More often than not the first signs of a bed bug infestation are the appearance of bites and rashes. It’s only after these pests start to actively feed on members of our family that we begin to notice how they’ve invaded our personal spaces. It seems it takes a few midnight feeding sessions before we’re willing to seriously search our homes for the presence of these blood-hungry parasites.
But searching for bed bugs and finding them are often two different things. These are elusive creatures. They’re experts at concealing themselves. Even though you know they’re in your home it can be difficult to trace their hiding spaces.
Knowing Where to Look
In order to understand where bed bugs like to hide we have to first talk a little about their behavior. Bed bugs are stealthy parasites. They prey on their hosts by emerging from their hiding spaces (usually at night) and feeding in a kind of ‘hit and run’ pattern. The come out of hiding, have a quick meal, and then scurry back to their hiding spaces until it’s time to feed again.
Bed bugs will typically hide as close to their primary food source as possible. In most cases they will be found within 5 feet of their preferred host. As an infestation grows, however, clusters of bed bugs will begin to roam further away from their main food source.
It is the spreading of the colony that makes finding, and eliminating, a bed bug infestation so difficult. These pests can hide in the most remote cracks and crevices, patiently planning their next meal. If you’re going to successfully attack the infestation at its source you need to know where to search so you and your pest control professionals can meet the invasion head on.
Top 5 Bed Bug Hiding Spaces
Before you and your bed bug removal service can eliminate a bed bug infestation you first have to locate the nests. To help you track down these blood-sucking invaders we’ve compiled a list of the top five bed bug hiding spaces.
So, let’s get started…
1 Box Springs and Mattresses
Box springs and mattresses account for upwards of 35% of household bed bug hiding places. As we know bed bugs tend to feed at night, and they tend to stay as close to their prospective hosts as possible. So, naturally, it makes sense that beds and bedding would be a prime hiding spot for a hungry bed bug.
Bed bugs can sense body heat. They are also drawn to Co2 and kairomones, both of which are emitted by humans when they sleep. Since humans spend up to a third of their lives sleeping it only makes sense that the bedroom, and beds in particular, would be a bed bug hotspot.
2 Bed Frames
The cracks and crevices in wooden bed frames make for attractive hiding spaces for hungry bed bugs. Again, hiding around the headboard, footboard, and railings allows the bed bug to remain close to their host. When their host is sleeping those bed bugs can emerge from the cracks and crevices to feed. Once they have gorged themselves on blood they can safely return to their hiding spaces until their hunger returns.
3 Couches and Upholstered Furniture
Upholstered furniture is the second most common hiding place for bed bugs in the home. Again, bed bugs want to stay as close to their hosts as possible. After the bedroom we spend more time relaxing on couches and recliners as anywhere else in our homes.
Upholstered furniture is particularly attractive to bed bugs. The upholstery material makes it easy for bed bugs to gain traction. This makes it easy for bed bugs to climb up onto, and into, couches and upholstered chairs. The folds of the upholstery also provide ample hiding spaces. Remember, bed bugs and squeeze into some pretty tight places so the underside of a couch is a cinch.
4 Rugs and Carpeting
Carpeted areas in the home provide ample coverage for bed bugs. High traffic areas are the most likely to play host to nests of bed bugs. So the most commonly used rooms in your home could be hot spots. Aside from the bedroom bed bugs are likely to be found hiding in the living room, TV room or play room.
Bed bugs find their way into these high traffic areas by adhering to your shoes or by hitching a ride on bags and clothing. Once they find themselves in a suitable environment they will scout out hiding places and wait for a chance to feed on you and your family.
5 Wall Decorations
Finally, one of the least obvious hiding places for bed bugs is your home’s décor. Picture frames, wall hangings, and book nooks provide ample hiding spaces for bed bugs. While these are not the most common places for bed bugs to hide they should not be ignored when searching your home for bed bug hotspots.
Bed bugs can survive for several months between feedings. These less obvious hiding places often allow a small number of bed bugs to avoid an initial search and treatment. Once the treatment is finished these few bed bugs can emerge to start a fresh infestation. Bed bugs reproduce at an alarming rate and it only takes a few stray survivors to spark another infestation.
Contact a Professional Bed Bug Removal Service
If you fear your home has a bed bug problem the first thing you need to do is examine the most common hiding places to confirm the infestation. Immediately contact a professional bed bug inspection and removal service to address the problem. Totally eradicating a bed bug infestation can be difficult. It can take time. Speed is of the essence, and the sooner you engage a professional removal service the sooner you can return to a home that is free from bed bugs and a safe haven for you and your family.
Published by Scott Palatnik
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