Why did bedbugs appear in the bed? - briefly
Bedbugs infest bedding because they are attracted to the carbon dioxide and heat emitted by sleeping hosts, and because mattresses and linens provide concealed pathways to blood meals.
Why did bedbugs appear in the bed? - in detail
Bedbugs infest sleeping surfaces because the environment satisfies their physiological and ecological requirements. The warm, dark, and protected space of a mattress provides a stable microclimate that supports feeding, development, and reproduction.
The insects are attracted to cues emitted by sleeping humans. Carbon‑dioxide, body heat, and skin odor guide them to a host. Once a feeder is located, the bug inserts its proboscis, consumes blood, and retreats to a nearby crack or seam where it can hide during daylight hours.
Human activities increase the likelihood of colonization:
- Transport of infested luggage or clothing during travel.
- Acquisition of second‑hand furniture, especially upholstered items.
- Accumulation of clutter that creates additional hiding places.
- Infrequent laundering of bedding and garments.
Optimal temperature (20‑30 °C) and relative humidity (45‑65 %) accelerate the life cycle, allowing a population to expand from eggs to adults in roughly one month. These conditions are routinely met in heated homes, especially during winter when heating maintains suitable warmth.
Modern insecticides often fail to eradicate infestations because bedbugs have developed resistance to many chemical classes. Integrated management therefore relies on a combination of thorough mechanical removal, heat treatment, and targeted chemical application, each applied according to strict protocols to prevent re‑establishment.