No one likes to think about bed bugs. However, bed bugs are a reality that some homeowners have to deal with at some point. They are sneaky little pests that can infest even the cleanest of homes, holing up in places you wouldn’t think to look until it’s too late. But have you ever wondered what draws bed bugs out of hiding?
In this blog, we’ll discuss how to make bed bugs come out of hiding so you can tackle the problem head-on.
An Introduction to Bed Bugs
So, what draws bed bugs out of hiding? Before we can answer this question, it’s important that you have a basic understanding of what bed bugs are and how they operate. Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are most active at night when people are sleeping, making it easy for them to feed without being noticed. Bed bugs can hide in a variety of places, including bed frames, box springs, mattresses, bedding, and even in small cracks in furniture.
Why Bed Bugs Are So Good at Hiding
Bed bugs have evolved to be experts at hiding. Their small, flat bodies allow them to squeeze into tiny spaces, and they are often found hiding in cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas. This makes it difficult to spot bed bugs with the naked eye, and by the time you do notice them, you may already have a full-blown infestation on your hands.
What Draws Bed Bugs Out of Hiding?
Bed bugs are not particularly active during the day, preferring to stay hidden in their safe spots. However, certain factors can lure bed bugs out of their hiding places. Here’s a closer look at what draws bed bugs out of hiding:
Body Heat
One of the main things that attract bed bugs is body heat. Bed bugs are drawn to warm-blooded creatures, especially humans, as they rely on blood meals to survive. When you’re sleeping, your body generates heat, which bed bugs can detect from a distance. This heat signal tells them that a potential host is nearby, making it one of the strongest triggers for drawing bed bugs out of hiding.
Carbon Dioxide
Another factor that lures bed bugs out of hiding is carbon dioxide (CO2). Humans exhale carbon dioxide while breathing, and bed bugs are highly sensitive to it. The presence of CO2 signals to bed bugs that a human host is nearby, prompting them to leave their hiding places and seek out a blood meal. This is why bed bugs are more likely to come out when you’re asleep and breathing steadily.
Human Blood
Bed bugs are specifically adapted to feed on human blood. The scent of fresh blood or the warmth of a human body can attract bed bugs from their hiding spots. Once they detect the presence of a potential blood meal, they will come out of hiding to feed. It’s important to note that bed bugs can go several days without feeding, but the scent of human blood can draw them out when they are hungry.
Darkness
Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, which means they are most active at night. Darkness acts as a natural cue for bed bugs to come out of hiding. While they can still be active during the day if they’re hungry, they generally prefer to wait until nightfall to make their move. The absence of light makes it easier for them to feed without being detected.
Disturbances
Bed bugs can also be drawn out of hiding when their environment is disturbed. For example, moving furniture, vacuuming, or even shaking out your bedding can cause bed bugs to flee from their hiding spots. This is why it’s often recommended to thoroughly clean and inspect your home if you suspect a bed bug infestation.
How to Make Bed Bugs Come Out of Hiding
Now that you know what draws bed bugs out of hiding, let’s talk about how to make them come out so you can deal with them effectively. Here are some practical methods to lure bed bugs out of hiding:
Use Bed Bug Interceptors
Bed bug interceptors are small devices that can be placed under the legs of your bed or furniture. These interceptors are designed to trap bed bugs as they attempt to climb up to reach you. The key to using bed bug interceptors effectively is to create a situation where bed bugs have no other way to reach you except by crossing the interceptor. By doing this, you can monitor the level of bed bug activity in your home and capture any bugs that come out of hiding.
Set Up Bed Bug Traps
There are various types of bed bug traps available that can help lure bed bugs out of hiding. Some traps use CO2, heat, or pheromones to attract bed bugs. These traps mimic the conditions that bed bugs find irresistible, such as the warmth of a human body or the scent of CO2, making them an effective tool for detecting and capturing bed bugs. Place these traps near your bed or other areas where you suspect bed bugs might be hiding.
Use a Hair Dryer
A hair dryer set to high heat can be used to coax bed bugs out of their hiding spots. The hot air will make the bugs uncomfortable and force them out. Simply direct the hair dryer towards areas where you suspect bed bugs are hiding, such as cracks in the bed frame, seams of the mattress, or behind furniture. Once they come out, you can capture and eliminate them.
Inspect and Vacuum Your Home Thoroughly
Regularly inspecting and vacuuming your home can help make bed bugs come out of hiding. Focus on areas where bed bugs are likely to hide, such as mattresses, bed frames, box springs, and furniture. Use a vacuum with strong suction and a crevice tool to reach into small spaces. After vacuuming, dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister immediately to prevent any captured bed bugs from escaping.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that can be sprinkled in areas where bed bugs hide. It works by damaging the exoskeletons of live bed bugs, causing them to dehydrate and die. By applying diatomaceous earth to cracks, crevices, and other hiding spots, you can force bed bugs to come out in search of safer hiding places, making them easier to spot and eliminate.
Keeping Bed Bugs at Bay
Now that you’ve learned how to make bed bugs come out of hiding, let’s discuss some preventative measures to keep them from becoming a problem in the first place.
Inspect Hotel Rooms
Bed bugs are often brought into homes from infested hotel rooms. Before settling into a hotel, thoroughly inspect the mattress, bedding, and furniture for signs of bed bugs, such as blood stains or small, dark spots. If you spot any signs of bed bugs, request a different room or consider staying elsewhere.
Be Cautious With Second-Hand Furniture
Second-hand furniture can be a common source of bed bug infestations. If you purchase used furniture, carefully inspect it before bringing it into your home. Pay special attention to cracks, crevices, and seams where bed bugs might hide. If possible, treat the furniture with heat or insecticide to kill any potential bed bugs before using it.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Home bed bugs can easily hide in small cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and furniture. To prevent them from finding hiding spots in your home, seal any gaps with caulk or other appropriate materials. This will also make it harder for bed bugs to move between rooms or from one piece of furniture to another.
Use Bed Bug-Proof Covers
Encasing your mattress and box springs in bed bug-proof covers can help prevent bed bugs from hiding in these areas. These covers are designed to be tightly sealed, preventing bed bugs from getting in or out. This will protect your bed and make it easier to spot bed bugs on the surface of the covers.
How to Deal With a Bed Bug Infestation
If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, it’s necessary that you take action quickly. Bed bugs multiply rapidly, and a small infestation can quickly become a much larger problem. While there are many DIY methods to deal with bed bugs, such as the ones mentioned above, professional pest control services are often the most effective way to eliminate bed bugs completely.
Call Us for Bed Bug Removal in Central Valley, CA!
Ultimately, knowing how to make bed bugs come out of hiding is crucial for effectively dealing with these pesky insects. If you’re dealing with bed bugs in California, Dustin Pest Control is here to help. Our experts know exactly how to find bed bugs and get rid of them for good. We use safe, effective methods to eliminate bed bugs from your home, so you can sleep easy again.
Are you also concerned about other pests? Don’t worry; we offer a range of services. Whether you’re dealing with a full-blown bed bug infestation or want to schedule a termite inspection in Fresno, CA, or one of the surrounding areas, be assured that we can protect your home from all angles. Schedule your service today!