Do Bed Bugs only Come out At Night?
Do Bed Bugs only Come out At Night?
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Though they are not blind, they do prefer to be active at night. In their natural environment, bed bugs typically hide in the seams of mattresses, on the edges of carpets, and other dark places. Because of this habit, many people mistakenly believe that bed bugs only come out at night to feed.
Daytime Activity
Though bed bugs are more active during the night, they are not nocturnal creatures and can still be active during the day. In fact, when the environment is right, bed bugs can become more active during the day. This includes conditions such as a lack of food, overcrowding, and low temperatures. If they cannot find a food source at night, they are likely to emerge during the day.
Preventing Infestations
Though bed bugs can be active during both the day and night, most people do not notice them until the population has grown and multiplied. To prevent a bed bug infestation, there are some things you can do:
- Regularly check for signs of bed bugs. This includes looking for small spots of blood, eggs, and dark stains on mattresses and bedrooms. Bed bugs are rarely seen during the day, so you may have to search more diligently around nightfall to spot any signs of infestation.
- Keep your bedroom clean. Regularly wash bedding, pillowcases, and other fabrics in hot water and with a strong detergent. Vacuum regularly around beds, furniture, and carpets to eliminate any bugs or eggs that may be present.
- Introduce predators. Insecticides can be effective in killing bed bugs, but natural predators such as spiders, centipedes, mites, and ladybugs can also help to control an infestation.
Though bed bugs can be active during the day and night, it is important to remember that they are most commonly active at night. To keep an infestation from occurring, regular inspections, cleanliness, and the introduction of predators can be very effective.
