24/04/2026
Bed bugs can feel mysterious because they show up even in very clean homes—but cleanliness has almost nothing to do with them. Here’s a precise breakdown of where they come from and how they end up in your bed:
Where bed bugs come from
Bed bugs don’t just “appear”—they are introduced from outside. The most common sources are:
Travel: Hotels, lodges, buses, airplanes. They hitchhike in luggage, clothing, or shoes.
Second-hand items: Used mattresses, couches, bed frames, or even wooden furniture.
Visitors: Someone can unknowingly carry them in a bag or clothing.
Shared buildings: In flats or apartments, they can move between units through cracks, walls, or electrical conduits.
Why they end up on your mattress
They prefer to stay close to their food source (you). A mattress provides:
Warmth
Easy access to a sleeping human
Crevices (seams, piping, tags) where they can hide during the day
They don’t live only in mattresses—they also hide in:
Bed frames and headboards
Curtains and carpets
Cracks in walls or furniture
Behind pictures or plug sockets
What feeds them
Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood, mainly human blood.
They come out at night when you’re asleep
They bite, feed for a few minutes, then hide again
They are attracted by body heat and carbon dioxide (your breathing)
Why they appear even with clean linen
Cleanliness does not prevent bed bugs. You can have:
Fresh sheets
A spotless room
…and still get bed bugs if they are introduced from outside.
They’re not attracted to dirt—they’re attracted to people.
