Where Do Bed Bugs Hide? Top 7 Spots!

From hospitality to homeowners, bed bugs distress travelers and business owners alike. These little pests are challenging to spot and can leave you dreading your sweet, sweet REM sleep every night.  

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We know that bed bugs can come from anywhere, but where do bed bugs hide, and how can you look out for these elusive bugs? Check out our blog, where we’ll discuss where you can find bed bugs and how we can help you keep your home bed bug-free!

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

While traditionally found in hotels, motels, and vacation homes, bed bugs are not confined to these spaces alone. You can find these pests in less expected areas like trains, airplanes, hospitals, and dressing rooms.

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Any location with high human traffic becomes susceptible to bed bug infestation. The more people coming and going, the higher the chances of these unwanted guests making an appearance.

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Here are a few places bed bugs may hide in your home and other locations!

Luggage and Clothing

Traveling expands the horizons for bed bugs beyond their usual habitats. Hotels and public accommodations are hubs for these hitchhiking pests, allowing them to cling to luggage or clothing and stealthily find their way into homes.

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After returning from a trip, we suggest thoroughly inspecting your luggage and washing your clothing using hot water. This will eliminate any potential invaders before they have a chance to settle in.

Wall Hangings and Decorative Items

Your pretty pictures aren’t safe, either! So, where do bed bugs hide on your walls?

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Wall hangings, picture frames, and other decorative items are premier hideouts for these pests. With close proximity to humans and relative warmth, household decorations could harbor scores of these bloodsucking insects.

Electronic Devices and Gadgets

Modern living has ushered in even more areas for bed bugs to infest. Electronic devices with intricate designs and tight spaces, such as alarm clocks, televisions, and even laptops, offer suitable hiding grounds. The warmth generated by these gadgets attracts these pests seeking refuge.

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Inspecting and cleaning these devices regularly, especially in areas prone to infestations, can help detect and prevent bed bugs from settling in these locations.

Mattress and Box Springs

Bed bugs have a knack for seeking cozy spots close to their hosts, and one of their favorite hiding places is within mattresses and box springs. Thanks to their flattened bodies, they expertly slip into the tiniest nooks and crannies, finding refuge in the seams and folds of these areas. Their strategic positioning near where people sleep grants them easy access to their preferred meal—human blood.

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Regularly inspecting your mattress is crucial to catch signs of infestation early. Keep an eye out for dark spots or tiny bloodstains on the sheets, as they could signal the presence of these unwelcome guests. Grab a flashlight and carefully examine the seams, tufts, and tags of the mattress to reveal these elusive pests.

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Furniture and Upholstery

Bed bugs aren't limited to beds; they're adept at hiding in various furniture pieces. Couches, chairs, and other upholstered items provide suitable hideouts due to their fabric and cushioning.

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Any cracks or gaps in wooden furniture also serve as potential shelters for a bed bug infestation. Regular vacuuming and thorough inspections of these items can help uncover their hiding places.

Cracks and Crevices

Bed bugs are remarkably adaptable and can hide in more than just furniture and bedding. They're experts at finding cozy spots in all sorts of nooks and crannies. You'd be surprised—baseboards, electrical outlets, and even tiny cracks in wallpaper are perfect hideouts for these resilient pests. They're masters at flattening their bodies, allowing them to sneak into spaces as thin as a credit card, making their detection quite challenging.

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Regularly checking and sealing these openings can be a game-changer in preventing bed bugs from setting up shop in these areas. However, seeking professional help might be necessary for effective elimination if you suspect an infestation.

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Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs offer an enticing refuge for bed bugs, too. They particularly favor the undersides and edges where these floor coverings meet the walls, creating convenient hiding spots. Consistent vacuuming, especially along baseboards and under furniture, is crucial in revealing these elusive pests.

Preventive Measures: Shielding Against Bed Bug Infestations

Given bed bugs' knack for concealment, it's vital to proactively safeguard against infestations. Vigilance and preventive measures are pivotal in discouraging these pests from establishing a sanctuary in your home.

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Check out these tips to know how to best protect yourself from bed bug infestations!

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• Regular Inspections: Consistently check common bed bug hiding spots. Be sure to inspect mattresses, furniture, cracks, and crevices using a flashlight to detect any signs of bed bugs.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Clutter provides additional hiding spots for bed bugs. Decluttering spaces, vacuuming regularly, and laundering bedding and clothing in hot water can deter these pests.
• Seal Hiding Spots: Seal cracks, gaps, and crevices in walls, furniture, and baseboards to prevent bed bugs from finding places to hide.
• Be Cautious During Travel: Inspect luggage and clothing after returning from trips. Wash clothes in hot water and consider storing luggage away from sleeping areas to avoid potential infestations.
• Professional Assistance: If an infestation is suspected or confirmed, seek professional pest control services for thorough eradication. DIY methods might not effectively eliminate the problem.

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If you need professional help to tackle a tough bed bug infestation, contact us! Our trained technicians can locate bed bug hiding spots and eliminate them with ease. Give us a call for targeted pest management in the Greater Puget Sound!

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