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Bed Bug Behavior

Bed Bug Behavior

Maltisa Driker
Contributing Writer
‍Updated on: January 19, 2024
   ·   Fact Checked
Fact Checked by

Maltisa Driker

Contributing Writer

Maltisa Driker is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.

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Key Takeaways

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are nocturnal and prefer to hide during the day, making them difficult to detect. Here are some common behaviors of bed bugs:

• Bed bugs are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, which is why they often bite people while they sleep.

• They can live for several months without feeding, making it easy for them to survive in empty homes or hotel rooms.

• Bed bugs can travel long distances by hitchhiking on clothing, luggage, or furniture.

• They prefer to hide in cracks and crevices, such as mattress seams, headboards, and baseboards.

• Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, but their bites can cause itching and discomfort.

• Infestations can be difficult to control and often require professional treatment.

If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, it's important to take action quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse. Contact a pest control professional for help identifying and treating the infestation.

What is the typical behavior of bed bugs?

Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that feed on human blood and are attracted to the warmth of our bodies and carbon dioxide in our breath. They are skilled at hiding in small spaces, such as the crevices of mattresses and furniture. Bed bugs will stay in their hiding spots for long periods of time, emerging at night to feed, leaving behind itchy red welts. Although they do not transmit diseases, their presence can cause anxiety and stress.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, consult a professional pest control service immediately. Do not attempt to eliminate bed bugs on your own, as DIY treatments can often make the problem worse and spread the infestation. To prevent bed bugs from entering your home, inspect secondhand furniture, use protective encasements on mattresses and box springs, and vacuum regularly. By taking preventive measures and seeking professional treatment, you can eliminate bed bugs and restore comfort to your home.

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How do bed bugs behave during the day and at night?

During the day, bed bugs tend to hide in small crevices and cracks around your bed, including in the seams of your mattress, box spring, and headboard. They may also hide in other areas of your bedroom, such as behind baseboards, in electrical outlets, and in other furniture. However, at night, bed bugs become more active and come out to feed on human blood.

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it's crucial to act immediately to prevent the problem from spreading. Start by thoroughly checking your mattress, bedding, and other areas around your bed for signs of bed bugs. Look for dark spots on your bedding or mattress, which may be fecal matter from the bugs. You may also notice small, reddish-brown insects or shed skins.

To eliminate bed bugs, it's best to hire a professional exterminator who can use a combination of treatments, including pesticides and heat treatments. You can also prevent bed bugs from entering your home by inspecting second-hand furniture before bringing it inside and regularly cleaning and vacuuming your bedding.

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

Do bed bugs have a preferred habitat and behavior?

Bed bugs have a preferred habitat and behavior. They hide in small cracks and crevices, such as in mattresses, bed frames, and furniture. They are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that humans give off while they sleep, making them more active at night.

To confirm their presence, look for small reddish-brown bugs or tiny white eggs in the seams and folds of your mattress and bedding. You may also notice small, red, itchy bites on your skin, particularly around your arms, legs, and torso.

To get rid of bed bugs, thoroughly clean and declutter your home. Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water, and vacuum your mattress and furniture regularly. Consider using an insecticide specifically designed for bed bugs, but follow the instructions carefully and only use it in areas where bed bugs are present.

Although bed bugs are a serious nuisance, they do not transmit any diseases to humans. With diligence and persistence, you can get rid of them and reclaim your peaceful sleep space.

What triggers bed bug feeding behavior?

Bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, warmth, and the scent of human skin, which triggers their feeding behavior. They usually feed at night when their prey is sleeping. To prevent bed bug infestations, regularly vacuum and seal cracks and crevices in walls and floors. If you have an infestation, take immediate action by using insecticides, hiring professional exterminators or using heat treatments.

Remember that bed bugs are resilient and can survive for up to a year without feeding. To prevent their spread, understand their feeding triggers and take proactive steps to reduce these conditions. Don't panic if you have an infestation, with the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can eliminate bed bugs and enjoy a good night's sleep.

Can bed bug behavior change due to environmental factors?

Bed bug behavior can indeed be influenced by environmental factors. The activity level of bed bugs can be affected by temperature and they prefer warm, dark hiding places like mattresses and box springs. However, if the infestation worsens or the environment changes, bed bugs may begin to move to other areas of the home.

To prevent bed bug infestations, it is crucial to maintain a clean and clutter-free home. Bed bug traps and encasements can also be used to keep them from spreading. If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it is best to contact a professional exterminator immediately to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Additional Content:

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

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References