What Are Bed Bugs Attracted To?

Bed bugs are the most trouble-causing parasites found within couches and mattresses. They can go up without a host for about one year. But have you ever thought about what are bed bugs attracted to? These creatures mainly prefer to reside in dark and calm places. Bed bugs are masters in hiding and effectively conceal themselves.

Besides, bed bugs are naturally addicted to carbon dioxide and this is why they attack human beings while they are sleeping. Bed bugs are also attracted to heat, warmth, darkness, and colours. Dirty clothes are home to them as they love the musky smell of clothes.

Once you get bed bugs, you will have a particularly hard time getting rid of them. These insects are some of the strongest survivalists known to man. They can go for up to a year even without a host. Also, they feed only once in 2-3 weeks and are experts at hiding, making them extremely difficult to spot and attack. So a sound knowledge of what gets them into your house in the first place will keep you in a bug-free spot, hopefully.

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What Attracts Bed Bugs?

Here are a few items that are known to attract bed bugs:

1. Carbon Dioxide – Bed bugs are naturally attracted to carbon dioxide. One of the reasons why bed bugs attack humans when they are sleeping is because while sleeping, humans have a minimal amount of movement. This allows a cloud of carbon dioxide to develop around them. The reason that bed bugs go for carbon dioxide is simple, it signifies a larger organism that can be a prospective host.
2. Heat and Warmth – Most insects are attracted to warmth, and bed bugs are no different. Bed bugs are attracted to the heat and warmth that is produced by the human body. In fact, bugs use this as an indicator to point them to their next meal. This also justifies the presence of these notorious creatures in close proximity to a sleeping place. Your bed, mattress, pillowcases, headboard, etc have the maximum concentration of bed bugs for the very same reason.
3. Darkness – This should not come as a surprise, since bed bugs are nocturnal. They are most active at night. Most bed bugs will wait for darkness to descend before they come out for their meal. This allows them undisturbed access to hosts. It has been noted that 3 AM-4 AM is the most active time for bed bugs. This is also the time when humans are in a deep sleep, hence, it all adds up.
4. Colours – Recent studies have shown bed bugs to be attracted to darker colours eg, deep reds, and shades of black.  You might also notice the bed bugs that are caught on your bed, nestle among the darker prints on your bedsheet.  There might be some relation between the deep red colour of blood and the preference of bed bugs for these colours, but that is yet to be proved. 
5. Dirty Laundry – Soiled clothes are another attractive item for bed bugs.  The musky smell of dirty clothes along with the scent of humans seem to form a comfortable temporary abode for bed bugs.  The bacterial and germ buildup in dirty laundry are potent attractors of bed bugs too.  It is hence a good idea to clean out your laundry hamper regularly.
6. Histamine – Histamine is another potent attractor of bed bugs.  Histamine has been detected in bed bug excrement and also in their skin.  Hence, large amounts of histamine indicate a safe space to stay for bedbugs.  Histamine is also produced by human beings when they have an allergic reaction.  So people who have been bitten would also be more likely to get more bedbug bites.
7. Clutter – Cluttered homes are some of the greatest attractors of bedbugs.  This is because it provides ample space for bedbugs to hide.  It is also unlikely that cluttered homes are cleaned out too often, hence the parasites can reside there undisturbed.  Exterminators too advise clearing out the clutter before they begin dousing homes in bug repellants.

Closing Thoughts

Contrary to the popular belief, bedbugs are not really attracted to dirt and grime. It is entirely possible that you keep an immaculately clean home and still fall prey to the infestation of these pests.

A minor bedbug infestation takes only a few days time to snowball into something great. Time is of the essence when it comes to bedbugs. There are many products you can try out to end an infestation, but it is always advised to seek expert help, sooner better than later in these cases.

Also, Read –

• Where Do Bed Bugs hide?
• Does alcohol kill Bed Bugs?