Thanks to the Internet, you can get a lot of misleading information when it comes to
bed bugs. However, you will never hear anyone say that the critters aren’t cryptic. This is because
bed bugs are amongst, without a doubt, some of the most difficult to eliminate. They are perhaps one of the most quick-witted insects that you’ll ever deal with.
Bed bugs will go out of their way to avoid detection and elimination. There have even been reported cases, where these pests changed their sleeping patterns to match that of their hosts. It doesn’t matter whether you sleep during the day or at night, these bugs will adapt so they can feed on you while you sleep.
Combine this with their small size and the fact that you spend a third of your life in bed, and it just makes the situation all that more troubling. A lot of times just determining an infestation takes knowing where to look. What are some of the common hiding spots for these bugs?
Common Hiding Spots For Bed Bugs
Box Springs And Mattresses
Give the name
bed bugs, it probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone that
bed bugs like to hide in the mattress or box spring. This is usually their number one go-to choice for residence because they can sense human body
heat, expelled CO2, and kairomones. They’ll hide deep in the corners of box springs and mattresses
Cracks And Crevices In Bed Frames
Wood is a beautiful building material with a lot of natural warmth. The only problem is it cracks, bends, and warps over the years. While there is nothing particularly wrong with this, it does oftentimes create cracks and openings. This is why you will see a lot of wooden frames cracked with crevices. Unfortunately, this creates unique hiding spots for
bed bugs. With their small size and innate ability to squeeze into tight spaces, they can high in some of the most unimaginable spaces.
Bedding And Bed Linen
If
bed bugs are going to hide in your mattresses and box frames, of course, they’re going to take up residence in your sheets and linens. The only good thing about these types of infestations is, they are much easier to spot. It’s much easier to spot a
bed bug crawling around on a sheet rather than burrowed deep into a crack. This doesn’t necessarily mean elimination will be that much easier, but at least you’ll know what you are dealing with. Also, keep an eye out for stains and musty smells, as these will be signs of a direct infestation.
Rugs, Mats, And Carpets
Rugs and carpets aren’t always a go-to residence for bed bugs, but they won’t shy away from these areas. One of the reasons they prefer these spots is because rugs and carpets are commonly found in the sleep quarters of the property. It is not uncommon for these bugs to find themselves on these surfaces by unhitching from shoes and bags that have been left on the floor.
Couches, Sofas, And Love Seats
Couches and upholstered furniture items are like a haven for bed bugs. Just think of all the potential hiding spaces within one piece of furniture. There are the cushions, under the legs, in the padding, in the armrests, and tons of other potential hiding spots. All these areas provide a good safe place where the bugs can hang out until it is safe to feed.
Surprising Spots Bed Bugs Might Hide
The places mentioned above are just some of the known likely hiding spots for bed bugs. There are also other places that these bugs choose to take up residence that most people would never think to look. And, it’s knowing these spots that make all the difference in the world. Knowing these spots and where to look could be the major difference between living with an infestation getting it eliminated.
Luggage/ Suitcases
Who wants to arrive home after a week or two-long trip only to discover that they’ve brought home a new, uninvited friend with them? No one does, but, unfortunately, this is becoming a more and more common occurrence. This is because luggage and suitcases are excellent hiding spots for bed bugs. They are similar to that of couches and upholstered furniture, as they provide several hiding spots within one. A bug can easily latch onto one of the items, ride them into the home, and unlatch at the most opportune time.
Wall Decorations
Got a beautiful family portrait hanging above the bed that ties the room together nicely? Well, you might think twice about hanging it once you discover that it could be the perfect residence for bed bugs. Brings new thought to purchasing second-hand art, doesn’t it? This doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of these beautiful items. It just means you’ll want to double-check them and inspect them thoroughly before hanging them in the home. These items usually provide idea environmental living conditions and are reasonably located to sleeping hosts.
Books And Magazines
No one wants to sit down to enjoy one of their favorites only to have bed bugs jump out at them. Unfortunately, this could be a potential scenario in an infected home. However, bed bugs are not likely to live between the pages. More often than not they’ll choose to burrow into the spines and front cover pages. Either way, these are not conditions one wants to contend with.
Nightstands And Bedside Tables
Nightstands are essential items for any bedroom. They provide a place to store clothes, pictures, and other essentials. That can, however, also be perfect environmental hosts for bed bugs. They are dark and oftentimes damp, creating the perfect dwelling conditions for the bed bug. In addition to this, there are always at least one or two of these items in the bedroom.
Electronics
These days homes are filled with more electronics than ever before. This can be frightening when you consider the fact that bed bugs can hide in these spots. That’s right, bed bugs will burrow deep into your iPads, iPods, laptops, and gaming systems. It’s the heat from the electrical components that attract them. This is not such a good thing because if too many bugs try to get to the heat in these items, it will cause shorts.
