Nobody likes the idea of small insects infesting their home or their bed. But bed bugs are surprisingly common, even in the cleanest homes. Did you know that one in five Americans has experienced bed bugs at some point?
We know that bed bugs feed on human blood when their victims sleep, but what attracts them?
The Top 5 Things That Tell Bed Bugs You're There
- Nighttime: Bed bugs associate darkness with feeding time as a matter of opportunity. They can't "stick" to our bodies like other parasites, so their only choice is to feed on us when we're lying very still (like when we sleep). Bed bugs know that we settle into bed once it gets dark, so during the day, they typically hide.
If a person works a night shift and sleeps during the day, they would experience bites during the day. We also get reports of people getting bitten while sitting still on a couch for long periods. So, while most bites occur at night, it is possible to get bitten during the day.
- Carbon dioxide: Bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide and move to locations with high concentrations. They seek out these high concentrations and will usually try to bite humans when they're asleep. When humans sleep, they exhale carbon dioxide. Because the person is not moving around when they sleep, it concentrates around the bed.
- Warmth: The warmth of a human body will also attract bed bugs. The heat our bodies generate is how bed bugs locate us in bed. Humans generate the most heat during bedtime, making it prime time for bed bugs to strike. Areas surrounding beds, such as headboards, are the most likely to be infested because it's close to a warm human body.
- Dark bed sheets: Surprisingly, specific colors attract bed bugs more than others. Researchers found that black and dark red bed sheets draw bed bugs. They like to be near other bed bugs, which are also dark and red, especially when full of blood and are likely the cause of the attraction.
- Dirty laundry: Contrary to popular belief, dirt does not attract bed bugs; however, research finds that they love a pile of dirty clothes, especially if it's come into contact with high-traffic areas like public transport seats. A laundry basket is often the starting point of the bed bugs' journey across the floor and into other rooms, so keeping a relatively empty laundry basket is a good idea.
How can I identify bed bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny and dark with oval-shaped bodies. They have six legs and change color depending on whether they've recently fed on human blood. While the bed bugs might not be easy to spot, you can identify them by looking for blood spots on your bedsheets.
If you suspect that you might have bed bugs, check out our All About Bed Bugs identification page.
A professional Bed Bug Inspection is your best first step in any successful treatment plan. They will confirm if the bugs you are seeing are, in fact, bed bugs. And they will locate where bed bugs are in your home. This information will save you tons of money in treatment costs.
The inspection will answer many questions and allow you to make the best decision to move forward.
Call today to schedule a Bed Bug Inspection (123) 345-6789
What should I do if I discover bed bugs in my home?
If your professional inspection confirms the presence of bed bugs, you must decide on the best treatment options for your specific situation. The service provider will present you with a professional treatment plan, which is a great option to eliminate your bed bug problem. But, if the professional treatment plan is not in your budget, or you are not comfortable with the treatment plan, you have other options. A DIY treatment plan can be a great option, and Bed Bug Safe is here to help.
We offer the leading DIY products and services and provide you with all the education needed to succeed.
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