How far can bed bugs typically travel to find a host?

Bed bugs are known for their ability to travel relatively short distances in search of a host. They are primarily nocturnal feeders, which means they will typically venture out from their hiding places within a few feet in order to locate a person to feed on. The correct range of 5-20 feet is based on their behavior; they generally prefer to stay close to their source of food.

Bed bugs are capable of moving quickly over surfaces and can navigate through various environments, but they do not usually venture more than about 20 feet from their harborage sites. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide emitted by potential hosts, guiding them within this distance for successful feeding. Distances greater than this are generally beyond their typical behavioral patterns, as prolonged travel can expose them to risks, such as becoming prey to other insects.

Understanding this range is crucial for pest management, as it helps in identifying and treating infestations effectively by focusing efforts within the likely movement range of these pests.