Why do bedbugs crawl in the apartment? - briefly
Bedbugs move through an apartment in search of blood meals, drawn by body heat and carbon‑dioxide emitted by occupants. Their nocturnal activity and tendency to hide in cracks cause them to crawl across surfaces when seeking hosts or new harborage.
Why do bedbugs crawl in the apartment? - in detail
Bedbugs are attracted to human habitation because they require blood meals to develop. Their movement within a dwelling is driven by the need to locate a host, find suitable hiding places, and maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels.
The insects emerge from cracks, seams, and voids in walls, baseboards, and furniture during the night when occupants are at rest. Nighttime activity reduces exposure to light and disturbance, increasing the likelihood of successful feeding. After a blood meal, the insects retreat to protected sites to digest, molt, and lay eggs.
Key factors influencing indoor crawling include:
- Temperature: Temperatures between 22 °C and 30 °C accelerate metabolism and stimulate activity.
- Carbon dioxide: Exhaled CO₂ creates a gradient that guides the insects toward sleeping areas.
- Host movement: Vibrations and heat emitted by a sleeping person act as cues for locating feeding sites.
- Overcrowding: High population density forces individuals to disperse in search of new harborage.
The life cycle also contributes to continual movement. Nymphs must feed at each developmental stage; after each molt, they seek fresh blood sources, prompting regular relocation. Egg‑laying females deposit eggs in concealed locations; once hatched, the young insects disperse to locate their first host.
Control measures focus on interrupting these behavioral drivers. Reducing clutter eliminates potential harborage, while sealing cracks limits access routes. Maintaining lower indoor humidity and temperature slows development. Regular inspection of bedding, furniture, and wall junctions helps detect early activity before extensive crawling occurs.