There’s nothing better than getting a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, there are some pests that make it their life’s mission to make sure you do anything but.
Bed bugs, which treat humans as their personal late-night buffets, are infamous for their nocturnal feeding habits. Their bites, though not enough to wake you from your deepest sleep, are sure to have you suffering from the itchy effects come morning.
Exactly when are bed bugs most active, and why does this matter for homeowners here in Puyallup, WA?
Allow us to break it down for you.
Why Bed Bugs Love the Night
Although there are about 90 species in the bed bug family (Cimicidae), only a few actually bite humans. Unfortunately, all of these species are crafty creatures of the night.
While they can feed at any time if hungry enough, they’re most active between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., when you’re in your deepest sleep stages.
This time of night allows them to sneakily feed without much disturbance. Their activity is driven by your body heat and the carbon dioxide you exhale while sleeping.
Essentially, your peaceful snooze is their all-you-can-eat buffet.
Do the Seasons Play a Role?
Unlike some pests that seem to magically appear with warmer weather, bed bugs don’t have an “off-season.” Because they live and feed indoors, their activity levels aren’t tied to temperatures or seasons.
That said, bed bug infestations in Western Washington often rise during the summer and early autumn.
Why? Increased travel and visitors mean more opportunities for these hitchhikers to sneak into luggage or clothing and end up in your home.
Whether it’s a cozy Airbnb in Puyallup or a motel off I-5, bed bugs love tagging along on human adventures.
How to Protect Your Home
Knowing when bed bugs are most active is only half the battle. To truly protect your space, prevention and vigilance are key. Here’s what you can do:
- Inspect Your Sleeping Areas: Regularly check your mattress, headboards, and even furniture seams for signs of bed bugs. This includes tiny, rust-colored stains, exoskeletons, or live bed bugs.
- Be Careful During Travel: Inspect hotel beds, luggage, and clothing, especially during the peak travel season. Place your suitcase on a luggage rack—not on the floor or bed.
- Act Quickly If You See Signs: Call a professional pest service (like Sentinel Pest Control) the moment you suspect an infestation. Spotting bed bugs early can save you a lot of trouble.
What exactly are the signs of an infestation, you might ask? Bites are the most obvious, but you might also suspect a bed bug problem if you notice bed bug excrement or “dirt,” or perhaps even a musty odor in your bedroom.
When Are Bed Bugs Most Active? Now You Know.
Now that you know when bed bugs are most active, you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to get rid of these pests for good.
While bed bugs don’t care whether it’s summer break or New Year’s Eve in Puyallup and instead, strike year-round, they thrive in the dead of night, where they can prey on unsuspecting humans as they’re fast asleep.
But that doesn’t mean you have to allow them to do so. If you’re noticing the telltale signs of bed bugs, don’t wait. Contact Sentinel Pest Control today, and we’ll help you get back to a good night’s sleep. Help is just one call away!
Did You Know?
Bed bugs are cold-blooded, which means their metabolism slows in cooler conditions. While they typically survive two to three months without feeding, they can live up to one year without a meal in colder environments.
FAQ
How do I know if I have bed bugs?
Look for tiny, rust-colored stains or small exoskeletons on your mattress and sheets. You may also notice clusters of itchy bites in a line or zigzag pattern on exposed skin.
Can bed bugs spread disease?
While bed bugs don’t transmit diseases, their bites can cause itching, allergic reactions, or skin infections if scratched excessively.
Can I get rid of bed bugs on my own?
DIY treatments often miss hidden nooks where bed bugs hide. Professional help, like what we offer at Sentinel Pest Control, is usually your best bet for full eradication.
Do bed bugs travel in clothes?
Yes! Bed bugs don’t cling to your body but love hitching rides on clothes, luggage, and even furniture.
Are bed bugs a problem in Puyallup WA?
Bed bugs aren’t exclusive to any region, but travel and densely populated areas can increase the risk. Vigilance, especially when you travel, is key.