Bed bugs are tiny pests that feed on blood (human and animal) to survive. If you’re wondering, what do bed bugs eat, the answer is simple: they feed on blood, and they need it to grow, reproduce, and live. Let’s explore the bed bugs diet, how they feed, and what you can do to prevent them from becoming a problem.
What Do Bed Bugs Eat?
The bed bugs diet only includes blood. Human blood is their favorite, but when humans aren’t available, they can feed on pets, birds, and even rodents. They don’t eat food crumbs, dead skin, or any other materials. Their mouths are specially designed to pierce skin and suck blood, which is their only source of nutrition. Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on bedbugs and ways to tackle a bedbug infestation.
Can Bed Bugs Feed on Animals?
While humans are their first choice, bed bugs can adapt if no humans are around. Their bed bugs diet can include:Bed Bugs Diet on Pets
-
Pets: Dogs and cats can be bitten by bed bugs, especially if the infestation is large.
-
Birds: Chickens or pet birds can also be targets.
-
Rodents: Small animals like mice and rats may serve as alternative food sources.
How Often Do Bed Bugs Feed?
Bed bugs don’t need to eat every day. Usually, they feed once every 5 to 7 days when a host is available. If there’s no food source, bed bugs can survive for months without feeding. In cooler temperatures, they can even go dormant and survive for up to a year without eating. Blood is essential for bed bugs to survive. It gives them the energy to grow, molt (shed their skin as they grow), and reproduce. Female bed bugs need regular blood meals to lay eggs. Without blood, they cannot survive or multiply. If you feel things have gone out of control, it is advised to contact pest control professionals. Our team can provide a customized approach to protect your home effectively.
Signs of Bed Bug Feeding
To know if bed bugs are feeding on you or your pets, look for these signs:Here are the signs to look for:
-
Bite Marks: Small, itchy red bumps on your skin, often in a line or cluster.
-
Blood Stains: Tiny reddish-brown spots on your sheets or clothing from crushed bed bugs or their waste.
-
Fecal Spots: Dark spots on mattresses, walls, or furniture where bed bugs hide.
-
Shed Skins: Clear, shell-like remains that bed bugs leave behind as they grow.
How Do Bed Bugs Feed?
Bed bugs are sneaky. They come out at night when you’re sleeping, attracted by the carbon dioxide you exhale as well as the heat of your body. Once they find you, they use their tiny mouths to pierce your skin and draw blood. This process usually takes 5-10 minutes. After feeding, bed bugs leave behind small, red, itchy bite marks on exposed areas like the arms, neck, face, or legs. These bites may take hours or days to appear and lack the central red spot seen in flea bites. If you notice unexplained bites along with signs like blood stains or dark spots on furniture, it’s time to act. Contact a professional pest control service today to protect your home.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
Knowing what do bed bugs eat can help you stop them from taking over your home. Here are some simple tips:Simple Tips to Prevent Bed Bugs
-
Inspect Your Home
-
Use Protective Covers
-
Declutter Your Space
-
Wash Bedding Regularly
-
Be Careful When Traveling
