Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They are reddish-brown and about the size of an apple seed when fully grown. Although they do not transmit diseases, bed bugs can cause significant emotional distress and financial burden due to their ability to quickly reproduce and infest a space. Understanding what attracts bed bugs to your home is essential to preventing and controlling infestations.
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Bed bug behavior
Bed bugs are primarily nocturnal and feed on human blood during the night. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, which humans naturally emit while sleeping. Bed bugs are also known to hide in cracks and crevices during the day, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture. Female bed bugs can lay up to five eggs per day, and their populations can rapidly grow in a short amount of time.
IDEAL ENVIRONMENT FOR BED BUGS
Like other alive, bed bugs need some ideal weather conditions to keep living. The biggest problem is that they have a solid strength at any temperature.
Bed bugs can survive over 0°F and under 113°F which is a large scale to keep living. So if you don’t live in Siberia or a desert, you can do nothing with this.
WHAT CAUSES BED BUGS?
Here is another content we released before about what causes bed bugs:
As you can see in that post, what usually brings bed bugs into your house is a friend or an old thing you bought.
What Attracts Bed Bugs
Many factors can make your home an attractive target for bed bugs. Some of the most common include:
Clutter
Bed bugs love to hide in clutter, so if your home is filled with piles of clothes, stacks of books, or other clutter, you’re creating the perfect environment for them to thrive. Keeping your home clean and free of clutter is one of the best ways to prevent a bed bug infestation.
Dirty laundry
Bed bugs are attracted to the scent of human sweat and body oils, so if you leave dirty laundry lying around, you’re inviting them in. Make sure to wash your clothes and bedding regularly to keep bed bugs at bay.
Cracks and crevices
Bed bugs are excellent at hiding, and they can squeeze into even the tiniest cracks and crevices in your home. If you have cracks in your walls, baseboards, or furniture, you’re giving them a perfect place to hide and breed.
Pets
Bed bugs can feed on the blood of animals as well as humans, so if you have pets, they can be a source of food for these insects. Make sure to check your pets for bed bugs regularly and keep their bedding clean. If you suspect that your pet has been infested with bed bugs, consult with a veterinarian to find the best treatment options.
Travel
If you travel frequently, you may inadvertently bring bed bugs back with you in your luggage or clothing. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily make their way into your home without you even realizing it. To prevent this from happening, inspect your luggage and clothing carefully before bringing them into your home. Wash your clothes in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any bed bugs and their eggs.
Second-hand furniture
If you buy used furniture, you never know what kind of pests might be hiding inside. Bed bugs can easily hide in the cracks and crevices of furniture, so thoroughly inspect any used items before bringing them into your home.
How To Prevent Bed Bugs
Now that you know what attracts bed bugs to your home, let’s talk about what you can do to prevent them from infesting your bed. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Keep your home clean
As we mentioned earlier, keeping your home clean and free of clutter is one of the best ways to prevent a bed bug infestation. Make sure to vacuum regularly and wash your bedding and clothes frequently.
Inspect used items
If you’re buying used furniture or clothing, make sure to inspect it thoroughly for signs of bed bugs before bringing it into your home. Look for tiny reddish-brown bugs, as well as small white eggs or shed skins.
Use bed bug-proof encasements
Bed bug-proof encasements are specially designed-covers for your mattress and box spring that prevent bed bugs from getting in or out. They are an excellent way to protect your bed from infestation
Be vigilant when traveling
When you travel, make sure to inspect your hotel room for signs of bed bugs before unpacking. Keep your luggage off the floor and use luggage racks if available. When you return home, unpack your luggage outside and wash all your clothes and bedding immediately.
Seal cracks and crevices
Sealing up any cracks and crevices in your walls, baseboards, and furniture can help prevent bed bugs from hiding and breeding in your home. Use caulk or sealant to fill in any gaps, and make sure to inspect and seal up any new cracks that appear.
Use insecticides
Insecticides can be effective in killing bed bugs, but they should be used with caution. Always follow the instructions carefully, and use only products that are specifically designed for bed bugs.
Hire a professional
If you have a severe bed bug infestation, it may be necessary to call in a professional exterminator. They have the knowledge and equipment necessary to get rid of bed bugs for good.
Conclusion
Remember that bed bugs are not creatures that like traveling. They don’t always look for a new host who is better than they have.
When they find a food source to feed on and when they can feed on it only once for several months, they keep living.
Because they are tough bugs that Bed Buds can live for months or even for years without feeding. So what attracts bed bugs is the wrong question.
The right question is what brings them into your house. If you got rid of bed bugs and didn’t want them back or are aware of possible danger, you must be careful about buying used stuff and traveling with public vehicles.
FAQs
How long do bed bugs live?
Bed bugs can live for several months without feeding, but they usually only live for about 2 to 4 months if they have a food source. Females can lay up to 5 eggs per day, which means an infestation can quickly grow out of control.
Are bed bugs harmful to humans?
While bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable. In rare cases, people may have an allergic reaction to bed bug bites.