Do Bed Bugs Always Have Blood in Them?
WouterThe answer to the question “do bed bugs always have blood in them?” is no. Although bedbugs feed blood from human skin, the hemolymph that they produce does not look red. Instead, it is a bluish green color when it is oxygenated. This color is the result of a copper-based protein known as hemocyanin. This makes it very difficult to spot.
Although bedbugs feed on a variety of warm-blooded animals, they prefer to feed on humans. The bites of these bugs are painless during the attack, but over time, most people develop an allergic reaction to the saliva transmitted by bedbugs. Symptoms include red, itchy, and swollen bites. The bites often appear in small clusters or patterns.
Bedbug bites may appear on any part of the body, but are more common on the body part nearest to their nest. For example, if bedbugs have made their home near the feet, you may notice leg bites. And if you find the bugs hiding in folds of fabric, you may notice a musty or moldy odor.
If you have been bitten by a bedbug, you might want to consult your doctor immediately. Bedbugs are not always visible, but you can check the bites for redness and swelling to see if you have a reaction. Bedbug bites can also cause secondary infections, especially in the elderly or bed-ridden.
