If you’ve ever dealt with bed bugs, you know just how disruptive they can be. These small, elusive pests invade your personal space, feeding on your blood while you sleep and leaving itchy bites in their wake. The first question most San Jose homeowners ask when faced with a bed bug infestation is: How did they get here? Understanding what attracts bed bugs is key to preventing future invasions and keeping your home safe and comfortable.
At Citra Pest Control, we specialize in identifying how and why bed bugs enter your space—and more importantly, how to get rid of them for good. Below, we’ll break down the main attractions for bed bugs and share expert tips to help keep them far from your home.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are roughly the size of an apple seed and prefer to stay hidden during the day, making them hard to detect. While they don’t transmit diseases, their bites can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and sleep disturbances—making them a major nuisance.
The key to preventing an infestation is understanding what attracts bed bugs in the first place.
1. Warmth and Carbon Dioxide
Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or clutter in the way some pests are—they’re primarily drawn to body heat and the carbon dioxide we exhale. This is why they tend to hide near beds, couches, and other resting areas where people sit or sleep for extended periods.
How to keep them out:
Make sure beds and furniture are regularly vacuumed and moved to inspect hidden crevices. Consider installing bed bug-proof mattress encasements, which help eliminate hiding spots and make inspections easier.
2. Frequent Travelers and Luggage
One of the most common ways bed bugs enter homes is by hitching a ride on luggage or clothing after traveling. Hotels, airports, buses, and even rideshares can be hotspots for bed bug exposure.
How to keep them out:
After traveling, inspect luggage carefully before bringing it inside. Wash and dry all clothes (even the clean ones) on high heat immediately. Store suitcases away from the bedroom when not in use, preferably in airtight containers or plastic bags.
3. Used Furniture and Mattresses
Secondhand furniture, especially beds, couches, and upholstered chairs, can unknowingly carry bed bugs or their eggs. Even items that look clean can be infested.
How to keep them out:
Avoid picking up furniture from the curb or purchasing from unverified sources. Always inspect seams, joints, and crevices closely. If you must bring used furniture into your home, treat it with heat or a certified pesticide before doing so—or have it inspected by Citra Pest Control.
4. Cluttered Spaces (as Hiding Spots)
Although bed bugs aren’t attracted to filth, clutter provides the perfect hiding spots, allowing infestations to grow unnoticed. Piles of clothes, boxes, or stacks of paper can give bed bugs the cover they need to spread throughout your home.
How to keep them out:
Decluttering is one of the most effective prevention tools. Keep belongings off the floor, especially around beds and walls. Organize closets and under-bed areas, and vacuum frequently to catch any early signs of infestation.
5. Shared Living Spaces
Apartment buildings, condos, and townhomes are more susceptible to bed bug problems because these pests can travel between units through walls, electrical outlets, and plumbing systems.
How to keep them out:
Use outlet covers, seal wall cracks, and place bed bug interceptors under bed legs. If one unit in your building has an outbreak, contact your property manager and a trusted pest control service like Citra Pest Control immediately to prevent spread.
What to Do If Bed Bugs Get In
Even with the best precautions, bed bugs can sometimes sneak into your home. If you suspect their presence, act quickly—early detection is key. Look for:
- Small reddish-brown bugs around your bed or furniture
- Itchy, red bites in clusters or lines
- Tiny dark stains on sheets or mattresses
- Shed skins or white eggs near mattress seams or crevices
Avoid using DIY bug bombs or sprays, as these can scatter the bugs and worsen the problem. Instead, turn to the professionals at Citra Pest Control.
How Citra Pest Control Can Help
At Citra Pest Control, we know how overwhelming a bed bug infestation can be. That’s why we offer comprehensive inspections, advanced treatment options—including chemical-free heat treatments—and practical prevention strategies to protect your home and family.
When you work with our San Jose-based team, you’ll get:
- Fast, discreet service
- Custom treatment plans based on your home’s unique needs
- Long-term prevention guidance
- Experienced technicians committed to your peace of mind
Final Thoughts
Understanding what attracts bed bugs is your first defense against them. While body heat, travel, and clutter are common culprits, there are many proactive steps you can take to make your home less inviting to these unwanted pests.
If you’ve noticed signs of bed bugs or want a professional inspection for peace of mind, reach out to Citra Pest Control. We’re here to help you reclaim your home—and your sleep.
