What attracts bed bugs the most? - briefly
Carbon dioxide and body heat released by a sleeping host are the primary attractants, supplemented by the scent of skin oils, sweat, and lactic acid. These cues guide bed bugs to locate and feed on humans.
What attracts bed bugs the most? - in detail
Bed bugs are drawn to specific cues that indicate a suitable host and a safe environment for feeding and reproduction. Their sensory systems respond to a combination of chemical, thermal, and visual signals.
Carbon dioxide released during exhalation is the most potent indicator of a living host. Bed bugs possess chemoreceptors that detect elevated CO₂ concentrations, prompting them to move toward the source. The gradient of this gas guides them from a distance to the immediate vicinity of a sleeper.
Body heat creates a thermal gradient that the insects follow. Their thermoreceptors are tuned to temperatures between 30 °C and 36 °C, matching human skin. Warmer areas on a mattress or bedding intensify their attraction, especially when combined with CO₂.
Skin secretions and sweat contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as lactic acid, fatty acids, and ammonia. Bed bugs detect these chemicals through olfactory receptors, using them to confirm the presence of a host after locating a heat source.
Dark, cluttered environments provide shelter and concealment. The insects prefer crevices, seams, and folds where light penetration is minimal. Such hiding spots facilitate molting and egg laying, making heavily furnished or unkempt rooms more appealing.
Blood availability drives feeding behavior. Once a host is identified, the presence of accessible blood vessels, indicated by the thinness of skin and proximity to capillaries, reinforces the bug’s decision to remain and feed.
Summary of primary attractants:
- Elevated carbon dioxide levels from respiration
- Heat within the human skin temperature range
- Volatile compounds in sweat and skin secretions (lactic acid, fatty acids, ammonia)
- Low‑light, cluttered surroundings offering concealment
- Direct access to blood through thin skin areas
Understanding these factors enables targeted control measures, such as reducing CO₂ buildup with ventilation, cooling sleeping surfaces, minimizing clutter, and using chemical repellents that mask or disrupt the identified cues.