When someone tells you they have dealt with a bed bug infestation, what goes through your mind? Do you assume they must keep a dirty and unkempt home? If the answer is yes, you shouldn't feel bad about being a little judgmental; it is a very common misconception. However, the truth is that bed bugs are not picky! They will happily make themselves at home in both dirty and clean environments, depending on the opportunity available to them. Pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, have encountered infestations in homes ranging from the humblest of homes to the grandest hotels. Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers and will find their way into your space in luggage or on clothing. Now that we know anyone can be affected by a bed bug infestation, let's examine what pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, say attracts these pests to your home.
How Do Bed Bug Infestations Start?
Bed bugs are driven by one thing - the need to feed. As a result, they will travel long distances to secure a steady supply of blood to feed on. There are two main ways that bed bugs can enter your home:
- Passive Dispersal - When bed bugs are carried over long distances from an infested location to a new location, this process is referred to as passive dispersal. This usually occurs when the bed bugs climb onto clothing, bags, suitcases, or furniture. It is common to pick up bed bugs in places like hotels, schools, and stores.
- Active Dispersal - Not only are bed bugs expert hitchhikers, they can also move between apartments via vents, outlets, and gaps in the walls. This is known as active dispersal. If you live in an apartment complex and a neighbor has a bed bug infestation, it is wise to consult with pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, and have your own place treated as well.
What Attracts Bed Bugs?
Now we understand how bed bugs enter your home and that anyone can find themselves in need of pest control services in Knoxville, TN, to address a bed bug infestation. Let's next look at what attracts them. Bed bugs feed on blood and use a combination of visual, olfactory, and thermal factors to find a host to feed on. They will typically feed at night when most people are asleep, being most active between midnight and 5 am. Here is how they are attracted to the person they will be feeding from:
- Carbon Dioxide - Did you know that humans produce a higher volume of carbon dioxide while sleeping? Bed bugs take advantage of this and follow the concentration of carbon dioxide until they find a body to feed on.
- Heat - There are sensory structures in the antennae of bed bugs that enable them to detect body heat, which contributes to their ability to locate a suitable host to bite.
- Body Odor - While we have already established that bed bugs don't differentiate between dirty and clean homes, they are attracted to body odor. They are twice as likely to be attracted to dirty laundry as they are to clean laundry.
One question that many pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, have been asked is whether bed bugs have a preference for a particular blood type. This question is usually asked because one member of a household will be covered in bed bug bites while the others are largely left alone! The answer comes down to taste! There is no single blood type that is more appealing to bed bugs; they may even feed on pets if human blood is not readily available. However, if they have grown from a nymph to an adult and have been drinking from the same source, they may develop a preference for that blood type and will favor a host that can provide their favorite 'flavor'. There is some research out there that suggests bed bugs don't like blood with a high alcohol level in it, so heavy drinkers may not get bitten as frequently as others.
Bed bugs are drawn into homes by factors like warmth, carbon dioxide, clutter, and secondhand furniture—but once they're in, getting rid of them can be a serious challenge. If you suspect an infestation, don't wait for it to get worse. Experienced pest control companies in Knoxville, TN, have the tools and expertise to eliminate bed bugs quickly and effectively. Protect your home and peace of mind by reaching out to a trusted local professional today.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.
112 Hayfield Road 
