Bed bugs: Those tiny, creepy creatures love to sneak into your space, and before you know it, you’re itching like crazy and losing sleep. But what exactly is it that attracts bed bugs in the first place? Are you unknowingly rolling out the red carpet for them? Well, let’s dive into it!
Key Takeaways
- Bed bugs are attracted by the body heat and carbon dioxide, making sleeping humans their favorite targets.
- Clutter gives bed bugs plenty of hiding spots, so keeping your space clean and tidy helps.
- Travel and secondhand furniture are common ways bed bugs get into your home—always inspect items carefully.
- Bed bugs don’t like dirt or poor hygiene; they just want a warm body to feed on.
What Are Bed Bugs, Anyway?
First off, bed bugs are small, brownish insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They’re not the fastest movers, but they are sneaky. They tend to hide during the day and come out at night to feast on you while you sleep. Sounds kind of like a vampire story, doesn’t it? But instead of capes and fangs, we’re dealing with something way less glamorous.
At Neon Pest & Lawn, we know how frustrating it can be to deal with bed bugs. But don’t worry; we’re here to help you figure out what’s attracting these unwanted guests so you can keep them far, far away.
Myth Buster: Bed Bugs Aren’t About Dirt or Mess
A lot of people think bed bugs are attracted to dirt, clutter, or poor hygiene. But here’s the real scoop: Bed bugs aren’t picky about cleanliness. You could have the cleanest home on the block, and if a bed bug finds its way in, it will settle down without a second thought. So, what’s really attracting them if it’s not the mess?
Carbon Dioxide
Believe it or not, bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide. Yep, the same stuff you breathe out every single day. Bed bugs detect the carbon dioxide that we release, which is how they know when and where to find their next meal—aka, you. They’re drawn to places where there’s a lot of breathing going on, like bedrooms, which is why they often make their homes in and around beds.
Body Heat
Another big attraction for bed bugs is body heat. Bed bugs love warmth, and when we sleep, we provide a nice, warm environment that they just can’t resist. It’s kind of like we’re a cozy electric blanket for them—yikes. The warmer it is, the more comfortable they are, which is why they often hide close to where people sleep.
Clutter
While bed bugs aren’t necessarily attracted to dirt, clutter can be a factor. Why? Because clutter gives them plenty of hiding spots. They’re excellent at staying out of sight, and if your bedroom or home has lots of stuff laying around, it makes it easier for them to find nooks and crannies to hide in. The more hiding places they have, the harder it becomes to find and eliminate them.
Travel and Secondhand Furniture
Bed bugs are like little hitchhikers. They don’t fly, but they sure do get around. Travel is a huge factor in bed bug infestations. Hotels, airports, and public transportation are prime places for bed bugs to hitch a ride on your luggage or clothing. They also love secondhand furniture. That great thrift shop find or the couch someone left on the curb might look cool, but it could be bringing bed bugs straight into your home.
At Neon Pest & Lawn, we always say, “Think twice before you thrift.” Bed bugs hide in mattresses, furniture, and even electronics. So, if you bring home something secondhand, give it a good inspection before letting it in the door.
Nighttime Activity
Bed bugs are nocturnal, which means they’re mostly active at night. They like to come out and feed when everything is quiet and dark. So, if you’re sleeping peacefully, that’s when they’re going to strike. And remember—they’re attracted to the warmth of your body and the carbon dioxide from your breathing. The calmer the environment, the more comfortable they feel about coming out to feed.
What Can You Do to Keep Bed Bugs Away?
Okay, so now that we know what attracts bed bugs, what can we do to keep them out? Here are a few tips:
- Be Careful When Traveling: Bed bugs are notorious travelers. Always check hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs (like tiny blood spots on sheets) and keep your luggage off the floor or bed.
- Inspect Secondhand Items: Before bringing used furniture or clothing into your home, inspect it thoroughly for signs of bed bugs. Look for tiny black or rust-colored spots and eggs.
- Declutter Your Space: Keep your space as clutter-free as possible. Fewer hiding spots mean it’s easier to catch bed bugs before they multiply.
- Use Mattress Covers: Bed bug-proof mattress covers can be an effective barrier, keeping bed bugs from getting into your mattress and making themselves at home.
When to Call in the Pros
Let’s be honest—bed bugs are tough. They’re sneaky, persistent, and can be a real pain to deal with. If you’ve tried everything and are still waking up with bites, it might be time to call in the professionals. Here at Neon Pest & Lawn, we’ve seen it all, and we know how to get bed bugs out of your home for good.
And hey, there’s no shame in needing help. Bed bugs are hard to tackle on your own, and it’s easy for them to come back if even a few of them are left behind. Getting a professional treatment means you can rest easy (literally) knowing that your home is bug-free.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs might be small, but they can be a huge problem if they find their way into your home. By understanding what attracts them—things like carbon dioxide, body heat, clutter, and travel—you can take steps to make sure your space isn’t the kind of place they want to be.
But if they do find their way in, remember, you’re not alone. Neon Pest & Lawn is here to help get your home back to being bed bug-free, so you can sleep without the fear of bites and itching. Because let’s face it—life’s too short to share your bed with bugs!
FAQ
- Can bed bugs only be found in dirty homes?
- No, bed bugs can be found in any home, clean or dirty. They’re attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, not dirt.
- How do I inspect secondhand furniture for bed bugs?
- Look for tiny black spots, rust-colored stains, or eggs. Check all the seams, cracks, and crevices closely.
- Do bed bugs spread diseases?
- No, but their bites can cause itching and discomfort.
- Why are bed bugs so hard to get rid of?
- Bed bugs are can survive for months without feeding, making them tough to eliminate without professional help.
- Can bed bugs climb walls?
- Yes, bed bugs can climb walls and They’re experts at finding their way to their food source.
- What are some early signs of bed bugs?
- Look for small blood stains on sheets, tiny black spots (feces), or shed skins around your bed and furniture.
- How to avoid bringing bed bugs home from a hotel?
- Inspect the room before unpacking, keep luggage off the bed and floor, and consider using plastic bags to keep clothes separated.
- Why do bed bugs bite at night?
- Bed bugs are prefer to feed when it’s dark and when their host is still, which is usually at night.
- Can bed bugs live in electronics?
- Yes, bed bugs can hide in small electronics like alarm clocks or TVs, especially if they are close to the bed.
- When should I call a professional for bed bugs?
- If you’re seeing multiple signs of bed bugs or are getting bites consistently, it’s best to call a professional for thorough treatment.