The bed bug “Cimex lectularius” is a tiny insect, with a body that replicates an apple seed. Bed bugs are regarded as one of the most prolific parasites, followed by the tick and flea. Unlike the tick and flea, the bed bug prefers human blood to animal blood. The insect species is one of only a few that is described as “wingless.” Some former and current victims are thankful the insect does not have flying capabilities. If you were or are a victim, you would feel the same because bed bugs are active enough without the ability to fly.
It is important to not mistake the bed bug for other insect species. The insect does not infiltrate residential and commercial establishments through exterior-to-interior access points. Instead, the bed bug is unknowingly invited into the home by a visitor or occupant.
Bed bugs travel in suitcases, backpacks, overnight bags, backpacks, purses, jackets, shoes, and other accessories. Most bed bug and human encounters take place in travel accommodations, such as motels, hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts. Other bed bug encounters have taken place in college dorms, medical centers, public schools, and skilled nursing facilities.
Immediately upon arrival at your home, the bed bug will initiate a search for a hiding place. Bed bugs are unlike any other insect species, as they can adapt to their victim’s routine. Even though the insect is nocturnal, active at night, it can easily transition to a daytime sleeper. Why? Well, it mainly has to do with the insect’s survival instincts. Bed bugs know if they are not discrete, they will eventually be exterminated.
What Is The Bed Bug’s Most Common Hiding Place?
This is important information, especially for frequent travelers. Knowing where bed bugs hid will play in the traveler’s favor. This data can be applied to visual inspections of temporary and permanent hiding places.Mattress And Box Springs
Bed bugs feel the need to be within proximity to their hosts, which is how they oftentimes end up seeking refuge in the mattress. When the mattress becomes overcrowded, some bed bugs will be forced out to the surrounding areas. This is where the box springs come into play. Bed bugs utilize their antennas to pinpoint their hosts’ beds, which is not always a traditional bed. The insect relies on its antennas to detect heat and carbon dioxide, generated by humans while sleeping. So, bed bugs can easily find their new host’s sleeping spot, whether it be a sofa, recliner, cot, or daybed.Bed Frame
You must check your bed frame carefully because bedbugs often hide here. These pests want to stay close to you so they can suck your blood easily. The bed frame is a good hiding place since it is close to their primary food source. Once you’ve examined the frame, you’ll know whether your home is infested.Bedclothes
Besides hiding on your mattress, bedbugs can also hide on your bedclothes. For instance, you’ll have to check your quilts, sheets, covers, and pillowcases. These pests can hide anywhere, including these spots. The good news is that it’ll be easier to spot them on your comforter. Once you’ve done them here, call a professional and get rid of them.Carpets & Rugs
Having carpet in your bedroom is convenient and comfortable. You can spread out on your carpet and rest comfortably. However, you must understand that bedbugs can hide in rugs and carpets. If you think bedbugs are living in your home, you need to check between the fibers of the carpet. When it gets dark, they’ll climb out of the carpet and up the leg of your bed. Then, they’re going to suck your blood.Couches, Chairs, And Other Furniture
You likely have couches and furniture in your home. They’ll keep you comfortable while you’re reading and watching television. Just remember that these items can be used by bedbugs. If you have a chair or sofa in your bedroom, there is a good chance that it contains bedbugs. They can hide under the cushions of the chair. You’re also going to find them underneath the furniture. You might need to flip the chair over to look for them. Above, you learned about the most common places bedbugs hide in residences. Remember that there are more places they hide. They often hide in odd places you’ve never thought about.Odd Places You’ll Find Bedbugs
You must remember that bedbugs often hide in unexpected places. They’ll hide in odd places that you likely didn’t think about. Below, you’ll find out more about their unique hiding places.Luggage
When you go traveling, you’re going to take your clothes in some luggage. At the motel, you’ll set your luggage on the ground and remove your clothes from it. If bedbugs climb inside of your bag in the middle of the night, you’re likely going to take the pests home with you. You don’t want this to happen, but it could. You’ll take your bag inside and the infestation will begin. Some bedbugs will leave the bag, but others will not. Therefore, you may find a few bedbugs inside of your travel bag. Be sure to dry all of your clothes when you return home to eliminate bedbugs hiding there.Wall Decorations
Do you have decorations hanging on your walls? Your wall decorations could contain bedbugs. These pests can easily climb furniture and walls. Therefore, they might climb your wall and hide behind your painting or picture. If you suspect you have bedbugs, you should remove the paintings from your bedroom walls and check behind them. When doing so, you might find bedbugs hiding between the canvas and the stretcher bar.Books, Magazines, And Other Reading Materials
Bedbugs can hide in your novels as well. Reading before bed is a good way to prepare for sleep. Once you’ve finished reading, you’ll be ready to fall into a deep slumber. You’ll place your book nearby. If this is something you do regularly, you might find bedbugs in your novel. Bedbugs can hide in several places in the book, including under the protective cover. They’ll also hide in the small gap between the book’s binding and spine. Check your books for bedbugs.Nightstand
Having a nightstand next to your bed can be convenient, but it can be another hiding place for bedbugs. Therefore, it is pertinent to check the nightstand carefully. If the furniture is reddish-brown, you’ll have trouble spotting the bedbugs since they’ll blend in with it. Be sure to check the drawers and all crevices.Electronic Devices
Remember that bedbugs can hide in certain electronic devices. They can hide inside the television in your bedroom. If you have a computer near your bed, they’ll hide there too. However, they prefer hiding in smaller, simpler electronics. Most people have an alarm clock next to their beds. You can guarantee that bedbugs are going to hide here. By taking the device apart, you can find a bunch of bedbugs hiding inside. You might store items under your bed as well. If the items are not stored in durable boxes, there is a good chance that bedbugs are going to get inside. Unfortunately, this will make matters even worse. Therefore, it is wise to make sure that the items under your bed are stored in airtight containers. Check the lid to ensure it is tightly closed. Although these are the most common hiding places for bedbugs, there will be a lot more. You need to be ready to deal with these bests. Once you’ve found them in your home, pick up the phone and call our Chicago office. We’ll always be ready to tackle and fix the problem. In addition to this, our technicians can give you a free quote over the phone. Why Hire Us?- We are a locally owned and operated Chicago-based business
- We hire the most qualified exterminators in the Illinois pest control industry
- Our prices are fair and competitive
