Do Bed Bugs Have a favorite Blood Type? The chances are rife that at some point in your life, you will encounter bed bugs. And well, if you don’t, you’re among the few lucky ones. Some people have misinterpreted this “few lucky ones” to mean that people with some particular blood types are resistant to bed bug bites or bed bug don’t find such blood types attractive at all. So, do bed bugs have a favorite blood type? Product Review…
You wake up each morning to find yourself covered in bed bug bites and your partner is sleeping peacefully beside you. No bites at all. At least you can’t find any. You are wont to conclude that your blood type may be playing a huge role in your frequent bed bug bites, while people around you seem not to be feeling the heat. We hate to burst your bubble, but your blood type is not to blame. This is because, at present, there are no available and solid scientific studies to back up this assertion. Other factors may be contributing to your getting bitten frequently, but not your blood type.
Funny enough, your partner may be getting the same dose of these bites, just as you are, but they’re not showing the outward signs. Actually, studies show that the most common response to bed bug bites is no skin reaction, with as many as 30-60 percent of individuals bitten by bed bugs showing no skin reaction or whatsoever. So, while you go around touting your blood type as the reason for your frequent bed bug bites, be kind enough to take other factors into cognizance.
The Science Around Bed Bug Bites and Blood Types
Recently, “Do Bed bugs have a favorite blood type?” appeared as a poser on the sidelines of a symposium on insects’ behavior. One of the keynote speakers agreed with the notion that blood types do play a role in bed bug attraction and backed up his claims with unproven data. While we hope more reliable studies are conducted to lay this assertion to rest, there is no proof, yet. But we do know bed bugs do not like blood mixed with alcohol. This is according to a study from the University of Nebraska, led by Ralph Narain.
What Attracts Bed Bugs to You?
The carbon dioxide you breathe out and the heat your body gives out attracts bed bugs to your exact location. While sleeping, the level of carbon dioxide the body gives out is at its highest, making us more susceptible to bed bug bites. Bed bug loves warm places and tends to live around where living creatures such as humans, can be found. Blood and a warm environment are the perfect combinations for bed bugs to thrive.
Myths Surrounding Bed Bug Attractions
Blood Types – As has been dispelled earlier, certain blood types won’t attract bed bugs.
Dirty Environment – This is one of the oldest myths surrounding bed bug infestation — numerous hygiene classes while growing up play a part in our misinformation. “Keep your surroundings clean, and you won’t have bed bugs”. This is not the case; we should know by now. While a cluttered and dirty environment may provide ready hideouts for these bed bugs, they are not the reason these bed bugs are there in the first instance.
Certain Scents – No particular scent has been known to attract bed bugs.
Human Waste – These also do not attract bed bugs.
Finally, do bed bugs have a favorite blood type? When it comes to their feeding habits, bed bugs are very non-discriminatory. Your blood type will play no role at all. Definitely not your hygiene patterns. Your skin color won’t either. In fact, you do not play an active role in how these insects choose to feed. The very least you can do is to keep your immediate environment clean, proper grooming, then sit back and relax, hoping these creepy little things look elsewhere and not your home. Read More…
