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Do Spiders Eat Bed Bugs?
We’ve all heard of bed bugs before. They are the small, reddish-brown insects that live in warm environments like beds and couches and bite humans. When you have bed bugs in your house, it can be a very difficult problem to deal with. Bed bug infestation requires lots and lots of intervention to successfully get rid of them.
The good news is that there are plenty of natural predators for bed bugs. Which insects eat bed bugs? Do spiders eat bed bugs? In this blog post, we will explore which types of spiders eat bed bugs and what are the best ways to get rid of bed bugs.
Do Spiders Eat Bed bugs?
Yes, spiders do eat bed bugs. In fact, many spiders are natural predators of bed bugs and will eat them whenever they have the opportunity. Not all spiders eat bed bugs, though.
It is worth noting that just because a variety of spider eats bed bugs, that does not necessarily mean they are safe to have around your home. Some spiders may bite if threatened and can be dangerous to humans.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf Spiders are fast-moving predators that actively hunt their prey rather than waiting in the dark for insects to get stuck in their web, as other spiders do. One interesting fact about wolf spiders is that they carry their egg sacs around with them, unlike other types of spiders, which hide them away. These are some of the most common predators of bed bugs.
Cobweb Spiders
Cobweb spiders get their name from the messy cobweb-like nests they build in dark areas where bugs typically hide. They are a group of long-legged, fast spiders, such as the Black Widow and American House Spider. Some cobweb spiders can be poisonous to humans.
Yellow Sac Spider
Yellow sac spiders are large, brown spiders with black markings that are usually found outside under leaves or stones. But, they can also hide indoors under furniture. They are big enough to consume bed bugs, but they also can bite humans or pets.
Running Crab Spiders
Running crab spiders are small, tan spiders that love low-light conditions. They hunt in plants and trees, waiting for an unsuspecting insect to walk by. Their fast speed makes them very effective at catching their prey. They eat bed bugs, as well as many other insects in the home.
Although there are not many different types of spiders that eat bed bugs, those which do can be a huge help in reducing an infestation. However, there is no guarantee for how soon the bugs will be eliminated or if the spiders can ever provide permanent relief from an infestation. If you have bed bugs in your home and you want to get rid of them, you need to call a pest control company.
What are Other Bed Bug Predators?
Along with spiders, there are many other insects that can eat bed bugs. However, not all of them will make your life easier! Bringing in a bed bug predator could cause another pest problem. These bugs may get rid of the bed bugs, but they’re not creatures you want in your home.
Cockroaches
The most common cockroach that eats bed bugs is the American Cockroach. This roach, like the German Roach, likes to live in or near places where food is readily available.
During the day, this species of cockroach is often hiding in dark places like sewers or inside hidden areas behind walls. At night, they may be crawling around the places where bed bugs live.
Ants
Like many insects, ants are attracted to places where there is a source of water and food available. For example, it’s common for ants to be seen near flower beds or kitchens where they can find tasty crumbs. The most likely ant you will see eating bed bugs is the Pharaoh Ant, as it is common for this species to live inside people’s homes.
House Centipede
The House Centipede is a carnivorous arthropod that eats other insects, including bed bugs! These centipedes, despite their creepy appearance, are considered household friends because they eat other house pests. Although not seen as often as ants or cockroaches, these creatures will still find your bed bug infestation an easy meal.
Bed bugs are a nuisance to anyone who has them. They can be difficult and expensive to get rid of, but there’s no need for you to suffer if they’re invading your home. Turning to spiders or other insects to get rid of bed bugs may seem like an easy way to rid your home of these pests, but the true best way is to call a pest control professional like Forterra. A professional bed bug exterminator will get rid of all the bed bugs quickly and effectively, sparing you the hassle of having to live with spiders or another bed bug predator.
