Do Bed Bugs Have Blood in Them?
WouterYou might be wondering, “Do bed bugs have blood in them?” If so, then you’re not alone. Bed bugs have been known to feed on the blood of animals, but they are much easier to feed on humans. The bugs prefer human skin because it’s easier to crawl on than fur. So they focus their feeding efforts around the hands, back, and neck of the host.
The reason that they prefer human blood is because the human blood they feed on is so rich in proteins and vitamins. These elements make human blood the perfect food for them. And they have so much of it, that bed bugs can live for months without a meal. Because of this, they have developed an incredible ability to retain moisture and survive without food. They also have a waxy coating on their shells, so the moisture can remain in.
Unlike mosquito bites, bedbug bites do not pose a significant health risk, although if you experience an allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention. While there are no documented cases of bedbug bites causing major illnesses, some unusual cases have been linked to infestations. In one study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, a 60-year-old man suffered from anemia after being bitten by bedbugs. Another study in the Egyptian Society of Parasitology revealed a connection between bedbug bites and asthma.
In addition to the bites themselves, bedbugs can leave behind bloodstains on clothing and sheets. Bedbugs use an anticoagulant in their saliva, which helps keep blood from clotting while they feed. Occasionally, the bites will continue to bleed for a short period after the meal.
