What Attracts Bed Bugs and How To Get Rid Of Them

Written by Nectarsleep Editorial Team

Last updated on Jun 04, 2025

Better Sleep Blog
What Attracts Bed Bugs and How To Get Rid Of Them

In this article:

Everything You Didn’t Want to Know About Bed Bugs (But Probably Should Anyway)

Let’s face it — bed bugs are a total nightmare. Whether you picked up a sneaky stowaway in your suitcase from a hotel stay or you’re dealing with a full-blown invasion at home, these little pests are no joke. They’re stubborn, fast breeders, and frustratingly hard to get rid of on your own.

Spoiler alert: DIY hacks probably won’t cut it. You’ll likely need a professional to step in, and the sooner the better — because bed bugs multiply fast. One female bed bug can lay up to 200 eggs. Yup. Not great.

But before we panic, let’s talk about how to figure out if you’ve actually got a problem… and what to do about it.

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So… Do You Have Bed Bugs?

First things first, how do you know if bed bugs have moved in?

Bed bugs are tiny bloodsuckers (literally). They prefer humans (lucky us), but they can feed on animals too. Their bites usually leave itchy red marks — but not always! Sometimes they feed without leaving a trace, which makes them even harder to detect.

If you’ve been traveling a lot, using public transport, or recently brought home any second-hand furniture, there’s a chance they hitched a ride into your house. The good news? They’re not microscopic. You can spot them with the naked eye.

Here’s how:

What to Look For

What do bed bugs even look like?
 They’re not exactly Instagram-worthy — flat, round, brownish, and creepy. Think: if a flea and a cockroach had a very unwelcome baby. They can easily be mistaken for other bugs, so if in doubt, bring one to a pro to be sure (different bugs = different treatments).

Clues they’ve been around:

  • Tiny exoskeleton casings

  • Small dark spots (a.k.a. bug poop)

  • Random blood stains on your sheets

Delightful, right?

Check Their Favourite Hangouts

Bed bugs love hanging out in warm, undisturbed places — which makes your bed prime real estate. Don’t assume your bed’s safe just because it’s clean. These pests don’t discriminate.

Check:

  • Mattress seams

  • Pillowcases

  • Under your bed

  • Laundry piles

  • Couch cushions

  • Even your pet’s food area (yep)

Can’t See Them? Try Traps

If you think you’ve got bed bugs but haven’t spotted any yet, you can try setting out pitfall traps. Some traps use heat, body temperature mimics, or even scents to lure them out. A good exterminator can help set these up for you. Bonus: they work on adult bugs and nymphs.

As for the eggs? Vacuum regularly and declutter — they love hiding in little nooks and crannies.

So What Attracts Bed Bugs, Anyway?

Here are the four main things that draw bed bugs in like moths to a flame:

  1. People (aka, us!)
     We’re basically walking buffets. Bed bugs love our warmth, the carbon dioxide we breathe out, and just about everything about being close to humans.

  2. Clutter
     Bed bugs don’t care if your place is clean or not, but clutter gives them more hiding spots. Clear out piles of clothes or junk — especially near beds and furniture.

  3. Heat
     They’re all about warm, cosy spots (mattresses, sofas, etc.). Any room where people hang out for a while becomes a potential hotspot.

  4. The Colour Red
     Weirdly enough, they’re drawn to red. Not because it reminds them of blood (we checked), but because it reminds them of other bed bugs. They like to stick together, apparently. Cute… if it weren’t so horrifying.

Wait — Can They Make You Sick?

Unfortunately, yes. While bed bug bites themselves aren’t deadly, in 2014 researchers found they can transmit Chagas disease, a serious illness. It’s not common, but it’s one more reason to deal with them ASAP.

If you suspect you’ve been bitten, rubbing alcohol can help. But really — your best move is to call in a professional.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with bed bugs isn’t fun, and it’s never convenient. But catching them early and knowing what signs to look for can make all the difference.

So, if your skin’s crawling just reading this… maybe check the seams of your mattress tonight. Just to be sure.

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