As a homeowner, I’m often asking myself “When do bed bugs come out?” I’m sure I’m not alone in this. Bed bugs are a major issue, and the more I know about them, the better I can protect my home. In this article, I’ll discuss everything you need to know about bed bugs – from when they come out to how to get rid of them.
What are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, wingless, oval-shaped, reddish-brown insects. They feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals like bats and birds. They typically live in beds, mattresses, and furniture, where they lay their eggs and hide during the day. Bed bugs are nocturnal, coming out to feed on their hosts during the night. They can be active during the day if their food source is close by. Bed bugs are mostly found in the cracks and crevices of mattresses or furniture, but they can also be found in other areas such as behind baseboards, carpets, window frames, and picture frames. Bed bugs can move quickly, and are capable of traveling up to 20 feet in one night. They can also live up to several months without a meal.
Bed bug Biology
Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are reddish-brown in color, about 1/4 inch long, and do not have wings. Adult bed bugs have segmented abdomens with microscopic hairs that give them a banded appearance.
Bed bugs feed on blood, but they are not known to transmit any human diseases. Bed bugs can survive up to 18 months without any food. They can go months without feeding, especially in cooler temperatures.
Bed bugs reproduce by laying eggs in cracks and crevices. The eggs are small and white and can be as small as a pinhead. The eggs hatch in about 6 to 10 days. The adult bed bugs live for about 4 to 6 months in warm temperatures.
Bed bugs are very resilient and can survive in a variety of temperatures, from freezing to hot. They can also survive for a few months without any food.
Bed bugs are often found in mattresses, box springs, furniture, clothing, and other dark, secluded areas. They usually come out at night to feed on their hosts and hide during the day. Bed bugs can also be found in other areas such as in cracks and crevices in walls and floors.
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 1/4 inch long |
| Color | Reddish-brown |
| Wings | None |
| Feeding | On blood |
| Eggs | Small and white |
| Lifespan | 4 to 6 months |
| Habitat | Mattresses, box springs, furniture, clothing |
Signs of Bed Bugs
- Small blood stains on the bed sheets or pillowcases.
- Dark or rusty spots of bed bug excrement on sheets and mattresses, bed clothes, and walls.
- Bed bug fecal spots, egg shells, or shed skins in areas where bed bugs hide.
- An offensive, musty odor from the bug’s scent glands.
- Live bed bugs may be observed visible in seams and folds of mattresses and sheets.
If you suspect you may have bed bugs, it is important to take steps to confirm that the insects are present and to ensure any infestation is properly treated. A licensed pest control professional can help you identify and eliminate bed bugs.
When do bed bugs come out?
Bed bugs are usually active at night when they come out to feed. I usually notice them between the hours of midnight and 5am.
- They usually come out after the lights go out.
- They will often hide in small cracks and crevices when the lights are on.
- They are attracted to body heat and the carbon dioxide that humans exhale.
- They typically feed for 3-10 minutes before retreating to their hiding places.
- They can survive for months without feeding, so they can remain in hiding for prolonged periods of time.
Bed bugs are most active during the night, but they can also be active during the day, particularly if there is a large infestation. If you suspect you have bed bugs, it’s important to inspect your home regularly for signs of an infestation.
Bed Bugs at Night
- Bed bugs are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
- Bed bugs come out at night to feed on sleeping humans and animals.
- Bed bugs usually hide in the day and come out to feed at night when it is quieter and darker.
- Bed bugs can be found in bed frames, mattresses, and box springs, as well as other furniture and clothing items.
- When looking for bed bugs, it is important to check for signs of activity at night, such as dark brown or black spots on bedding, and small bloodstains.
- If you suspect you have bed bugs, it is important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Bed Bugs during the Day
Bed bugs are most active at night, but they may also come out during the day, especially if their hiding place is disturbed. Bed bugs are most likely to be seen in the early morning hours, just before sunrise. During the day, bed bugs may be found in cracks and crevices, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture, where they can hide from the light.
| Time of Day | Likelihood of Bed Bugs |
|---|---|
| Morning (before sunrise) | High |
| Daytime (sunrise to sunset) | Low to Moderate |
| Evening (after sunset) | Moderate to High |
Bed bugs can be difficult to spot during the day, as they tend to hide in dark places, such as mattress seams, bed frames, and furniture. They may also hide in electrical outlets, behind baseboards, and inside wall voids. To detect bed bugs during the day, it is important to look for signs of their presence, such as dark spots on mattresses, bedding, and furniture, as well as a sweet, musty odor. If these signs are present, it is important to call a pest control professional to inspect the area and identify the species of bed bug.
Bed Bugs in Different Seasons
In summer, I’m most likely to encounter bed bugs as the warm temperatures create an ideal breeding environment for them. I should be most vigilant of bed bugs during this season as they are most active and tend to reproduce more rapidly than in other seasons. I should take extra precautions to avoid bringing bed bugs into my home, such as checking luggage, external fabrics, and other items that may have been in contact with bed bugs.
In winter, bed bugs may become less active and may even enter a state of diapause, where they remain in a dormant state until the temperatures become more favorable. Although I won’t have to worry as much about an infestation in winter, I should still keep an eye out for them.
In spring, the temperatures start to rise, and with that comes an increased activity in bed bugs. I should remain vigilant of bed bugs during this season and take the necessary precautions to prevent infestations.
In autumn, the temperatures begin to drop, and with that comes a decrease in the activity of bed bugs. However, I should still be on the lookout for them as they can still pose a threat to my home.
Preventing Bed Bugs
Prevention is the best protection against bed bugs. The most important thing is to keep your home clean. Vacuum regularly, especially under and behind furniture, to get rid of any eggs or bugs. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag after each use. Also, make sure to clean bedding, mattresses, and furniture regularly, and replace old mattresses.
| Activity | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Vacuum | Weekly |
| Clean bedding, mattresses and furniture | Monthly |
When travelling, inspect hotel beds for any signs of bed bugs. Look for small bugs, red or rust-coloured spots, or eggs. Keep suitcases off the ground and keep them away from the bed. It’s also a good idea to store your clothes in sealed plastic bags when away from home.
If you suspect that you have bed bugs, call a pest control professional. Bed bug infestations are difficult to get rid of and require professional treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do bed bugs know when to come out?
Bed bugs are active mainly at night when they come out to feed on the blood of sleeping humans. They are able to recognise the presence of a sleeping person through their body heat, carbon dioxide and other chemicals emitted by the human body. They also have specialised sensors that allow them to detect these signals and come out of hiding when a host is nearby. They are most active during the night and hide during the day.
Why do bed bugs only come out at night?
Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, so they are most active at night when people are usually asleep and the lights are turned off. This behaviour is primarily a survival instinct, as bed bugs can easily be squashed by people or animals during the day. Additionally, it is easier for bed bugs to find a host – such as a person or pet – in the dark. Bed bugs feed on warm-blooded hosts and can survive for months without food, so they wait until night to find a meal.
When are bed bugs most active?
Bed bugs are most active at night when they come out to feed. They tend to bite humans when they are asleep as they can sense the carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. Bed bugs also feed during the day when there is a food source available. They prefer to live in dark, warm places and can often be found near beds, couches, and other furniture.
How long does it take for bed bugs to infest?
Bed bugs can infest a home within a few weeks of the initial introduction of a bed bug. The female bed bug can lay up to 5 eggs per day, and can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. Bed bugs can multiply quickly, and if left untreated, a large infestation can occur within a few months.
Is it possible for bed bugs to come out during the day?
Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures and prefer to come out at night when it is dark and quiet. However, under certain conditions they may emerge during the day. Bed bugs come out to feed on blood, so if the food source is available during the day, they may come out and feed. Bed bugs can also come out during the day if their hiding spots are disturbed or if the population is large enough to require more frequent feeding.
Conclusion
Bed bugs are a nuisance that can present a difficult problem to get rid of. Understanding their habits and behaviors can help you know when to expect them and also how to prevent them. Bed bugs are most active at night and are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, so they often come out when people are in bed. However, bed bugs can also come out during the day when there is enough warmth and humidity. Knowing this information can help you take the necessary steps to prevent and control bed bug infestations.
