Bed bugs, as the name suggests are considered to be the common bugs infesting our beds. After all, we do not wash our beds, all we do is change the bedsheets and bedcovers not daily. So, bedbug infestations are quite common all around the world, both in residential spaces like homes, and commercial spaces like hotels.
So, what is the prime reason for bed bug infestation at your home, especially bugs in bedding? Are there some particular things or factors that attract bed bugs to your beds and mattresses? We are here to disclose and talk about all this. Besides, we will help you find the best bed bug solution at home.
Also Read: Toothpaste on bed bug bites
So, let us now come straight to the point where we will discuss all the main factors that attract bed bugs on mattresses, beds and homes.
6 Factors that Attract Mattress Bed Bugs
- Soft Bedding
- Box Springs and Crevices of Mattresses
- Dark Bedsheets
- Dirty Laundry
- Warmth
- Carbon Dioxide
1. Soft Bedding
The first thing that attracts these tiny bugs to your bed and mattress is the soft bedding. These are bugs who prefer infesting in soft places, and for this reason, your mattress becomes their number one target.
2. Box Springs and Crevices of Mattresses
Bed bugs prefer hiding especially in those crevices and box springs of your bed. It is because these are the places where we hardly search for any pests. Even if you book home cleaning services, these areas are often not cleaned or searched for any kind of pest infestation.
3. Dark Bedsheets
Another thing that attracts bed bugs to your bed is often a dark bed sheet. Yes, like the mosquitoes, bed bugs prefer darker shades because they find them helpful to camouflage in darker shades. Bed bugs are particularly fond of black and red color items.
4. Dirty Laundry
Not to forget that most of us tend to sleep on our beds at the end of the day wearing the laundry that we wore for the whole day. Yes, you guessed it right! Dirty laundry is another hot favorite of bed bugs, that tend to infest the beds where you sleep in dirty laundry.
5. Warmth
Bed bugs are most likely to infest your bed and mattresses in search of warmth. It is obvious when you sleep on your bed the whole night, your warm body temperature will make the bed warm too. This warmth makes your bed vulnerable to bed bugs.
6. Carbon Dioxide
The most common reason was kept for the last. Bed bugs are quite like mosquitoes and are fond of carbon dioxide. As we sleep on the bed the whole night, there is a regular exhalation of CO2, and these bugs get what they want in your cozy beds, a good dose of CO2. In short, your breath attracts the bed bugs to your bed, especially at night.
Also Read: What chemical kills bed bugs and their eggs
Now that you are aware of what attracts bed bugs, it is time you also learn about the best ways to prevent and control them. So, have a look.
8 Best Ways for Bed Bugs Control and Prevention
- Detect Early Signs of Bed Bugs Infestation
- Use Clean Beddings
- Rely on Steam Sanitization
- Encase Mattresses and Box Springs
- Reduce Clutter
- Seal Cracks and Crevices
- Use Bed Bug Traps
- Bed bug Treatment
1. Detect Early Signs of Bed Bugs Infestation
The best bed bug solution will not be far away if you succeed in detecting these bugs at an early stage. For this, look for signs like red or brown spots on your mattress, bed bug eggs, or marks.
2. Use Clean Beddings
One of the best ways to prevent bed bugs at home, especially from your bed is by using clean bedding. Avoid using darker shades that as we mentioned earlier, attract bed bugs.
3. Rely on Steam Sanitization
Bed bugs are tiny pests that can easily be killed or removed with steam sanitization services. The professionals trained in steam sanitization techniques will disinfect your bed mattresses and curtains leaving them bedbug-free.
4. Encase Mattresses and Box Springs
Use mattress and box spring encasements with a zipper to cover and protect them. This prevents bed bugs from infesting these areas.
5. Reduce Clutter
Declutter your living space to eliminate hiding spots for bed bugs. This makes it easier to detect and treat infestations.
6. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Seal any cracks, crevices, or gaps in walls, baseboards, and furniture to reduce hiding spots for bed bugs.
7. Use Bed Bug Traps
Place bed bug traps under the legs of your bed and furniture. These traps can help detect and monitor bed bug activity.
8. Bed bug Treatment
Book a bed bug treatment at home from a reliable and experienced pest control company. Prevent your bed from getting spoiled by these pests and minimize the chances of contracting diseases passed on by bed bugs with timely bed bug pest control.
Also Read: Bed bugs in India
How Do Bed Bugs Arrive at Your Home?
A big question that is still left unanswered is: are these bed bugs born in your bed? No, they are not, they first get transported to your bed, curtains, mattresses, or other belongings, and then lay eggs slowly and gradually.
How do bed bugs come into your home? These tiny pests may drop in your home through various mediums and places. Find out here:
- Bags and luggage
- Public transport like buses, trains, and cabs
- Hotels, guest houses, and hostels
- Movie theatres
- Libraries
- Clothing stores where you try clothes
Is there any Effective Bed Bug Bite Treatment?
What if despite being very cautious about bed bugs, you still get infected with their bites? The symptoms of a bed bug bite are itching, red bumps on the skin, allergy to the skin, and fever.
You may try the best home remedy for bed bug bites by making a paste of baking soda and water. Do not make it a too runny paste. Apply this paste on the skin rash where you experienced a bed bug bite. If the itching persists, then use an over-the-counter corticosteroid ointment at regular intervals.
Also Read: Bed bug treatment cost
Conclusion
HiCare, a leading pest solution provider offers super effective and 100% safe bed bug control services in all the major Indian cities. The hygiene experts of the company are trained with the latest bed bug treatments and for this come equipped with all the gear and chemicals.
The HiCare team will offer doorstep service for complete bed bug control and will leave only after making your beds, mattresses, and home bed-bug free. What’s more, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its bed bug control and all other pest control services.
FAQs:
1. What attracts bed bugs the most?
Bed bugs are primarily attracted to warmth and the carbon dioxide (CO₂) that humans exhale. This is why they tend to gravitate toward areas where people sleep, like beds and couches. They are also drawn to areas with dark crevices and clutter, where they can hide.
2. How do I stop attracting bed bugs?
To reduce the risk of attracting bed bugs, keep your home clean and free of clutter, especially around sleeping areas. Use bed bug-proof mattress and pillow encasements, and regularly wash bedding and clothing in hot water. Avoid bringing used furniture or mattresses into your home without thorough inspection. If you travel, carefully check your luggage and clothing before re-entering your home.
3. What brings bed bugs into the house?
Bed bugs usually enter homes through travel or by hitching a ride on used furniture, clothing, or personal items. They can also move between neighboring units in apartment buildings. Be careful when buying secondhand items or visiting places where bed bugs are common, like hotels or dormitories.
4. What smells attract bed bugs?
Bed bugs are not generally attracted to specific smells like some other insects are. Instead, they are drawn to the scent of human skin and breath. The warmth and CO₂ we emit are their primary attractors.
5. What smell do bed bugs hate the most?
Bed bugs are sensitive to certain smells, particularly those from essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender, and peppermint. However, while these smells may help deter them to some extent, they are not a guaranteed solution for an infestation. For a bed bug problem, it's best to contact a professional exterminator for effective treatment.