Why do bedbugs develop in the bed?

Why do bedbugs develop in the bed? - briefly

Bedbugs are attracted to the warmth, carbon dioxide, and regular blood meals provided by humans during sleep, making the mattress and surrounding bedding ideal habitats. Their flat bodies enable concealment in seams, folds, and crevices of the bed, supporting reproduction and survival.

Why do bedbugs develop in the bed? - in detail

Bedbugs are obligate blood‑feeders that locate hosts by sensing body heat, carbon‑dioxide exhalation and human skin odors. The sleeping surface supplies a steady source of these cues, making it the most attractive environment for the insects.

The insect’s developmental cycle reinforces the concentration in the sleeping area. Females deposit eggs in protected crevices close to the host; nymphs emerge and immediately seek a blood meal, which is readily available while the occupant lies motionless. Each molt requires a fresh feeding, creating a cycle that repeats nightly.

The structure of a bed provides numerous microhabitats that meet the species’ ecological needs. Mattress seams, box‑spring voids, bed‑frame joints and headboard cracks offer darkness, stable temperature (approximately 20‑25 °C) and relative humidity (45‑55 %). These conditions prolong survival of all life stages and reduce desiccation risk.

Human habits contribute to the persistence of infestations. Frequent travel introduces bugs to new locations; infrequent laundering of bedding, accumulation of clutter near the bed, and delayed detection allow populations to expand unchecked.

Key factors that drive infestation of sleeping surfaces:

  • Attraction to thermal and olfactory signals emitted by a resting human.
  • Egg‑laying behavior that targets nearby protected niches.
  • Requirement for nightly blood meals that align with the host’s sleep schedule.
  • Availability of stable microclimate within mattress and frame structures.
  • Behavioral patterns that delay cleaning and facilitate spread.