Category: bed bugs

Hidden Haunts: Unmasking Common Bed Bug Hiding Places in Your Home

Hidden Haunts: Unmasking Common Bed Bug Hiding Places in Your Home

Bed bugs, those pesky nocturnal vampires, can turn even the sweetest dreams into itchy nightmares.

But before you start picturing them crawling all over your walls, take a deep breath. Identifying their hideouts is the first step to reclaiming your sleep sanctuary.

So, grab your flashlight and magnifying glass, because we’re about to embark on a thrilling (and slightly creepy) expedition into the secret lives of bed bugs.

Hunting Down All Your Bedroom’s Bed Bug Hideouts

Bed Bug Hiding Places by Percentage and Location

LocationPercentage (%)Sublocations
Mattress & Box Spring40-50%Seams, folds, piping, tufts, underside, headboard/footboard
Upholstered Furniture20-30%Couches, chairs, ottomans, cushions, seams, folds, undersides
Luggage & Travel Items10-15%Suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, seams, zippers, corners
Baseboards & Moldings5-10%Cracks, crevices, behind loose boards
Electronics5-7%Clocks, radios, lamps, plugs, cords, crevices
Other Locations3-5%Bed frames, nightstands, drawers, closets, curtains, walls (near beds), light fixtures

Notes:

  • These percentages are approximate and can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the specific layout of the living space.
  • Bed bugs prefer locations close to their food source (humans) and are more likely to be found in bedrooms or areas where people spend a lot of time.
  • While less common, bed bugs can also hide in unexpected places like picture frames, books, and even inside electrical outlets. Recently someone even shared a post on Twitter of bed bug exoskeletons, molted shells, and bed bug droppings inside their bedside firearm for home defense!

Luggage Land:

Ah, the souvenirs you brought back from that exotic trip – not just trinkets and memories, but potentially some unwelcome hitchhikers too. Bed bugs love hitching rides in suitcases, especially along seams, zippers, and corners.

So, before unpacking, thoroughly inspect your luggage, paying special attention to these areas.

Furniture Frenzy:

The cozy haven of your bed is a bed bug’s dream come true. They’ll snuggle into the deepest, darkest corners of your mattress and box spring, especially along the piping, seams, and tags. Don’t forget the bed frame and headboard – cracks and crevices are their playgrounds.

Beyond the bed, upholstered furniture like couches and armchairs offer ample nooks for them to hide. Check the cushions, seams, and underneath the furniture, especially where the fabric meets the frame.

Electronics Extravaganza:

Don’t be fooled by the cool, buzzing hum of your electronics – bed bugs might be joining the party! They’re surprisingly adept at squeezing into the nooks and crannies of clocks, radios, and even bedside lamps. Inspect around plugs, cords, and any openings on the devices.

Beyond the Usual Hiding Place Suspects:

While these are the usual haunts, remember, bed bugs are resourceful little critters. They might lurk in unexpected places like:

  • Baseboards and moldings: The thin gap between the wall and the trim is a perfect hideaway.
  • Behind loose wallpaper and wall hangings: They love the undisturbed darkness these areas offer.
  • Inside drawers and closets: Clothes and clutter provide ample camouflage.
  • Electrical outlets and light fixtures: Even these seemingly electrified spots can attract them.

Well, did you find any? If you did, your next step it to do something meaningful to eliminate them. While you may be tempted to get a bed bug exterminator, there are actually natural bed bug killers like the kind they have at DE!.

Inspection Tips for Tracking Down Bed Bug Pests

Now that you know where to look, let’s turn you into a seasoned bed bug detective. Here are some tips for a thorough inspection:

  • Shine a light: Bed bugs shy away from light, so a flashlight is your best friend.
  • Use a magnifying glass: Those tiny buggers can be sneaky, so zoom in to spot potential signs like bloodstains, eggs, or shed exoskeletons.
  • Check for dark spots: Look for rust-colored stains on mattresses, furniture, or walls – these could be bed bug droppings.
  • Don’t forget the corners: They love tight spaces, so pay special attention to corners, folds, and crevices.
  • Enlist the help of a canine: Specially trained bed bug detection dogs can sniff out even the most hidden infestations.

Remember, early detection is key to battling a bed bug infestation. By knowing where to look and how to inspect, you can take back control of your home and sleep soundly, knowing those creepy crawlies have been banished to the realm of nightmares.

Bonus Tip: If you suspect a bed bug infestation, don’t panic! Contact a professional pest control service immediately. They have the expertise and tools to eliminate these unwanted guests for good.

So, the next time you think about bed bugs, don’t let fear paralyze you. Arm yourself with knowledge, grab your inspection gear, and become the master of your domain. Remember, a little vigilance goes a long way in keeping those hidden haunts bed bug-free!

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional pest control advice. Always consult with a qualified pest control professional if you suspect a bed bug infestation.

Avoiding bed bugs at all costs

photo of bed bug bites covering man's back and arms

According to the (CDC) Bedbugs are small parasites who feed on peoples and animals’ blood as they sleep which can spread certain diseases. They have infested our homes and become quite complicated to deal with.

The pest control experts say that this is because they are too tiny and can be located in any and all places, though they are hard to spot.

However, they have made it clear that the presence of bedbugs does not necessarily imply that you are not clean. However being tidy and organized will help you prevent bed bugs or fight them

Bed Bug Prevention Regimen

In one instance, Straten Schemel confirmed that bed bugs were not the main cause of the breakup between himself and his ex-girlfriend but played a huge role in their breakup. He added that most of the time during evacuation so that their apartment could be treated, fights between them erupted.

When the two moved to San Francisco Launch apartments, they were initially free of bedbugs. Days later, bedbugs had invaded their premises and they were forced to store their luggage such as clothing and bedding in the car. They took all the usual precautions including washing their beddings with extreme heat treatment.

They packed their luggage to the store room when the management came to treat the bugs and this became a habit. As he describes, it became living out of the boxes. He moved from the apartment after the lease had expired, but he admitted that he gets phantom sensation of bedbugs crawling across the skin.

The apartment was later treated for bedbugs.

The management contacted pest control and they adhered to the standards, treating the unit three times. No bedbugs were found and the issue was isolated to the one apartment. There was an apparent re-infestation of the same resident’s apartment in March 2016, which was treated following the same protocol. From that day, there issue of bedbugs has never been encountered again.

That instance clearly explains that the prevalence of bed bugs at homes and apartments has become a bigger issue. Therefore it is important to know how to avoid and how to deal with bedbugs.

How to deal with (and stop) bed bugs

Clear bedbugs hiding places – Since bedbugs are mostly found in hiding places, it is important to regularly wash and heat your beddings and any clothing that touches the floor.

Know how bedbugs look like – look for the signs of bedbugs such as reddish spots on mattress, tiny eggs and eggshells, and dark sport that look like pen ink

When dealing with bedbugs, be calm and gentle. In the presence of bedbugs, do not panic, be relaxed and take the necessary measures.

Unpack immediately – since bedbugs prefer hiding places, it is important to unpack your luggage and heat in the dryer for about 30 minutes.

Do a thorough inspection on your hotel room and apartment. Before you settle for a hotel it is important to look for bedbugs on coaches and armchairs.

Ensure that your suitcase is off the floor since bedbugs will cling on it and will find breeding places inside your suitcase.

Bed Bug Extermination is Costly

Sometimes it’s best just to use an all-natural safe solution like they provide at Defensive End rather than spend 100’s or even thousands with a bed bug exterminator, or waiting for your landlord to do something about the problem. Many landlords don’t have the budget to treat an entire apartment unit.

Conclusion

Due to the prevalence of bedbugs in homes and workplaces, it is important to know the measures to take to prevent them and how to stop bedbugs in case you see them.