Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They are most commonly found in mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. Bed bugs can cause significant discomfort and distress to individuals who experience infestations, and they are known to be one of the most challenging pests to eliminate. Understanding what attracts bed bugs can help individuals prevent infestations and take necessary steps to eliminate them.

Human Body Heat

Beds, couches, and other human resting areas are often the ideal locations for bed bugs as they are known to be attracted to human body heat. As humans sleep, their bodies emit heat, and bed bugs sense this and are attracted to it. Bed bugs are also attracted to areas where humans spend significant amounts of time resting or sitting, such as chairs, couches, and recliners. This is why keeping these areas clean and free of clutter is essential.

Carbon Dioxide

Bed bugs are attracted to carbon dioxide, which is exhaled by humans as they breathe. This is another reason why bed bugs are commonly found in beds and couches, as humans tend to spend more time in these areas and exhale more carbon dioxide. Bed bugs can detect carbon dioxide from as far as five feet away, which makes them highly attracted to areas where humans rest. This is why it is essential to keep resting areas well-ventilated.

Sweat

Bed bugs are attracted to sweat, so they are commonly found in beds and other resting areas. Perspiration contains many chemicals and compounds that bed bugs find attractive, such as lactic acid, ammonia, and uric acid. These chemicals are produced when humans sweat, and bed bugs are drawn to them. This is why it is essential to keep resting areas clean and dry to prevent bed bug infestations.

Clutter

Bed bugs are also attracted to clutter and tight spaces, which provide them with hiding places and make it difficult for humans to detect and eliminate them. Cluttered areas such as closets, drawers, and under-the-bed storage are ideal locations for bed bugs to hide and breed. It is essential to keep these areas clean and clutter-free to prevent bed bug infestations.

Blood

Blood is the primary food source for bed bugs. They can even detect the presence of blood from as far away as 20 feet, which makes them highly attracted to areas where humans rest or sleep. This is why it is essential to inspect hotel rooms and other public spaces for signs of bed bugs before settling in.

Pets

Bed bugs can also be found on pets, as they can provide them with a blood meal. Bed bugs can infest pet bedding, carpets, and other areas where pets spend time. It is essential to inspect pets for signs of bed bugs and keep their bedding clean and dry.

Final Thoughts – What Attracts Bed Bugs

Understanding what attracts bed bugs is crucial in preventing infestations and taking the necessary steps to eliminate them. Bed bugs are attracted to human body heat, carbon dioxide, sweat, clutter, blood, and even pets. 

Keeping resting areas well-ventilated, clean, and clutter-free, regularly washing clothes and bedding, and inspecting hotel rooms and public spaces for signs of bed bugs can all help to prevent infestations. While bed bugs can be challenging to eliminate once they have infested an area, taking preventative measures can help to reduce the risk of infestations and keep your home and belongings bed bug-free.

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