Feb 26, 2026 01:26 AM
https://gizmodo.com/scientists-have-disc...2000725898
EXCERPTS: All in all, the researchers found, the bed bugs consistently spent much less time on wet surfaces as opposed to dry ones. Nearly 90% of the time, the bugs moved away from the wet surfaces before they even came close to touching the water. That said, juvenile bed bugs, or nymphs, were about 60% quicker than older bugs at turning away from water, suggesting they have an especially strong aversion to water.
Though this appears to be the first documented report of bed bugs fearing water, it makes intuitive sense, the researchers say. These insects are incredibly flat, and the strong adhesive force of water could threaten to block their spiracles on their belly, the external pores that allow them to breathe (their version of lungs). In other words, even a tiny bit of water might be enough to easily drown them.
[...] At the end of the day, it’s comforting to know that even our real-life nightmares have their own fears to be worried about... (MORE - details)
EXCERPTS: All in all, the researchers found, the bed bugs consistently spent much less time on wet surfaces as opposed to dry ones. Nearly 90% of the time, the bugs moved away from the wet surfaces before they even came close to touching the water. That said, juvenile bed bugs, or nymphs, were about 60% quicker than older bugs at turning away from water, suggesting they have an especially strong aversion to water.
Though this appears to be the first documented report of bed bugs fearing water, it makes intuitive sense, the researchers say. These insects are incredibly flat, and the strong adhesive force of water could threaten to block their spiracles on their belly, the external pores that allow them to breathe (their version of lungs). In other words, even a tiny bit of water might be enough to easily drown them.
[...] At the end of the day, it’s comforting to know that even our real-life nightmares have their own fears to be worried about... (MORE - details)