What Attracts Bed Bugs

What Attracts Bed Bugs

The tiny bed bug may not look like much, but these are robust, highly specialized parasites. These bugs are a menace whenever they show up about the same size and shape as an apple seed. If you live in an apartment building where an infestation has taken place, it could be a matter of time before you see them. Because these bugs can cause health effects like insomnia and anemia, you owe yourself to stay safe.

This article will cover what kinds of things attract bed bugs. By presenting an unpleasant environment, you can encourage them to go elsewhere. Of course, it’s no guarantee, but understanding them is the first step to beating them.

Carbon Dioxide Attracts Bed Bugs

Bed bugs don’t have the best eyes in the world. They’re pretty close to blind. However, they have antennae and other sensory organs that are great at tracking down distant meals. The one thing all of their hosts has in common is the way they breathe. When you exhale, a large amount of carbon dioxide leaves your body. If the bugs follow this gas to the source, they’ll find you.

Bed Bugs Like Warmth

Because they’re cold-blooded and their prey isn’t, they seek out warmth. Particularly, they look for places that are warmer than ambient temperatures. Beds, couches, and chairs are all prime bed bug real estate. They don’t tolerate cold very well, but it will make it easier for them to find you. In fact, you can run a blow dryer near a mattress to warm the area and see if any bugs come to investigate.

Bed Bugs Like Shelter

Despite what you may expect, bed bugs aren’t attracted to particularly dirty places. Unlike roaches, they don’t live or breed in food or waste. All they care about is you. However, if you’ve got laundry on the floor… That’s a dinner bell to a bed bug. It traps your scent and provides them long stretches of shelter they can use to get closer to you.

They also like dark bed sheets and reddish colors. This makes it easier for them to hide.

Preventing Bed Bug Bites

Bed bugs can be a hassle to eliminate once they’ve established themselves. They are hardy, resistant to many pesticides, and don’t do a lot more than breed and feed. You should do all you can to keep them out. Ventilate your rooms and consider plants that consume large amounts of CO2. If you’re in an apartment, sprinkle diatomaceous earth near the door leading to the hallway. This fine mixture of ancient seashells will kill bugs that walk over it.

You should avoid bringing in second-hand furniture, especially sofas. Be sure to wash your laundry regularly, and dry it as hot as possible. Bed bugs can’t tolerate hot temperatures. If your dryer gets up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re in good shape. When you travel, you should do a quick check for bed bugs.. And when you go home, pack your clothes in zip-lock containers. Wash it as soon as you get back to kill any hitch-hikers that may have gotten in.

You can learn more about bed bugs on our website. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you see a bed bug. This is one pest you don’t want to make itself at home.