What Eats Bed Bugs?

Our fully inclusive guide on the bed bug, and its’ main predators.

When it comes to bed bugs, we talk a lot about their habits. How they function, where they live, what they eat and so on. We also cover a lot of different ways in which you can get rid of an infestation of them in your home.

One thing we don’t talk about so much, is the natural predators for bed bugs. What eats bed bugs? Are there creatures out there that really eat these vile little blood – sucking critters? The answer, is yes!

Read on for our fully inclusive guide on the bed bug, and its’ main predators.

 What are Bed Bugs?

Before we really get going, we’re just going to have a quick little recap on what bed bugs actually are:

• They are oval shaped parasites.
• They feed on the blood of humans and animals.
• They can’t fly, but can crawl quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings.
• Female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs over their life time.
• Their babies shed their skin up to five times before reaching adulthood.
• They are a nuisance, but aren’t considered to be dangerous.
• They don’t spread diseases.

Ring a bell?

 What Eats Bed Bugs?

Now we’re getting onto the important stuff. What eats bed bugs? We certainly can’t imagine that they’re overly tasty.

Well, believe it or not, there are insects and animals out there who will gladly feast on these blood thirsty little creatures. In fact, there are actually a number of predators which are handy in getting rid of bed bugs, but it’s likely you won’t want them in your house much either. Is it really about picking the lesser of two evils here?

Read on to find out more about the bed bug predators that are out there.

Cockroaches

They’re not pleasant and can be far more harmful around the home than bed bugs are, but cockroaches are prone to feeding on the occasional bed bug. They might be disgusting creatures, but they can certainly come in handy in the fight against bed bugs.

The reason for this is because they’ll eat pretty much anything. Unfortunately they won’t be useful in the fight against bed bugs because then you’ll end up with a cockroach infestation which is arguably worse… but it’s interesting, right?

Masked Hunters

Masked hunters are a well known predatory insect, known for hunting all sorts of different bugs. Bed bugs are actually one of their favourite meals.

Although they do chase bed bugs, they are prone to carrying diseases too. When threatened, they will bite a human, and they can cause some damage. Plus, they can fly, so you know, not appealing.

Spiders

There are arachnophobes all over the united states. But what’s worse – a spider or a bed bug? We’ll let you decide.

Not all kinds of spider will feast on bed bugs, but the ones that will, do so happily. In comparison to masked hunters and cockroaches, they’re not too bad to have in the house either, right? Chances are there are a few there anyway!

Geckos

Last of all, but by no means least, did you know that geckos actually feast on bed bugs, and could be a good solution?

Not only can they be kept safely as pets, but geckos could help to eliminate your bed bug problem. You’ll have to look after them the right way and do your research, but could be invaluable in keeping not just bed bugs, but other kinds of bugs out of the home too.

Thanks for reading!