Unseen Activity: What Pests Do While You Sleep

As many homeowners settle into bed for the night, a hidden world of activity often begins. According to entomologists from Orkin, a leading pest control company, various common household pests become active after dark, seeking food, moisture, and nesting materials. Among the nocturnal culprits are bed bugs, which are drawn to the carbon dioxide humans exhale and the warmth of their bodies. These tiny insects typically emerge from their hiding places in mattresses and furniture to feed, using a straw-like mouthpart to draw blood while a person sleeps. Cockroaches, another prevalent night-time pest, utilize the cover of darkness to scavenge for food and moisture, frequently found in kitchens and bathrooms. Their presence often indicates available food sources and damp environments. Rodents, such as rats and mice, are also primarily nocturnal. While often unseen, their presence can be detected by scurrying sounds heard behind walls or in ceilings as they search for sustenance or materials for their nests. Orkin entomologists emphasize that while not every instance of nocturnal pest activity is immediately harmful, their consistent presence can point to larger underlying issues within a home that may require professional attention.