Adult bed bugs are roughly the size of an apple seed. That’s small, but not so small that they can’t be seen by the naked eye. So to survive bed bugs have had to learn how to hide from their hosts. That talent allows them to evade detection by their hosts and survive long enough to reproduce and build their colony.
Naturally, the first place you’d think to look for bed bugs is in the bedroom. But bed bugs don’t limit themselves to hiding in beds and bed limits. They typically spread throughout a home, following where their human hosts lead.
Over the years we’ve discovered bed bugs hiding in some pretty surprising places. So let’s take a look at some of the stranger places you might find some hiding bed bugs.
1 – Stuffed Animals
You’ll find more than people and pets in a bedroom. You’ll find Teddy Bears too. In fact, most children sleep with at least one stuffed animal in their bed. Some kids have three or four plush friends to share their room. Of course these stuffed animals are more than just good company. They’re also perfect hiding places for bed bugs.
It’s worth noting here that bed bugs aren’t always found on the exterior of stuffed animals. Sometimes they will be found inside the toy itself. They work their way through the outer fabric and into the stuffing, only coming out when it’s time to feed.
Fortunately there is an easy way to deal with bed bug infested Teddy Bears. Simply washing and drying the plush toy on the hottest possible cycles will generally get rid of these unwelcome pests.
2 – Computers
Your computer may seem an unlikely place to find bed bugs, but they actually make good hiding places for these clever pests. They’re dark and warm inside. The vents offer an easy entry and exit. As far as bed bugs are concerned it’s a luxury hotel. If you find your home is infested you may want to check your laptop to make sure none of them have set up camp inside.
Something to keep in mind: Buying used computers and laptops can be a great way to save money. But like second-hand furniture it’s important to carefully inspect them before bringing them into your home. Second-hand electronics can be a source of bed bug infestations – so shop smart.
3 – Wheelchairs
Bed bugs can be found wherever you find human beings. Unfortunately, that means they can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Generally, the unwanted pests are carried into the establishment on visitors or employees. They hitch a ride in people’s purses, luggage and back packs.
Once bed bugs find their way into a building they soon find on-site hiding places. The creases and crevices of wheelchairs (not to mention hospital beds) offer fine hiding places these pests, and allow for easy access to human hosts come feeding time. It’s not unheard of for patients to actually bring bed bugs home with them after a stay in hospital.
4 – Florescent Light Fixtures
As a general rule bed bugs shun the light. At the very least they are not attracted to it. So it would seem odd to find bed bugs in a florescent light bulb. However, there have been more than a few reports of bed bug inspection services finding these pests in florescent light bulbs and in the fixtures themselves.
It’s important to note here that if you suspect you have bed bugs in a light bulb or light fixture you will want to use extreme caution when investigating the unit. Electricity is nothing to fool with if you don’t know what you’re doing. Call in an expert.
5 – Alarm Clocks
When you stop to think about it an alarm clock makes a fairly convenient hiding place for a hungry bed bug. After all, we tend to keep our alarm clocks close to our beds and that’s just where bed bugs like to hang out. They can hide inside the bedside clock until their host goes to bed and then come out to feed.
While bed bugs are rarely found in digital alarm clocks old-fashion case clocks make a welcome hiding place for a cluster of hungry pests.
Early Detection is the Key
Bed bugs are experts at hiding from their human hosts. When you’re facing an infestation it is important to act quickly. Contact a professional bed bug inspection and removal service at your earliest opportunity. Early detection and treatment is the key to beating bed bugs at their own game.
Published by Scott Palatnik
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