Top Places Bed Bugs Hide

Bed bugs are becoming more and more well-known for a variety of things. Among them all, it has to be the fact that they are extremely cryptic that is the most documented. Regardless of what you know about bed bugs, you likely know they are cryptic pests. They are known for hiding in the shadows deep in cracks and crevices, waiting only until you are asleep to come out and feed. Given that they stay hidden during the day and only come out to feed at night, these pests can be extremely difficult to eradicate. Heck, they can be difficult to detect. Most people don’t even know they have an infestation on their hands until it’s so widespread that it requires the assistance of a professional. With the bed bug’s quick wits, small stature, and cryptic nature, it is best to know how to force these pests out of hiding. This is not only something that’ll come in handy when eliminating these pests from the property, but it’ll come in handy during the early detection stages. The earlier you find the problem, the better off you’ll be. Here’s what you need to know about where these pests hide.

Box Springs And Mattresses

With a name like bed bugs, it’s probably a pretty common assumption that these pests choose to hide in the mattress and box springs. This is one of the most common hiding spaces for these bugs, and that’s because it’ll get them close to their host and also provide quicker, easier access to feeding. These pests sense human body heat, expelled CO2, and kairomones. The fact that most people spend a third of their lives sleeping only makes the situation worse.

Cracks And Crevices In Bed Frames

Wood is a beautiful natural building material with a lot of natural properties. This is why a lot of manufacturers choose to construct furniture out of the material. That being said, it also has unique properties that make it bend, warp, and crack. Bed bugs will hide in these cracks. A lot of bed frames are constructed of wood, and they’ll burrow their small bodies deep into the cracks and crevices. Look specifically at the areas where the footboards and headboards meet the side rails. Whether it be wood or metal, these pests will choose to hide here.

Bedding/Linen

The only good thing about a bedding or linen infestation is they are much, much easier to detect. You don’t have to worry about scouring into corners and cracks. The bugs will likely be sitting right there on top of the sheets. In these types of infestations, you can also keep an eye out for reddish-brown stains. This will be an excellent indication of an infestation.

Rugs And Carpets

Rugs and carpets provide a kind of warmth and comfort that other materials can’t. This is why most people choose to install them in the bedroom. This is one of the reasons that bed bugs choose to take up residence in these areas. Rugs and carpets provide just enough comfort for these critters. They usually find their way here away unhitching from shoes or luggage placed on the ground.

Couches And Upholstered Furniture

People oftentimes install couches and other upholstered furniture items in their bedrooms. This is one of the reasons these pests choose to take up residence here, but the main reason is that they provide thousands of hiding spaces within one. Just think about all the spaces a bed bug can hide within a couch or piece of furniture. There are the armrests, under the padding, around the feet, and tons of other potentials. This is why you hear a lot of stories of people bringing infested furniture into their homes.

Other Known Hiding Locations That Might Be Surprising

These spots mentioned above are some of the most well-known locations for bed bugs. That doesn’t mean those are the only spots they’ll hide. They’re not, as there are tons of other locations bed bugs will hang out. These locations will probably be more surprising and knowing them could be the difference between early detection and a lingering infestation.

Luggage/Suitcases

The last thing anyone needs is to come home from a week or two long-vacation to discover they brought an uninvited guest back with them. If this is the case, it’s highly likely you brought that infestation back via your luggage. Bed bugs will latch right onto these pieces, ride them into the home, and unlatch once the pieces are placed on the ground. This is when they will make themselves at home. Not something anyone wants!

Wall Decorations

Beautiful wall decorations or family portraits can tie some rooms together so nicely. While this is the case, these items oftentimes also provide the perfect environmental conditions for bed bugs. They are dark and damp and close to the bed bug’s host.

Books

When you sit down to read a book, you want to enjoy a good story not a good scare from an unsuspecting pest. Unfortunately, this could be the case you find yourself looking at in an infested home. That being said, these bugs are more likely to burrow into the front covers and spines, rather than on the pages themselves.

Nightstands

Dark, damp, close to the bedroom, and access to tons of hiding spots. What’s not to love about the nightstand? They make the perfect residence for a bed bug. You’ll usually find at least one or two of these pieces installed in every bedroom so that doesn’t help either.

Electronics

There might be two or three nightstands in every bedroom these days, but think of the sheer number of electronics in the home? Things become even more troubling when you learn that bed bugs oftentimes take up residence in them, potentially shorting out the circuit boards. It’s the heat they are after from the items. Any item stored in the bedroom or under the bed is likely going to be susceptible to a bed bug infestation. These critters can be ruthless when they invade the home, and it doesn’t take long before their number grow to be overwhelming. This is why it is always best to hit the infestation as early as possible, although finding the detection early will be extremely difficult. Simply put, at the first thought of a bed bug infestation, get a pro on the phone and have them come out to assess the property.