Most everything you hear about bed bugs is that they feed on their hosts at night. Does this mean they are nocturnal? Will bed bugs come out in a lit room? To understand more about bed bugs, you should understand how they feed. A bed bug waits for their host to be asleep then they will find an exposed section of skin. When they find the spot, they want to feed on they will do so.
They will move away if the host moves and return when the host has settled again. You do not feel their bites as they are happening because they use an anesthetic in their saliva.
Are Bed Bugs Nocturnal?
Bed bugs are typically thought to be nocturnal as they often go out to search for a host at night. However even though they prefer to come out at night they aren’t always nocturnal. Bed bugs, especially starving ones who have not had a host for a while will come out in daylight and in lit rooms. This is due to their need to have a meal. Bed bugs will also not typically be nocturnal if there is a large infestation. This is again because of the same reason; they need to eat and are starving.
What Deters Bed Bugs from Coming Out in a Lit Room?
There are many theories why people believe that bed bugs won’t come out during the day or in a lit room. The primary theory is that heat is their enemy and can destroy them. Even though it may not be hot to us it can be for them. This doesn’t mean they won’t come out however as they can and do come out to bite and feed when the need is strong enough. Also again, as mentioned before if the infestation is large enough it will not be uncommon to spot them in the light.
Why Else May They Come Out in a Lit Room?
Another reason that Bed Bugs can come out during the daylight hours and into a lit room is because their hosts work nights. If the only time the bed bug has access to feed is during the day, they can alter their behaviors. Bed bugs have to be exceptionally resourceful, and they also can remember patterns so they will remember when you come go to sleep! If you do happen to see a bed bug in a well-lit room you should consider either serious infestation, or that they are starving and desperate. It would be best to consider utilizing a professional exterminator to determine the severity of your issue.
Where Can Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs are resourceful and can hide in hollow furniture legs, behind light plates, in cracks/crevices, and anywhere else they can find. Knowing where they hide is part of the battle in getting rid of them. The other part is ensuring you have treatment that focuses on all stages of the life cycle of a bed bug. Now that we know a few reasons why bed bugs may come out during daylight or in a lit room treatment is the next step!
