The sneaky, nighttime pests called bed bugs are famous for being able to hide in plain sight. Even though mattresses are a popular place for these sneaky bugs to live, you can also find them in other strange places. To get rid of an infestation effectively, you need to find places where they like to hide other than the mattress.
1. The seams and folds of upholstered furniture
Bed bugs are very good at getting into cars and furniture. They often get into the seams and folds of cushioned furniture. These bugs can hide in a lot of places, like sofas, chairs, and other fabric-covered items. They can even set up satellite colonies outside the bedroom.
2. Wall Cracks and Holes
Bed bugs are active at night and like to stay close to their hosts, but not always in the bed. They like to hide in wall cracks and gaps, especially near where people sleep. Check the baseboards, power outlets, and any other places that could be holes.
3. Behind wallpaper and paint that’s coming off
The ends of peeling wallpaper and layers of old paint are great places for bed bugs to hide. They can fit into the smallest spaces, which means that even places that don’t seem important could be breeding grounds for them.
4. Bags and backpacks
Bed bugs are known to move. Check your bags and luggage carefully when you get back from a trip. These bugs can stick to your things while you’re in a hotel or on public transportation and then move into your home.
5. Things that use electricity
Bed bugs are drawn to electrical tools because they make them warm. Common things around the house, like alarm clocks, computers, and bedside lamps, can be homes to these bugs. Check the seams and electrical parts of these kinds of gadgets.
6. Picture frames and things to put on the wall
Decorative things on your walls could be hiding people you don’t want to see. Bed bugs can hide behind picture frames, on the inside of wall art, and even in the structure of furniture. Check these places often to catch any infestation early.
7. Rugs and carpet edges
Carpets and rugs, especially the edges, are cozy places for bed bugs to hide. The dark, quiet spots next to walls become good places to live. By vacuuming and steam cleaning these places often, you can help keep bed bugs away.
8. Things that belong to you on the floor
Bed bugs can get into clothes, bags, and other personal things that are left on the floor. These bugs can quickly move from the floor to nearby furniture, giving them many places to hide in a room.
9. Blinds and drapes
The bends and pleats of curtains and drapes give bed bugs places to hide. Launder or dry clean these things often, especially if they are near where you sleep.
Ten. Books and Shelves
Bed bugs can hide in places you might not expect, like bookcases. Check the edges, the bindings, and the space between the books. You might want to keep the resting area clear of too much stuff so that there are fewer places where they could hide.
To get rid of bed bugs for good, people need to check more than just the mattress. You can find and get rid of an infestation before it spreads if you are careful, clean often, and keep an eye out for these typical hiding places. Remember that the best way to fight bed bugs is to find them early.