Fall into Bed Bug Season: Understanding Why Infestations Increase in Autumn

October 8, 2024

As the leaves turn and the temperatures drop, there’s one unwelcome guest that many homeowners in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan might find sneaking into their homes: bed bugs. These tiny, elusive pests seem to thrive during the autumn months, leading to a noticeable spike in infestations. Understanding the reasons behind this seasonal surge can help you better prepare and protect your home from these persistent invaders. We are going to review why fall is bed bug season and provide a refresher as to some of the signs that your home may have an infestation.

Why Bed Bugs Are More Active in the Fall

As we have reviewed before, bed bugs are a year-round pest; however, they are a big problem in the fall. Several factors contribute to why the colder months are bed bug season and why there is an increase in bed bug activity during the fall. These include:

Temperature and Environment: Bed bugs are highly sensitive to temperature changes. As the weather cools, they seek out warmer environments to survive and thrive. Homes, with their consistent warmth, become ideal habitats for these pests. The drop in outdoor temperatures drives bed bugs to migrate indoors, where they can find a stable climate and a steady food source.
Increased Travel: Fall often coincides with the end of summer vacations and the beginning of the holiday season. Increased travel means more people are staying in hotels, motels, and other accommodations, which are common hotspots for bed bugs. These pests can easily hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, and personal belongings, spreading to new locations with ease. Once back home, bed bugs can quickly establish a new infestation.
School and College Dormitories: The start of the school year brings students back to dormitories, a notorious breeding ground for bed bugs. National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky found that bed bug infestations are on the rise in many types of dwellings, including college settings. In fact, 54% of pest professionals surveyed had treated bed bug infestations in college dorms in 2011, when the most recent survey was completed. Close living quarters and frequent movement of students create an environment where bed bugs can easily transfer from one room to another. Students returning home for weekend visits or holidays may inadvertently bring bed bugs with them, introducing these pests to their family homes.
Holiday Preparations: As families prepare for the upcoming holiday season, they often engage in activities like bringing out stored decorations and rearranging furniture. These actions can disturb hidden bed bugs, causing them to become more active and noticeable. Additionally, visiting family and friends can unknowingly bring bed bugs into your home, contributing to the spread of infestations.

A Refresher on the Signs of Bed Bugs

When it comes to bed bug season, recognizing the signs of a bed bug infestation early can help you take prompt action to eliminate these pests. Here’s a quick refresher on what to look for:

Bite Marks: Bed bug bites typically appear as small, red, itchy welts on the skin, often in a line or cluster. They are usually found on exposed areas of the body, such as the arms, legs, and neck.
Blood Stains: Small blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases can be a sign of bed bugs. These stains occur when bed bugs are crushed after feeding.
Fecal Spots: Bed bugs leave behind dark, rusty-colored fecal spots on mattresses, bedding, and walls. These spots are a telltale sign of an infestation.
Shed Skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons. Finding these shed skins around your sleeping area is a strong indication of bed bug activity.
Musty Odor: A heavy infestation of bed bugs can produce a musty, sweet odor, similar to the smell of overripe raspberries.