Bed bugs are pesky pests that can infest homes, apartments, hotels and other places where humans live. Because of their small size and nocturnal lifestyle, bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of. Knowing what animals feed on bed bugs is an important part of understanding how to control a bed bug infestation. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of animals that eat bed bugs and how to prevent them from invading your home environment.
What Do Bed Bugs Eat?
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed exclusively on blood from warm-blooded hosts such as humans and other mammals. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts used for feeding on blood which provides them with the energy they need to survive. While they prefer human blood, they will also feed on pet or livestock blood when available. Bedbugs don’t eat the host’s flesh; rather they simply suck the blood like tiny vampires!
What Animals Feed on Bed Bugs?
Insects are not the only creatures that feed on bedbugs – several other animals enjoy feasting upon these tiny critters. These include reptiles and amphibians such as lizards and frogs, fish such as carp and catfish, as well as certain types of birds like chickens and ducks. So while you may think you know all there is to know about controlling a bed bug infestation, it’s important to consider these predators too.
Insect Predators That Feed On Bed Bugs
There are several species of insects that prey upon bedbugs including ladybirds (lady beetles), lacewings (greenflies), mites (dust mites) and true bugs. Ladybirds are very efficient predators – one adult ladybird can consume up to 50 bedbugs in one day! Other insect predators include spiders which trap their prey by spinning webs around them; predatory mites which hunt down their victims by following scent trails; parasitic wasps which lay eggs inside a host bedbug; and predatory flies which catch their victims in mid-air with their sharp jaws. All these insect predators can be found living in most homes – so keep an eye out for them if you suspect you have an infestation.
How To Control Insect Predators In The Home Environment
Controlling insect predators in the home environment requires more than just monitoring existing pests – prevention is key. This involves sealing cracks in walls or floors that could provide access points for pests into your home; vacuuming regularly to remove food sources for insects; using screens over windows/doors; keeping food stored away securely when not being eaten; disposing of trash frequently; eliminating moisture sources such as dripping faucets/pipes or leaky roofs/windowsills; maintaining cleanliness throughout your home environment including cleaning up any dead insects immediately after sighting. Additionally, many pest control companies offer insecticides and traps which can be used to control the populations of insects in your home.
Types Of Reptiles And Amphibians That Feed On Bed Bugs
Certain reptiles such as lizards, frogs and skinks will also feed on bedbugs. These animals have been known to crawl into beds or other furniture where bedbugs may be hiding during the day. While these predators are not as efficient at controlling a bed bug infestation as insects are, they do provide an additional form of natural pest control that should not be overlooked.
The most common reptile predators of bed bugs include geckos, skinks, and some species of frogs such as bullfrogs or green frogs. Lizards such as chameleons or anoles may also feed on adult bed bugs occasionally. It is important to note that while these animals can help keep a population of bedbugs under control, it is best to use other methods for long-term prevention and elimination of a bed bug infestation.
How To Prevent Reptiles From Entering Your Home Environment
To prevent reptiles from entering your home environment to get to bed bugs there are a few steps you can take – such as using screens over doors/windows; keeping food sources secured away from potential entry points; removing any standing water around the perimeter of your home which could attract amphibious creatures; and sealing any cracks in walls/floors that could provide access points for pests into your home environment. Additionally, many pest control companies offer specialized repellents designed specifically for keeping reptiles away from your property.
Birds That Eat Bed Bugs
Certain types of birds also feed on bed bugs! Chickens and ducks both consume adult stages as well as nymphal stages (immature) forms – although chickens tend to prefer adult bedbugs while ducks typically eat larvae due to their smaller size. This can be beneficial in some cases – if you’re trying to get rid of a large population. But it is important to note that adding too many birds into one habitat could lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.
Types Of Birds That Feed On Bed Bugs
The most common birds feeding on bedbugs include chickens, ducks and geese; however, other species may also eat them such as starlings, swallows and grackles. Ducks typically feed on larvae due to their small size – consuming up to 10-15 per day depending on the size of the duckling! And geese usually focus more on vegetation than insects but can still be seen preying upon adult bed bugs occasionally when times are tough.
What Animals Eat Bed Bugs Conclusion
Bed bugs can be difficult pests to control – especially if you don’t know what animals feed on them! In this blog post, we explored several different types of animals that prey upon bugs including insects, reptiles, amphibians, and birds – all of which provide an additional form of natural pest control when used correctly. Additionally, we discussed several ways you can protect against these predators entering your home by implementing preventive measures such as sealing cracks in walls or floors, vacuuming regularly and using screens over windows/doors; eliminating moisture sources; maintaining cleanliness throughout the home environment; storing food securely when not being eaten; disposing of trash frequently; and using insecticides or traps offered by pest control companies when needed. Understanding what animals eat bed bugs is an important step toward controlling a potential infestation in your home – so stay informed and keep vigilant.
