Bed bug infestations are often stigmatised, with many believing they only occur in unsanitary environments. However, this isn’t true. Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or food waste; their primary interest is humans and, more precisely – human blood. Despite their inability to fly or jump, these pests have the remarkable ability to infiltrate homes worldwide. To understand how to prevent infestations, our experienced London exterminators share what attracts bed bugs and how you can get them.

How Do You Get Bed Bugs

What Attracts Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are opportunistic pests, primarily targeting humans for their blood meals. However, they can also feed on other mammals, including pets. While less common, bed bugs may use pets as a means of transportation to reach human hosts. Everything that attracts bed bugs can be found anywhere people spend significant amounts of time:

  • Warmth: Our body temperature acts like a beacon for bed bugs. When we sleep, our bodies emit heat, so these pests are more likely to reside near where we rest.
  • Carbon Dioxide: We exhale CO2, and bed bugs use it to locate a potential host.
  • Human Scent: Our body odour is another sign of a potential food source for bed bugs.

Bed bugs are nocturnal feeders, typically emerging at night to feast on human blood. One of their most unsettling traits is their resilience. These insects can survive for several months to a year without a meal, making them incredibly persistent. So, any place can become a potential source of bed bug infestation, especially if cluttered or poorly sealed.

Read also: What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Main Causes of Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bug infestations have been on the rise in London in recent years. International travel is the primary cause of the spread of bed bugs, as these pests can easily be transported on luggage and clothing. However, other factors like changing pest control practices and pesticide resistance also contribute to the increase of bed bug infestations worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, bed bug infestations are not caused by poor hygiene.

Check also: How to Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home When Travelling?

Bed Bug Infestation

Can You Get Bed Bugs If You Don’t Travel?

You can still bring bed bugs home even without going to distant lands. These pests can be transported on infested clothing, used furniture, luggage, or even handbags. Bed bugs seek out places that provide them with hiding spots and human presence. While hotels are a common source, you can also get bed bugs from:

  • Used furniture: Second-hand furnishings, especially soft furniture, can harbour bed bugs.
  • Shared spaces: Bed bugs can hitchhike on your clothes after visiting public places like gyms, libraries, or shared laundry facilities.
  • Public transportation: Crowded buses and trains can be breeding grounds for bed bugs.
  • Overnight guests: Visitors from infested areas can unknowingly bring bed bugs into your home.
  • Waiting rooms: Bed bugs can be found in healthcare facilities, police stations, offices, particularly in shared spaces like waiting rooms.
  • University campuses: Dormitories and shared housing can be vulnerable to bed bug infestations.
  • Nursing homes: Both care homes and nursing homes are particularly susceptible to bed bug infestations. The proximity of their residents allows bed bugs to spread between rooms easily. Additionally, visitors to these facilities may unintentionally bring bed bugs into the building or back to their homes.
  • Daycare centres: Children often exchange clothes, toys, and other items, which increases the risk of bed bug infestations in nurseries. Additionally, children may unknowingly bring bed bugs home from the daycare.
  • Retail stores: Clothing and other fabric items can be infested with bed bugs.
  • Locker rooms: Changing rooms, whether in gyms, hotels, or workplaces, provide perfect conditions for bed bugs due to their shared space and high density of people.

Read also: How to Inspect Second-Hand Furniture for Bed Bugs?

What to Do if You Suspect Bed Bug Infestation?

Remember to keep an eye out for signs of bed bug infestation. Bug bites are usually the first indication you might have a problem, but they may be from another pest. To confirm an infestation, carefully inspect your home, paying close attention to areas where bed bugs are likely to hide. Check your mattress, box springs, bed frame, pillows, and sheets. Also, inspect soft furniture such as sofas, chairs, cushions, carpets, skirting boards, electrical outlets, and wallpaper for any signs of bed bug infestation.

Check also: What Does Bed Bug Poop Look Like?

Timely detection and intervention are crucial for efficient pest control. We don’t recommend trying to deal with the problem by yourself because when it comes to bed bugs, DIY methods fail miserably. So, if you suspect you are dealing with an infestation, call an experienced exterminator to assess the situation and recommend the best treatment plan. At Bed Bug Specialist London, we offer two highly effective methods: heat treatment and steam and spray treatment. Our experts can also share effective measures and aftercare tips to help you prevent future infestations.