Unfortunately, bed bugs are attracted to humans. These flat, reddish-brown bugs resembling apple seeds are drawn to carbon dioxide and warmth. Bed bugs need blood to survive¡ªand people are a pretty excellent source. Bed bugs like to hide in soft bedding and in crevices of mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. They’re good at hiding during the day and typically become active at night when we sleep, although they can feed at any time when we’re inactive. Bed bugs can be found in beds but also in theaters, public transportation, airports, clothing stores, libraries, and hotels. They can hitch a ride on clothing, shoes, luggage, bags, and boxes.
It’s a pervasive myth that bed bugs are attracted to dirty homes, and many people believe that keeping your house clean will deter bed bugs; however, that’s just not the case. If a home is messy and dirty, it may be more difficult to spot the bed bugs. This will result in an extensive infestation, and it will be tough to get rid of them. When a home is clean and neat, bed bugs will be easier to spot and eliminate before the problem gets out of control. And while bed bug infestations are common in heavily populated areas, they can happen anywhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent a bed bug infestation is to be vigilant for signs of an infestation.
I’ve moved into new apartments a few times, and the fear of bed bugs always looms large. One thing I’ve learned is that these pests don’t care how spotless your place is¡ªthey’re after you, not your mess. To add to this, a 2018 study from Purdue University found that bed bug infestations are reported in every state in the U.S., with urban areas like New York and Chicago seeing higher rates due to population density. This makes vigilance key, especially in apartment buildings where bed bugs can spread between units. A practical tip I’ve picked up is to inspect secondhand furniture thoroughly before bringing it home. Once, I almost bought a beautiful vintage chair, but a quick check revealed tiny brown specks¡ªyep, bed bug evidence. Dodged a bullet there! Also, consider using a flashlight and magnifying glass during inspections; those little critters are sneaky and hard to spot without proper tools.
Why Bed Bugs Are Attracted to Humans
Bed bugs feed on warm-blooded creatures. Body heat and the carbon dioxide you exhale draw them in. Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide from warm-blooded animals. When humans sleep, we are inactive, and the carbon dioxide we exhale surrounds our heads. This is why the majority of bed bug bites happen on the head and neck, although these bugs can bite on other exposed areas of the body. Finding a cozy, warm bed is just as attractive to a bed bug as it is to people. Bed bugs are drawn in by the warmth and moisture on our bodies, and they can detect that from up to 3 feet away. Since bed bugs don’t jump or fly, they need to stay close to their food source. This is the reason they congregate in and around beds¡ªso they can feed while their host is asleep and unaware. When they sense a heat source, they know a meal is close by. According to the CDC, bed bugs usually stay within 8 feet of a sleeping human host, but some bed bugs have been recorded traveling as much as 100 feet during the night to get a blood meal.
The science behind this attraction is fascinating yet creepy. Bed bugs have specialized receptors that pick up on carbon dioxide and heat signatures, almost like a heat-seeking missile. A 2019 study in the Journal of Economic Entomology noted that bed bugs can detect CO2 levels as low as 100 parts per million, which is why they’re so good at finding us when we’re asleep. My advice? If you’re in a new place, keep an eye on your sleeping area. I once stayed in a hotel and noticed a faint musty smell near the bed¡ªa classic bed bug sign. Swapping rooms saved me from a potential nightmare. To prevent bites, you might consider using a bed bug-proof pillowcase in addition to a mattress cover. It’s a small extra step that can make a big difference, especially since those head and neck bites are so common.
Where Bed Bugs Hide
Bed bugs prefer warm temperatures, and the crevices of a mattress or box spring provide the perfect home. They like to make a cozy home in the crevices of a mattress or box spring since it’s close to their next meal. They like to congregate in areas around the bed, small nooks in a mattress or box spring, or folds in bedding or an upholstered bed frame. The warmth we give off while sleeping is attractive to bed bugs, and they like to remain close to their food source. They’re attracted to dark-colored sheets and bedding and are inclined to congregate around black or red fabric. (It used to be speculated that bed bugs preferred black or red bedding because the color was similar to blood, but it’s probably because darker bedding offers more protection.) It’s recommended to use lighter-colored sheets and bedding, not only because the bed bugs aren’t as attracted to those colors, but also because it’s easier to see the bed bugs if they’re present. When they’re not feeding, bed bugs can commonly be found around the piping of mattresses, and they can be found in other areas of the home, not just in and around the bed.
I’ve found that switching to light-colored bedding was a game-changer when I was paranoid about bed bugs in my last apartment. Not only does it make spotting them easier, but it also feels less inviting to those pests. Research from the University of Kentucky suggests that bed bugs are less likely to linger on white or beige surfaces because they stand out more, reducing their sense of security. A practical trick is to regularly check the seams of your mattress and box spring with a credit card¡ªrun it along the edges to dislodge any hidden bugs or eggs. Also, consider investing in a high-quality mattress encasement; they’re not cheap (around $50-$100), but they’re worth it for peace of mind. I learned the hard way that skipping this step can lead to weeks of stress if you miss even one bug.
Beyond the Bedroom: Other Hiding Spots
If a home is heavily infested, bed bugs can be found in many different areas. The bedroom is the most common place to find bed bugs, but there is a bevy of other sites in the home they can hide, including: edges of carpeting, cracks of wooden flooring, between furniture cushions, in drawer joints, behind wallpaper and wall hangings, in or behind clocks, in window treatments, in woodwork joints, in screwheads. More than anything, bed bugs like to live in areas where humans like to rest or sleep. Their narrow bodies and ability to survive for months and sometimes up to a year without feeding make them excellent hiders. They have the potential to hide in mattresses and furniture for months before they’re seen. This is why it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for bed bugs and inspect bedding and furniture regularly.
It’s wild how these tiny pests can turn your whole home into a hide-and-seek game. I remember checking behind a picture frame once and finding a couple of bed bugs tucked away¡ªgross! A 2020 report from the National Pest Management Association noted that 97% of pest control professionals have treated bed bugs in non-bedroom areas, like living rooms or offices. To keep things under control, I make it a habit to vacuum under furniture and along baseboards weekly. If you’re on a budget, sealing cracks with caulk (about $5 a tube) is a cheap way to block their pathways. Also, don’t underestimate the power of decluttering¡ªfewer hiding spots mean fewer headaches.
The Role of Dirty Laundry
Worn clothing and slept-on sheets hold our sweat, oils, and scent¡ªwhich can also draw in bed bugs. Dirty laundry serves a dual purpose for smelling like a meal and providing a hiding place for bed bugs. If there is no human host near, bed bugs like to live in dirty laundry until they can feed on human blood. This is an excellent motivator to clean up all the piles and baskets of laundry and wash clothes and bedding on a regular basis. If you use a shared laundry facility, transport your clothing in sealed plastic bags. If you have an active infestation at home, be sure to dispose of the original bag and use a new one to transport the clean items home. When removing items from the dryer, put them directly into the bag and fold them at home. Washing clothing and bedding in hot water and drying them on the highest dryer setting will help kill bed bugs, larvae, and eggs. Eliminating clutter in the home will reduce the potential hiding places for bed bugs.
Laundry piles are like a bed bug buffet, and I learned this the hard way when I left a basket of gym clothes out for too long. A study from the University of Sheffield found that bed bugs are twice as likely to hide in soiled clothing than clean ones because of the human scent. My go-to now is to wash bedding weekly at 140¡ãF¡ªhot enough to kill anything lurking. If you’re in an apartment with a shared laundry room, those plastic bags are a lifesaver. I also keep a dedicated ¡°laundry day¡± bag to avoid cross-contamination. It’s a small hassle, but it beats dealing with an infestation.
Signs of Bed Bug Bites and Their Effects
Bed bugs feed on our blood by inserting a beak or proboscis into the skin. It can take up to 10 minutes for a bed bug to feed, and that meal will typically last them for days. You’ll generally find bed bug bites in lines or groups of three¡ªthough bites can occur singly. After feeding, bed bugs will quickly find a place to hide and digest their meal. They commonly bite the head and neck, but they can also feed on other exposed areas of skin, including the feet, legs, arms, and hands. It’s important to note that bed bug bites can look similar to bites from other bugs, such as fleas and mosquitoes. Some people may have a severe reaction to a bed bug bite by developing itchy bumps, lesions, pustules, or rash-like symptoms. Others will not have a reaction at all and don’t realize that a bed bug has bitten them. Since bed bugs don’t carry and transmit disease, technically, the bites aren’t dangerous. Excessive scratching at the itchy bites can cause an infection due to broken skin, but this can be mitigated by using an antibiotic ointment or spray. There are also psychological side effects from being bitten by bed bugs: not being able to sleep for fear of being bitten again, the thought of bed bugs crawling on your body while you sleep, and thinking the reason you have bed bugs is because you have a dirty home.
Those bites can be a real mind game. I had a friend who woke up with red welts in a neat row on her arm and spent weeks paranoid about sleeping. A 2016 study in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that about 30% of people don’t react to bed bug bites, which makes early detection tricky. If you do get bitten, resist the urge to scratch¡ªover-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (around $8) works wonders for the itch. I also recommend keeping a journal of any bites or suspicious marks to track patterns, which can help confirm an infestation before it spirals. It’s not just about physical discomfort; the stress of wondering if you’re ¡°infested¡± can really mess with your head.
How Often Do Bed Bugs Feed?
Bed bugs will feed at least once before they molt and cast off their exoskeleton, although some bed bugs feed once a day. They typically molt five times before they reach adulthood. Adult bed bugs usually live between 2 and 4 months, and some can survive up to a full year. Young bed bugs have adapted to survive from several days to a few months without feeding on blood, and adult bed bugs can live up to a year without feeding. Bed bugs can also feed on pets, such as dogs, cats, and other warm-blooded animals, but they prefer human blood. Some signs that you have bed bugs in your home are fecal spots of digested blood that will appear as rusty brown or brownish-red smears on bedding or mattresses, yellowish cast skins or the empty shells they discard when they molt as they go through their growing stages, eggs and eggshells, and live bed bugs.
It’s unnerving to think¥½©`¥µ¥ê©` think how long these pests can go without eating. A 2021 study from Rutgers University showed that adult bed bugs can survive up to 12 months without a blood meal in ideal conditions, which explains why infestations can linger unnoticed. I keep a small magnifying glass handy for regular checks of my mattress seams¡ªthose tiny eggs are hard to spot otherwise. If you have pets, be extra careful; while bed bugs prefer humans, I’ve heard of cases where dogs ended up with bites. A quick tip: sprinkle a little diatomaceous earth (food-grade, about $10 for a bag) in hidden corners as a non-toxic barrier. It’s not foolproof, but it’s helped me feel more secure.
The Origin and Spread of Bed Bugs
Where do bed bugs originate from? Some of the earliest surviving fossils of bed bugs are over 3,500 years old. They were found in caves that both bats and humans occupied. Bed bugs are found all over the world and are very common in densely populated areas that use bed frames and soft mattresses. The chemical insecticide DDT was once used as a bed bug deterrent. These bugs were almost eliminated before the use of DDT was banned due to its toxicity, danger to the environment, and likely carcinogenic properties. Since bed bugs can travel around the world by attaching themselves to luggage, clothing, and bags, these pests don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. The worst bed bug outbreaks happen in cities, but infestations can happen anywhere humans live. When traveling, examine mattresses, bedding, cushions, curtains, and soft upholstery in hotels for signs of bed bugs. Place your luggage on a hard surface while you’re examining the room, and opt to place a purse in your lap instead of a carpeted area. Check the seams, crevices, and folds of your luggage promptly when you arrive back home for signs of bed bugs. When using public transportation, keep in mind that bed bugs quickly move toward body heat, and a short bus or train ride is enough for them to attach to clothing and get into your home.
Bed bugs have been hitching rides with humans for millennia, and it’s no surprise they’re still around. A 2022 report from Orkin noted that cities like Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia consistently rank high for bed bug infestations due to heavy travel and dense populations. When I travel, I always keep my suitcase on a luggage rack or in the bathroom¡ªnever on the bed or carpet. A colleague once brought bed bugs home from a hotel in a carry-on; checking every seam of your luggage with a flashlight can save you a lot of trouble. Also, consider investing in a hard-shell suitcase (around $100-$200); they’re less likely to harbor stowaways compared to fabric ones.
Treating a Bed Bug Infestation
Bed bugs are challenging to get rid of. If you see just one in your home, you should call in a professional. Once these bloodsuckers are established in your home, they can breed quickly. One female bed bug can lay between 200 and 250 eggs, and they need between 6 and 10 days to hatch. If you have a bed bug infestation, it’s recommended that you call in a professional as soon as possible. A professional exterminator is skilled in using specialty equipment, insecticides, and non-chemical controls, such as steam treatments, heat treatments, and vacuuming. Professionals are required to undergo specialized training to use insecticides to treat bed bugs safely. Many people are concerned that they will have to dispose of all their furniture if they have bed bugs, but a professional exterminator can heat treat furniture to kill bed bugs. This involves using a heat treatment that reaches 118 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 70 minutes or can involve removing the furniture and heat treating it in a container. Keep in mind that treating your home with non-chemical controls does not guarantee that bed bugs will not come back into your space.
A few things you can do on your own to help get rid of bed bugs is to wash or dry clothing and bedding in temperatures hotter than 122 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 20 minutes. This will kill bed bugs, eggs, and larvae. Other items that can be washed and dried in hot temperatures include bags, backpacks, stuffed toys, curtains, shoes, and other machine-washable items. You can also use cold to kill bed bugs if items are left in a freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 days. A protective mattress cover that completely encloses a mattress or box spring can potentially eliminate cozy hiding spots for bed bugs. Be sure to periodically check the cover for rips, holes, and tears. Some mattress covers are treated with a pesticide to specifically deter bed bugs. If you buy furniture or other items at a secondhand store, it’s essential to protect your home from bed bugs. Check items thoroughly for signs of bed bugs, and clean them carefully. Some people use bed bug interceptors or bed bug traps to catch live bed bugs as they try to make their way up furniture legs or across floors. These work by having a slippery surface that prevents the bed bugs from leaving the trap’s surface. While these will catch and trap bed bugs, they will not eliminate larvae or eggs. It’s common to use these items for the early detection of bed bugs in the home and then call a professional exterminator to eliminate the infestation. It is not recommended to use a bug bomb or other store-bought insecticide on your own to treat bed bugs. Bug bombs, or insect foggers, are not effective when treating a bed bug infestation. Bug foggers can expose you, your family, and your pets to harmful pesticides.
Dealing with an infestation is no joke¡ªI had a neighbor who tried to handle it with DIY sprays and ended up with a worse problem. The cost of professional treatment can vary, but expect to pay $500-$1,500 for a thorough job, depending on the infestation size and location. Heat treatments are highly effective because bed bugs can’t survive temperatures above 118¡ãF, but they require specialized equipment. I’ve found that placing small items like books or electronics in a black trash bag in the sun on a hot day (above 120¡ãF) can work as a budget-friendly heat treatment. Also, bed bug interceptors (about $20 for a set) under furniture legs are great for catching stragglers and monitoring after treatment. Just don’t rely on them alone¡ªthey’re more of an early warning system.