How Far Can Bed Bugs Smell Humans?
WouterScientists from the University of Sheffield recently studied how far bed bugs can smell humans. In the past, the answer was unclear. It is now known that bed bugs can smell carbon dioxide, which is exhaled by their prey. In the past, researchers collected samples from the wild by placing dry ice in woods. The carbon dioxide would attract bed bugs, which would then feed on the carbon dioxide.
Bed bugs also emit pheromones to communicate with each other. Those odors can be pleasant or foul. They can resemble berries, coriander, moldy shoes, or a laundry basket. Low concentrations can be pleasant, but a large infestation would give off a foul smell.
The CDC says bed bugs usually stay within eight feet of their human hosts. However, some have been known to travel up to 100 feet away for a blood meal. So, it is vital to protect your home from bed bugs. Luckily, there are many things you can do to help eliminate them. The first step in eliminating bed bugs is to get rid of their food source.
Luckily, bed bugs don’t spread any serious diseases and are easy to control. DNA from humans can persist in bed bugs for up to 90 days after feeding on blood. This new knowledge could help police investigators in criminal investigations. It could even open up a new branch of police science.
