bugs Ruin Clothes? Can Bed Bugs Get Into a Zipped Suitcase?