Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects that feed on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. They are a common concern in homes and establishments worldwide. Understanding how bed bugs navigate their environment is important for addressing potential infestations.
The Nature of Bed Bug Movement
Bed bugs do not “run,” jump, or fly. Instead, they move with a fast crawl across various surfaces. They use their six legs, relying on tiny hooks on their feet to grip and scale textured areas. While they struggle on extremely smooth surfaces like glass, they are capable climbers on most common household materials.
These insects can move at an average speed of 3 to 4 feet per minute. Under optimal conditions, bed bugs can cover distances of 100 feet or more within an hour. This crawling ability allows them to navigate within a room or even between rooms, as they are primarily active at night.
Reasons for Bed Bug Movement
Bed bugs move primarily for two reasons: seeking a blood meal and dispersal. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans exhale and the warmth emitted by their bodies, using these cues to locate a host. Once a host is nearby, they move more quickly in search of food.
While bed bugs generally prefer to stay within about 8 feet of their food source, they will travel further. If their current location becomes too crowded or they are disturbed, they will actively move to find a new hiding spot or host. This inclination to seek new areas contributes to their spread.
Impact of Movement on Infestations
The movement capabilities of bed bugs significantly influence how infestations spread and are controlled. Their ability to crawl quickly allows them to disperse throughout a single dwelling. In multi-unit buildings, they can travel between apartments through shared walls, pipes, and electrical outlets.
Bed bugs are also known as “hitchhikers,” latching onto clothing, luggage, furniture, and other personal items. This passive dispersal method is the most common way they spread over long distances, infesting new homes after being inadvertently transported. Their small, flat bodies enable them to squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices, making them difficult to detect early and challenging to eradicate once established.