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Why Do Bed Bugs Attack at Night?

Submitted by ABCpest on Mon, 02/20/2023 - 19:22

Bed bugs are one of the most annoying and persistent pests known to humans. These small, reddish-brown insects are about the size of an apple seed and feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are active mostly at night, and it is during this time that they tend to attack their unsuspecting victims.

Why do bed bugs attack at night? The answer lies in their biology and behavior. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects, meaning they are most active at night. This is partly due to the fact that they are photophobic, which means they are afraid of light. During the day, bed bugs will seek out dark, hidden places to rest and hide, such as in the seams of mattresses, in cracks and crevices of furniture, or behind baseboards and picture frames.

When night falls, bed bugs become more active and begin to seek out their next meal. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale as we breathe, as well as to the heat and moisture our bodies emit. This is why they tend to bite us while we sleep, as we are less likely to move around and disturb them.

Bed bugs are also known for their ability to detect the chemicals in our skin, such as lactic acid and uric acid, which can signal the presence of a potential meal. They are also attracted to the scent of blood, which is why they tend to congregate around areas of our body where blood is close to the surface, such as our hands, feet, and neck.

The reason bed bugs tend to attack at night is also related to their feeding patterns. Bed bugs are not able to feed continuously, but rather in short, intermittent bursts. They will usually feed for about 5-10 minutes, and then retreat to a nearby hiding place to digest their meal. Because they cannot fly or jump, they are also more likely to feed on us while we are stationary and sleeping.

In addition to their biology, bed bugs are also highly skilled at hiding and evading detection. They are flat and thin, which allows them to fit into tiny cracks and crevices in our furniture and walls. They are also excellent at avoiding detection by humans, as they tend to be active when we are asleep and not paying attention.

All of these factors contribute to why bed bugs tend to attack at night. They are most active when we are least likely to notice them, and are attracted to the chemicals and scents that we emit while we sleep. They are also highly skilled at hiding and evading detection, which makes it difficult for us to find and eliminate them.

If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Bed bugs can reproduce quickly and can be difficult to get rid of without professional help. Contact a bed bug pest control Sydney professional to inspect your home and develop a treatment plan that will effectively eliminate these pesky pests.