Are you frustrated by a bed bug infestation in your business or home? Many people mistakenly believe that these bugs only come out to feast when the lights are off. They assume this is why they are so hard to spot — because they go into hiding whenever you turn the lights on, similar to cockroaches.
The question is: do bed bugs come out when the lights are on? Learn everything you need to know about these insects and their behaviors in this detailed breakdown.
Do Bed Bugs Come Out When the Lights Are on?
While many people assume that they don’t see bed bugs because the bugs don’t come out when the lights are on, this is actually false. Bed bugs do indeed come out during daytime hours, but it can be difficult to spot them. Even adult bed bugs are no more than seven millimeters long, and the eggs are the size of a grain of sand.
In general, bed bugs are known for being nocturnal, but this is not always the case. The reason that you often see them more frequently in the dark is that they come out to feed whenever a human host is in the vicinity.
Most people work during the day and sleep at night, which means your bed bug infestation is likely to be more active during the nighttime hours. However, the bugs will still come out even when the lights are on if they are hungry and haven’t had a host for a while.
If you work the night shift, your bed bugs may also alter their feeding habits to accommodate your daytime sleep schedule. In this case, they will come out during the daytime hours to feed when you are in bed. Even if the lights are on, they won’t pass up an opportunity for their largest meal of the day.
Just Because You Can’t See Them Doesn’t Mean They’re Not There
Don’t assume that you have bed bugs just because your skin itches. If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, be sure to thoroughly investigate your surroundings. More often than not, people miss the signs of a minor infestation. This is why it is important to know what to look for. For example, be on the lookout for “peppering”, black spots of fecal matter that usually find their way into mattress seams. Additionally, watch out for bed bug skin, which is shed up to five times before the bug becomes an adult. Another sign is an actual bed bug, which are pretty obvious after you’ve seen them once or twice.
Are They Living?
When you start to notice bed bugs around your mattress area, it can be helpful to determine whether you are seeing active bed bugs or simply old molts. Identifying what stage your bed bugs are in can be helpful. They generally present in three age groups:
- Adults
- Nymphs
- Eggs
Nymphs, or juvenile bed bugs, can be a bit harder to spot because they tend to be white and can blend in with the mattress. As they get older, they assume the brown or reddish color.
However, nymphs also tend to discard their skin (molt) as they grow into their full adult size. Determine whether you are seeing a living, moving bed bug or just a molt. While both are a problem, it can clue you in to how extensive the infestation might be.
Large Infestations
Bed bugs are also known for coming out when the lights are on if you have a large infestation. If you are spotting bed bugs with the naked eye when the lights are on, it is time to call in an exterminator who can help you treat them as soon as possible.
It can take weeks to fully eradicate your bed bug problem, so make sure to contact the professionals as soon as possible.
Occasionally, you may spot a bunch of bed bugs clustered together. These insects are not known for being extremely social, so this is another sign that your infestation has progressed to quite a large scale. They will eventually move on from their preferred hiding spot to find a new place to live and rest if the crowded areas don’t improve.
Spotting Bed Bugs in the Light
Do bed bugs come out when the lights are on? While the answer is yes, you hope to never see these unwelcome critters in your bedroom areas. Whether you spot them in the light or the dark, it is important to call in professionals who can assess and treat your infestation quickly!
ESS Universal manufactures and supplies high-quality, cost-effective commercial grade beds, mattresses, and furniture to camps, hostels, shelters, dorms and more. View our entire line of furniture products including our popular waterproof foam mattress for institutional use, single metal bed frames, single over single bunk beds, single over double bunk beds, and triple bunk beds. Download our catalog for detailed information on our complete product line.
