Before homeowners can wipe out a
bedbug infestation, they need to confirm that they have a problem. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find out that
bedbugs are living in your home. In many cases, the
resident doesn’t know they have a problem until the infestation has grown significantly. With that being said, homeowners need to find out where
bedbugs hide. Once they’ve done that, they’ll be able to check these spots and identify the problem sooner. Then, they can call an exterminator and fix the problem before it worsens.
Common Hiding Places
Bedbugs are less than a quarter of an inch so they can hide in small cracks and corners.
Box Spring & Mattress
Experts argue that 90% of the
bedbugs will remain on the mattress or box spring.
Bedbugs hide here because they’re eager to stay close to their food source which is you. When someone sleeps, their body releases heat and CO2.
Bedbugs will detect these things and come out of hiding so they can eat. You’ll spend a lot of time on your mattress. As a result, bedbugs have plenty of time to eat.
Bed Frames
Besides living on mattresses and box springs, bedbugs will also spread to the bed frames. The frame is close to the mattress and it offers plenty of viable hiding places. Bedbugs are reddish-brown so they often blend in with the frame. When bedbugs hide on your frame, you know the infestation has grown significantly.
Sheets & Covers
When you have bedbugs in your home, you’re likely going to find them on your bedclothes and sheets. They can hide on covers, sheets, comforters, and pillowcases. The only good thing is that it is easier to spot bedbugs on these items. It is easier to find them on your cover than searching for them on your mattress.
Carpets
Bedbugs can hide in rugs and carpets too. They can move to the bottom of the rug and hide between the fibers. Having a rug near your bed can create problems. The bedbugs in your home may decide to hide in the rug. In some cases, they’ll exit bags you’ve placed on the floor and immediately hide on the carpet.
Couches & Chairs
These pests often hide on couches, chairs, and other furniture. They prefer staying in bedrooms so you’ll want to check the furniture in your bedroom first. They’ll hide between the cushions of the chair as well as under the pillows. They’ll also hide under these items.
Bedbugs are small enough to hide in tiny gaps and cracks.
Strange Hiding Places
Although it may seem odd, bedbugs can hide in many other hiding places. For instance, they can hide in suitcases and wall decorations. More about this will be provided below.
Luggage
Bedbugs are often found in suitcases and luggage. When spending the night at a motel, bedbugs might climb into your luggage. If this happens, they’ll stay in the bag until you get home. Many of the bugs will move to your mattress but some of them will remain in the bag.
Hanging Decorations
Hanging decorations can be great hiding places for bedbugs. Hanging pictures and paintings is a good way to add color to your bedroom. However, you’re giving the bedbugs more places to hide. They can climb your walls and hide behind these items.
Novels
Who doesn’t love reading before going to bed? If you fit into this category, you likely have several books near your bed. Unfortunately, your books can be hiding places for bedbugs. These pests sometimes hide under the protective covers on books. They can hide between the spine and binding as well
Nightstand
You might have a nightstand with an alarm clock, underwear, and socks. Your nightstand is convenient since it allows you to keep your items organized. The only issue is that it might contain bedbugs. Remove the drawers and check them carefully. You might find bedbugs hiding here.
Electronic Devices
Finally, you may find bedbugs hiding in your electronic devices. You likely have a computer or gaming console in your bedroom. Bedbugs can climb through the slots on the case and hide inside. They’ll also hide in simple electronics such as alarm clocks. If they can find a way to enter the device, they’ll do so and they’ll stay there.
Hiding items under your bed is convenient. However, you have to be cautious when storing boxes and items under your mattress. Bedbugs can enter these boxes and hide there. They’ll stay in the boxes until you go to sleep. Then, they’ll come out to eat. If you’re trying to deal with a bedbug infestation, you’ll need to treat these boxes too. Although you might be able to remedy the problem without a professional, doing so won’t be easy. With this in mind, it is best to hire a qualified bedbug exterminator.
