What Do Swallow Bugs Eat?

Swallow bugs are parasites that primarily feed on the blood of cliff swallows and house sparrows.

• Cliff Swallow Blood: Swallow bugs feed on the blood of cliff swallows, their preferred host. They attach to the bird and suck its blood for sustenance.
• House Sparrow Blood: In the absence of cliff swallows, swallow bugs will also feed on the blood of house sparrows. They are less selective and will use any available bird host.
• Other Bird Species' Blood: Although they prefer cliff swallows and house sparrows, swallow bugs can also feed on the blood of other bird species if necessary.

How do Swallow Bugs Eat?

Swallow bugs, similar to bed bugs, are parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts, primarily cliff swallows.

• They use their sharp, elongated mouthparts to pierce the skin of the host.
• They inject an anesthetic and anticoagulant to prevent the host from feeling the bite and to keep the blood flowing.
• They then suck up the blood for nourishment.
• This feeding process is typically carried out at night when the host is inactive.

What do Swallow Bugs Drink?

Swallow Bugs, closely related to bed bugs, are small parasitic insects that feed primarily on the blood of cliff swallows.

Drinks:

• Blood of Cliff Swallows: The main source of nourishment for Swallow Bugs, which they obtain by piercing the bird's skin.

FAQs about Swallow Bugs

1. How often do Swallow Bugs eat?

Swallow Bugs feed approximately once a week when a host is available.

2. How long can a Swallow Bugs live without eating?

Swallow Bugs can survive without eating for up to one year.

3. What do Larvae Swallow Bugs eat?

Larvae Swallow Bugs primarily consume the blood of their bird hosts, usually swallows.