What do bedbugs like and dislike? - briefly
Bedbugs are drawn to warm, humid zones that emit carbon dioxide and body heat, seeking hidden cracks near sleeping sites. They shun cold temperatures, direct sunlight, and surfaces that are regularly cleaned or treated with insecticides.
What do bedbugs like and dislike? - in detail
Bedbugs are attracted to specific environmental cues that signal a suitable host and a safe habitat. They are drawn to body heat, carbon‑dioxide exhaled by humans and animals, and the scent of skin secretions such as lactic acid. Dark, undisturbed areas near sleeping surfaces provide the ideal refuge; therefore, cracks, crevices, and the seams of mattresses are especially appealing. Their sensory organs also detect low‑frequency vibrations, which help locate a moving host.
Conversely, bedbugs avoid conditions that threaten their survival or impede feeding. They are repelled by temperatures above 45 °C (113 °F) and by prolonged exposure to cold below 0 °C (32 °F). Direct sunlight, high humidity, and strong air currents diminish their activity. Chemical deterrents such as essential oils (e.g., tea tree, lavender, peppermint) and synthetic insecticides interfere with their chemoreception, reducing attraction. Materials that emit strong odors—citrus, eucalyptus, or ammonia—are also unpleasant to them.
Key factors influencing their behavior can be summarized:
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Attractive stimuli
- Warmth from a sleeping host
- Carbon‑dioxide plume
- Skin odor compounds (lactic acid, fatty acids)
- Dark, concealed microhabitats
- Low‑frequency vibrations
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Repellent stimuli
- Temperatures > 45 °C or < 0 °C
- Direct sunlight and high UV exposure
- Low humidity and strong airflow
- Essential‑oil vapors (e.g., tea tree, lavender)
- Synthetic insecticides and strong chemical odors
Understanding these preferences enables targeted control measures, such as heat treatment, strategic placement of interceptors, and the use of approved repellents to disrupt feeding and breeding cycles.