Bed bugs are one of the most dreaded household pests, and once they infest your home, they can be difficult to eliminate. But what actually attracts bed bugs to your home in the first place? Understanding the causes of infestations can help you prevent them before they start.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what attracts bed bugs, why they invade homes, and how to stop them from spreading.
What Attracts Bed Bugs to Your Home?
Unlike common pests like ants or cockroaches, bed bugs aren’t drawn to food crumbs or garbage. Instead, they are blood-feeding parasites that seek warmth and human hosts. Here’s what makes your home attractive to bed bugs:
1. The Presence of Humans (Body Heat & Carbon Dioxide) 🌡️💨
Bed bugs are drawn to body heat and carbon dioxide (CO₂)—the gas we exhale when we breathe. That’s why they are most active at night when people are sleeping.
✔ They detect CO₂ and move towards it.
✔ They sense body warmth and settle near their host.
💡 Prevention Tip:
- Use a bed bug mattress encasement to reduce hiding spots.
- Avoid sleeping directly on the floor, as bed bugs can climb easily.
2. Clutter and Hiding Spots 📦
Bed bugs don’t need dirty homes, but clutter makes it easier for them to hide. They prefer tight, dark spaces such as:
✔ Piles of clothes on the floor
✔ Bookshelves, stacks of papers, and boxes
✔ Cracks in furniture, baseboards, and wallpaper
💡 Prevention Tip:
- Declutter your home and vacuum regularly.
- Seal cracks in walls, furniture, and flooring.
3. Second-Hand Furniture and Mattresses 🏠🛋️
Buying used furniture, mattresses, or bedding can bring unwanted bed bugs into your home. These pests hide in fabric and wooden furniture, waiting for a new host.
💡 Prevention Tip:
- Inspect all second-hand furniture before bringing it inside.
- If unsure, use heat treatment (120°F) to kill any hidden pests.
4. Traveling & Luggage ✈️🛄
Hotels, public transport, and rental homes can be hotspots for bed bugs. They hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and personal items, spreading to new locations.
💡 Prevention Tip:
- Keep luggage off hotel beds and carpets—use a luggage rack.
- After traveling, wash clothes in hot water (at least 120°F).
5. Living in Apartments & Shared Housing 🏢🏘️
Bed bugs easily spread through walls, ceilings, and shared ventilation systems in apartments and dorms. If your neighbor has bed bugs, you might get them too.
💡 Prevention Tip:
- Seal cracks and gaps around electrical outlets and pipes.
- Use bed bug interceptors under furniture legs to trap moving bugs.
6. Soft Fabrics & Upholstered Items 🛏️
Bed bugs love hiding in soft surfaces, including:
✔ Upholstered furniture (sofas, recliners, and headboards)
✔ Curtains, rugs, and carpets
✔ Laundry piles and stored clothing
💡 Prevention Tip:
- Wash bedding and clothes in hot water (120°F) and high heat drying.
- Steam clean sofas, curtains, and rugs if you suspect an infestation.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Invading Your Home
Here’s a simple checklist to keep your home bed bug-free:
✅ Inspect your home regularly, especially your mattress and furniture.
✅ Vacuum your home frequently, focusing on cracks, seams, and carpets.
✅ Avoid placing luggage on beds when traveling.
✅ Seal cracks in walls and furniture to eliminate hiding spots.
✅ Use mattress encasements to prevent infestations.
✅ Be cautious with second-hand furniture—always check for bed bugs.
Need Professional Bed Bug Removal? Call the Experts!
If you suspect bed bugs, it’s best to act fast before the infestation spreads. Affordable Bed Bug Exterminators offers expert bed bug inspection and treatment in Milwaukee, WI.
📞 Call Us Today: 414-446-3030
Don’t wait—get rid of bed bugs fast with professional treatment! 🚀
