Are Bed Bugs Attracted to Certain Blood Types?
Some blood types generate more heat compared to others. Bed bugs target people based on the amount of heat they generate while sleeping. This means that bed bugs are attracted to warm blood. “O” type produces more heat, but this depends on certain situations because there are various things that can raise heat such as exercise, alcohol, stress, viruses and strong emotions.
Blood Types that Attract Bed Bugs
There are different types such as AB+, AB-, B+, A- and O+. Some people believe that bed bugs are drawn to certain types of blood. There’s no reliable science that supports this notion. Blogs have begun to discuss this idea, but there’s no evidence that bed bugs are attracted to only one type.
One study showed that bed bugs don’t like blood combined with alcohol and a lot of news sources online have posted articles regarding this topic. Based on the results of the study, those who’ve been drinking have a lower risk of attracting bed bugs. This doesn’t mean that you should drink alcohol more often. However, the knowledge gained from the study can help professionals create new methods to fight bed bugs.
Do Bed Bugs Prefer a Certain Blood Type?
You may have fewer or more bed bug bites on your body than your roommate due to your blood. These pests prefer a certain blood type and get it where it is available. They prefer blood that they’ve been accustomed to. For instance, bed bugs that grew up drinking O+ blood will feed on O+ blood in the future. If they grew up feeding on AB+ blood, they would prefer people with this blood as well.
This means that bed bugs don’t have a preference for a single type. They can drink any blood. It only depends on their taste. This is probably why bed bugs often target you and you don’t see any bites on your roommate.
What Your Blood Type Means When it Comes to Bed Bugs
There is some proof that bed bugs are drawn to certain blood types. This is because your blood can affect the scent/pheromones you emit. For instance, mosquitoes seem to favour type O blood than other types of blood. This is why you need to be careful when you are in a large group of people and you have a type O.
You will attract more mosquitoes and perhaps save other people from these pests, but it won’t make a lot of difference inside your bedroom. Keep in mind that bed bugs will not say no to a meal just because they found you sooner than another person. So, when could blood types make a difference?
Your blood type could make a difference when you are in a place with plenty of single beds like developing world hospitals, camps, and military barracks. This is because bed bugs would not be required to travel far to reach their next victim. They could easily go from one person to the next and feed on their blood.
Factors Affecting How Bed Bugs Choose Their Victim Regardless of Types of Blood
Several important factors may affect the way how these pests are choosing their victims. Though it is somehow impossible to prevent these pests from biting you during a bed bug infestation, learning why you are getting more bites than your roommate can also help you.
Blood and carbon dioxide are possible reasons why you are getting more bites. Warmth blood and carbon dioxide play an important role in attracting bed bugs. This is why they prefer staying in box springs, mattresses, or even furniture pieces where you stay for long periods.
With proper pest control solution placements, there is a great chance that you can prevent a full-blown infestation from happening. This can also reduce the effects of an infestation in your home like the number of bites you are getting or prevent the pests from multiplying.
