What Attracts Bed Bugs?
If you’re a homeowner, chances are the mere thought of bed bugs sends a shiver down your spine. These tiny, bloodsucking pests have earned a reputation for invading homes and causing chaos. That’s why it’s important to learn what attracts bed bugs to begin with. Knowing how they find their way into an unsuspecting dwelling is your first line of defense!
Unfortunately, there are many bed bug misconceptions that can have you pointing a finger in the wrong direction. So, it’s worth clearing them up and exploring the factors that actually make your living space appealing to these unwanted guests. If you’re wondering what draws bed bugs into the home and where they really come from, you’re in the right place.
It’s time to shed some light on these pesky critters and arm yourself with the knowledge to protect your peace of mind.
Common Misconceptions about What Attracts Bed Bugs
Given the long history of bed bugs, it’s no surprise there’s a lot of misinformation out there. After the creatures were largely eradicated in the mid-20th century, infestations in the U.S. started to rise in the 1990s. As these pests have spread, so has the stigma surrounding them. And as a result, people have adopted some false notions about what attracts bed bugs.
Separating fact from fiction is essential when it comes to understanding how infestations happen. Here are a few misconceptions you can toss aside…
Bed Bugs Only Come from Dirty Environments—False
One of the most persistent myths about these annoying critters is that they only come from and invade dirty environments. But cleanliness doesn’t play as much of a role as you may think. To bed bugs, it doesn’t make a difference if a place is clean or dirty. All that matters is that there’s a food source available. So, if you’ve always assumed that people who get bed bugs have poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions, think again!
Bed bugs are equal-opportunity invaders and are drawn to a wide range of environments—regardless of cleanliness.
Bed Bugs Are Only Found in Beds—False
Based on the name, it’s not a stretch to conclude that bed bugs are only found in beds. However, this isn’t the case. Although these pests have an affinity for mattresses, box springs, and pillows, it’s due to the proximity to hosts while they sleep. Bed bugs are opportunistic hiders. They can conceal themselves virtually anywhere, including the following spots:
On the underside of drawers
In the edges of carpeting
In between cushions
Near baseboards
On clothing
In electrical outlets
Behind wall hangings
In floor cracks
Ultimately, bed bugs may favor beds as prime hiding spots, but they aren’t limited to these areas. And signs of bed bugs can crop up where you least expect them.
Bed Bugs Are Only Attracted to Certain Blood Types—False
Another misconception many people have is that bed bugs are attracted to specific blood types. The truth is that what attracts bed bugs is blood—period. There isn’t one blood type that appeals to bed bugs more than any other. That said, these critters can have a preference based on past hosts and bite one person more than another during an infestation.
When it comes down to it, anyone is a potential food source for bed bugs. Even cats, dogs, and other warm-blooded animals can be used for meals.
5 Things Bed Bugs Are Attracted To
At this point, you know that bed bugs aren’t necessarily drawn to dirty spaces, certain blood types, or beds exclusively. So, what attracts bed bugs? What encourages these uninvited guests to make someone’s home (even yours) their own?
Here are five things bed bugs are attracted to…
Warmth
One of the key factors that can make your home enticing to bed bugs is warmth. These bloodsucking insects feed on endothermic (warm-blooded) hosts. And they use their antennae to detect warmth and moisture. To them, heat—particularly the heat you release when you sleep—is a sure sign that a food source is nearby, so they’ll follow it wherever it leads.
Research has shown that the ideal temperature for adult bed bugs is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They tend to be more active in warmer conditions. If it becomes too hot or too cold, they may lie dormant until the temperature becomes more favorable.
2. Carbon Dioxide
In addition to heat, bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide (CO2). In fact, one study has shown that CO2 is more attractive to bed bugs than heat. It’s another indicator that a potential living host is in the vicinity. CO2 levels tend to be higher when you’re sleeping, especially if the room is sealed. Plus, the CO2 you release when you’re sleeping stays near your head, which is why bed bugs often stick to the top of the bed.
3. Body Odor
You probably never thought about it, but your smell is also what attracts bed bugs to your home. Just like heat and CO2, body odor is a signal to bed bugs that a tasty food source is close. They use their antennae to pick up on the sweat, oils, and odor you release, even those coming from the laundry. Research has provided strong evidence that bed bugs respond to and prefer human odors.
4. Dark Colors
It may seem strange, but bed bugs prefer specific colors too. A study discovered that these critters gravitate toward darker shades like black and red. There are several theories floating around about why this is. Some believe that dark colors offer better camouflage to protect against predators; others suggest that bright colors lead to greater light exposure. Regardless of why, it’s worth keeping in mind.
5. Clutter
Although bed bugs don’t care if your home is clean or dirty, they will take advantage if it’s full of clutter. The more disorganized your house is, the more hiding spots are available to them. A cluttered living space is just what they’re looking for. That’s why keeping your house in order is strongly recommended as a way to prevent bed bugs.
Takeaway
Understanding what attracts bed bugs is vital for effective prevention and detection. The more you know about what makes your home the perfect place for unwanted pests to settle down, the better off you’ll be. Instead of relying on misinformation, you can use your newfound knowledge to safeguard your home and family.
Of course, bed bugs are tricky creatures, and even the most well-protected space can become infested. Fortunately, there are professional pest control companies around Northeast Wisconsin you can call on to treat your home. Plus, the experts at Advanced Bed Bug Preparation can offer the total bed bug prep services you need before and after extermination.
