What Blood Type Do Bed Bugs Like

What Type Of Blood Do Bed Bugs Like

Humans have different blood types, such as O, A, B, and AB. Several people think these insects find a particular blood type more attractive. However, there is no solid scientific evidence that backs it up. If they exclusively eat blood, will they develop a preference for it or not?

Lets assume you have a roommate with a different blood type than yours. Your roommate gets fewer bites, while you suffer from a lot of it. You might assume these insects have a preference, but they prefer feeding on what feels familiar to them.

Bed bugs that often drink blood type A will prefer drinking A blood. We can assume the ones on your roommates bed were unfamiliar with the blood type.

The next question is, what does the type mean to the bed bugs? The pheromones you emit will vary, depending on your blood type. For example, mosquitoes prefer the blood type O. It is not the same case for bed bugs because they will not like one person over the other because of blood chemistry.

The top factors in how these insects choose their victim are the warmth of your blood and carbon dioxide. Some people have warmer blood and breathe out more carbon dioxide. Why? It is simply nature. If you think these creatures find you more attractive, you may have to be more cautious.

What The Research Says

An older study from 1974 recruited 102 participants to look into various individual factors that could attract mosquitoes. When the researchers analyzed the results, they found that mosquitoes preferentially fed on people with blood type O.

Recently, a 2019 study also assessed blood type preference in mosquitoes. They did this by providing samples of different blood types in separate feeders. It was observed that mosquitoes preferred to feed from the type O feeder than the other feeders.

A 2004 study examined mosquito preference for blood type as well as secretor status. The overall results found that:

• More mosquitoes landed on people with blood type O. However, this result was only statistically significant when compared with blood type A and not to the other blood types.
• Mosquitoes landed on type O secretors significantly more often than type A secretors.
• When blood type antigens were applied to the arms of study participants, mosquitoes were significantly more attracted to people with H antigen than A antigen. Meanwhile, A antigen was significantly more attractive than B antigen.

Since blood type antigens can be found in the saliva and tears of secretors, it may be possible that mosquitoes can sense these antigens as they approach a person. However, there hasnt been any research done to support this idea yet.

Lets take a closer look at some of the other individual factors that can attract mosquitoes.

What Happens If You Eat A Bed Bug

Accidentally or not, what will happen if you eat one? Some people are curious about how it tastes, while others unintentionally eat it. Do you think you will get into trouble? Will you get an upset tummy? The short answer to all these questions is nothing terrible will happen.

Generally, your body will and can digest it similar to other food. Arthropods, such as ticks, spiders, and mites, will not hurt you. The same goes for insects, such as:

Eating a bug or two will not hurt you. Insects are a popular delicacy or snack in Thailand! However, some insects sting or bite. Be mindful of them.

However, be on the lookout for insects or arthropods that carry bacteria on their outer body. These may upset your stomach. If you are curious, these do not have a specific taste. Some think it tastes nutty, while others think it tastes bland.

Read Also: Where Is Camp Half Blood

You Might Not Notice The Bed Bug Bites

The bites could be in specific locations that you cant see. If theyre on the small of your back, for example, theyre more challenging to spot. Especially compared to bites on your arms or legs.

This applies if the bites arent itchy. If they dont itch, and theyre in a location thats hard to see, youre unlikely to spot them.

Do Bed Bugs Have A Blood Type Preference

You may also be getting more or fewer bites than a partner because of blood type. Bed bugs have a preference for blood type, and stick to it where its available.

Their preference is based on what they grew up with. When bed bugs grow up feeding on O positive blood, theyll feed on O positive in the future. The same applies to other blood types.

To be clear, there isnt one blood type that bed bugs prefer over all others. Instead, its a matter of their taste. They can feed on any blood.

This could explain why your partner is consistently bitten, while the bugs leave you alone.

Don’t Miss: A1c Levels Blood Sugar Chart

What Do Bed Bugs Gravitate To

Bed bugs gravitate towards busy places for two reasons: hosts and shelter. Hotels, airports, and movie theaters are at a greater risk of having bed bugs than other establishments for this very reason. Unlike single-family homes, shared walls and common spaces make it easy for bed bugs to move in rent-free!

What makes bed bugs attracted to you?

As bed bugs feed on warm-blooded creatures, it’s only natural that they’re attracted to you. Specifically, they’re drawn in by your body heat, the carbon dioxide you exhale and other biological signatures. In fact, they’re called bed bugs because they’re often found on or around bedding.

Are bed bugs attracted to period blood?

Bed Bugs Are Attracted to Period Blood: MYTH Bed bugs are no more attracted to a person on their period than anybody else. It is body heat and carbon dioxide that draws them in. They have no mechanism for sensing if somebody is on their period.

Do bed bugs drink all blood types?

To be clear, there isn’t one blood type that bed bugs prefer over all others. Instead, it’s a matter of their taste. They can feed on any blood. This could explain why your partner is consistently bitten, while the bugs leave you alone.

Where do bed bugs hide on your body?

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide on Your Body? Bed bugs do not typically hide on the body. They prefer to feed, then move back to their hiding place until they are hungry again. In some cases, they may hide in your clothes or the soles of your shoes.

What Blood Types Do Bed Bugs Prefer

They prefer what they were raised with. Bed bugs will feed on o positive blood as they grow up. The same applies to different types of blood. Bed bugs can be found in almost any room in your home.

Bed bugs are often found on mattresses, pillows, blankets, clothing, bedding, furniture, walls, flooring, carpets, upholstery, rugs, linens, wall hangings, etc. If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, contact your local pest control company immediately.

You May Like: How Can I Check My Blood Pressure

Do Bed Bugs Like A Certain Kind Of Blood

There is a lot of talk out there about whether bed bugs are more attracted to certain types of blood.

Humans can have varying blood types like the following:

Currently, there are no credible scientific studies that indicate whether your blood type affects your propensity to be bitten by bed bugs.

Though there is talk out there about whether having a noticeable blood-alcohol level can deter bed bugs from biting you. According to a University of Nebraska-Lincoln study, bed bugs do prefer alcohol-free blood.

At the end of the day You shouldnt worry about how your blood type will affect your likelihood of being bitten and experiencing symptoms.

Though it is true that bed bugs might be attracted to certain people over others.

Even if its not likely due to blood type

But instead, bed bugs might be more attracted to you because of the following:

• You sleep with a lot of skin exposed.
• You do not have body hair.
• You do not move around a lot while you sleep.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From & How Do You Get Them

The first question you may have in mind is, Where do these insects come from, and how do you get them? These come from anywhere humans spend time. Be on the lookout for them in public spaces and transportation because you will find them everywhere.

If you are fond of staying in hotel rooms, we suggest inspecting the bed before lying down or sleeping. You may find them lurking around, waiting for a human being to feed. Inspect your bedsheets and look for small blood spots and eggshells. Using a flashlight may help you identify it better and faster.

They travel easily and can quickly crawl into your luggage or backpack. Before bringing your stuff inside, we suggest disinfecting or vacuuming it. Check for any signs of these bugs. It will be difficult to exterminate them once they get inside your house.

When you are traveling, bring a large plastic bag that you can use to cover your suitcase while staying at a hotel. Wash all your clothes in hot cycles once you arrive home.

These pests have been around for millennia. Aristotle first mentioned it in ancient Greece. However, most experts think these insects came from bats in the Middle East. A long time ago, bats and men lived in the same cave before. It spread because of progression. As humans moved to different places, bed bugs went with them.

It spread throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe. It affects all households! The only continent that does not have them is Antarctica.

Read Also: Can You Take Keto Pills With High Blood Pressure Medicine

Does Urine Attract Bed Bugs

This is a myth.

There is little evidence showing that urine will attract bed bugs.

Yet why is this a common misconception?

Here is the thought process:

• Urine is warm, which is an ideal temperature for bed bugs. Though it isnt warm enough to the same level of body heat.
• Urine contains some carbon dioxide. Although the amount is so little it will have no effect on attracting bed bugs .
• Urine contains hormones. It does contain the hormone histamine, which bed bugs use to communicate. .

What Chemicals Attract Bed Bugs The Most

Cleaning chemicals or the natural hormones produced by humans and animals do NOT attract bed bugs.

Scientists do not believe that any product used regularly in homes such as ammonia, bleach, or fabric softeners attracts these irritating pests.

However, recent research by a scientist named Dr. Regine Gries shows that bed bugs are attracted to a chemical they produce themselves: histamine.

Humans do produce histamine, but only during certain immune responses. You will not attract a bed bug by having an allergic reaction. But this histamine does build up in the skin and feces of bed bugs and alert others to safe locations. The researchers in Dr. Gries lab discovered that when histamine builds up, other bed bugs realize an area is safe and has food.

This is bad news for people who already have large infestations, as they might get even bigger . But people who do find the occasional bed bug know to eliminate the population as soon as possible to prevent this histamine buildup.

You May Like: Does Urgent Care Do Blood Pregnancy Tests

Survival Based On Sex

Strain and blood regimen appear to have an effect on bed bug survival when comparing the two sexes. The survival of HS males reared on human blood was 204.20 ± 9.270 days compared to 218.03 ± 9.614 days for females, which was not statistically significant . However, when comparing the mean survival time of males and females of the ECL-05 reared on human blood, the males survived significantly longer than the females .

The mean survival of HS female bed bugs reared on rabbit blood was significantly longer than the survival of males of the same strain . However, there were no significant differences when comparing the survival of ECL-05 males and females reared on rabbit blood. Males and females of ECL-05 lived 168.59 ± 9.776 days and 190.731 days respectively.

Clinical Studies Bug Bites

In experiments conducted under controlled settings, mosquitoes were seen to prefer people with Type O blood. These O blood type people are almost twice as likely to be bitten when compared to those with Type A blood. Of course, we have no power in deciding what kind of blood type we have.

However, we have the power to determine how to deal with these bugs effectively. If you have a Type O blood, you dont have to endure bites from these bugs forever. Its not the license to suffer mosquito bites and bed bug bites for ever.

Now that you know what blood type attracts bugs, you should also make the necessary moves to prevent incessant bites. With the help professionals, you can completely eliminate these bugs from your environment. Remember, how often you have to deal with bug bites should depend solely on how you exterminate them, not your blood type.

Also Check: Person Who Draws Blood Is Called

Symptoms Of Bed Bug Bites

Some individuals who are bitten by bed bugs develop itching, red welts or swelling the day after being bitten. However, bites may not become obvious for several days or at all on some individuals. Many people do not react at all to the bite of a bed bugmany bites leave no mark and go completely unnoticed.

Unlike those of other insects, bed bug bites may sometimes appear in tight lines of multiple, small, red marks where multiple bed bugs have fed along an exposed area. Bed bug bites can cause itchiness. Initially, a victim may detect a slight burning sensation. The burning area then develops red bumps, known as papules or wheals . In extreme cases, bites may swell dramatically or turn into blister-like skin inflammations.

If you develop a rash after being bitten by a bed bug, avoid scratching the affected area. If the rash persists or becomes infected, contact a medical professional immediately.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From

Even the cleanest homes can have bed bug infestations. You can get bed bugs from just about any public place, including:

• Commercial facilities

You may also pick up bed bugs in taxis, trains, cars, buses, and cruise ships, as these opportunistic bugs search for food sources. If they fail to find a food source, they move around until they locate one.

Its also pretty easy to unknowingly bring bed bugs home with you as they are experts at finding places to hide. When you arrive home from your travels, inspect your clothing for bed bugs and wash everything on high heat. When you stay in hotels, you can also keep your clothing off the floor as an added precaution.

Most of the time, its nearly impossible to figure out exactly where you picked up bed bugs. Even if you are aware of the signs and diligently check for them, these tiny pests can hitchhike into your home on any object, person, or pet that enters.

Also Check: Drinking Alcohol With High Blood Pressure

Fast Facts On Bedbugs

The most obvious sign of bedbugs in the home is that people complain of bites that occurred while they were asleep. If this happens, examine the bedrooms for bedbugs and signs of bedbug activity.

Look carefully in bed linen and the seams and tufts of mattresses and box springs for bugs or eggs. The eggs will look like tiny, pale poppy seeds.

Signs of bedbug activity may occur beneath loose areas of wallpaper near beds, in the corner of desks and dressers, in the laundry, and in drawers.

Keep an eye out for dark brown or rust-colored bedbug droppings that stain material and mattresses. Bedbug excrement is a liquid that looks either light brown or black, and it usually either beads up or is absorbed by the material around it.

A large population of bedbugs may produce a coriander-like odor.

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and includes:

• topical creams, such as cortisone, to relieve itching
• an oral antibiotic, if infection occurs because of skin irritation around the bite
• corticosteroids, if a person has a severe allergic reaction
• antihistamines, to help relieve allergic reactions

Most bites heal within 1 and 2 weeks of occurrence.

Some of these treatments are available for purchase online, including cortisone and antihistamines.

Myth #: Bed Bugs Are Attracted To Wood

Just like the clutter mentioned above, wood and the cracks in wood can be ideal homes for bed bugs to hide. But, its unlikely that bed bugs will find wood to be a comfortable home or a place to find food.

So, if youre thinking of throwing out your wooden furniture because you think it might harbor bed bugs, dont be so hasty. Instead, if you think you have an infestation, youd do better to take a close look at the folds and crevices of your mattress.

And if you find bed bugs, call in the professionals at Pure Environmental.

We use convection heat to wipe out bed bugs in one treatment including larvae and eggs without the use of chemicals.

Recommended Reading: Are Blood Pregnancy Tests More Accurate

How To Make Bed Bugs Come Out Of Hiding

Whether it be through DIY methods or professional treatment, you usually need to locate bed bugs before you can kill them.

Here are a few ways to make bed bugs come out of hiding:

• Be on the lookout at night Take advantage of the time you know bed bugs are likely to surface and try and find the location of the nest.
• Use a Steamer This wont be hot enough to actually kill bed bugs, but it could be the ideal temperature to make them come out of hiding.
• Laundry Wash any stored or untouched clothes on high heat. This will either kill or remove bed bugs from the clothes in which they were originally living.