Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Detecting bed bugs early is important because early-stage infestations are easier and less costly to treat than widespread ones. However, identifying infestations early can be challenging because bed bugs are nocturnal pests that come out at night to feed on human blood. During the day, bed bugs stay hidden when there are no hosts to feed on. When they aren’t active, they typically hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, couches, dressers, linens, and other furniture. As their population grows, these spaces become oversaturated and bed bugs are forced to move into more concealed areas like wall voids, inside electrical outlets, and beneath baseboards. Their tiny size and ability to squeeze into spaces thinner than a credit card make just about any gap, crack, or crevice a hiding spot they can occupy. Once you know you have an active bed bug infestation, you can check the areas where they are most likely to be hidden and take appropriate steps to address the infestation.

Do Bed Bugs Stay Hidden During the Day?

Bed bugs are nocturnal pests known for feeding on human blood. They are normally active at night because this is when their hosts are most likely close by and laying still enough for the bed bugs to feed on. During the day, their hosts are typically active and not around, so bed bugs usually spend this time hidden. When they are waiting, bed bugs will find locations close to where their hosts will rest so they can be ready to come out and feed when their hosts return. The locations closest to their hosts are usually the seams of a mattress, the fabric folds of a box spring, and the gaps in wooden bed frames. They utilize their flat bodies to conceal themselves in these thin spaces. This ability to hide in the tiniest of crevices makes spotting bed bugs during daylight hours quite challenging without knowing the specific signs to look for.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide in the House?

Bed bugs are elusive pests that can hide in a wide variety of places in a house. Their small, flat bodies enable them to fit into very narrow spaces. Common hiding spots for bed bugs include:

• Mattresses and Box Springs: Seams, tags, and under labels are typical hideouts for bed bugs.
• Bed Frames and Headboards: They can conceal themselves in the joints where 2 pieces of wood meet as well as any cracks or crevices found in the bed frame.
• Upholstered Furniture: Seams of couches and chairs and beneath cushions are all common areas where bed bugs can be deposited and hide.
• Wooden Furniture: Dressers, cabinets, and drawers all have joints and screw holes which make the perfect place for bed bugs to disappear into.
• Wall Fixtures: Behind wallpaper, wall hangings, behind baseboards, in the junction where the wall meets the ceiling, and behind mirrors are all normal places where bed bugs hide.
• Textiles: In the folds of curtains, linens, clothing, and carpets are all hiding places used by bed bugs.
• Electrical and Appliance Areas: Bed bugs are attracted to warmth, so they are often found inside electrical outlets and appliances.
• Personal Items: Bed bugs can hide in books, luggage, shoes, and other personal belongings, especially after traveling.

Bed bugs tend to stay close to their feeding areas (usually beds), but as an infestation grows, they can spread to various parts of a home in search of other sources of food. It's important to thoroughly inspect these common hiding places if you suspect an infestation.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide in Mattresses?

Bed bugs have a preference for hidden, dark areas in and around beds which make mattresses one of their most common hiding spots. They are often found in the seams and folds of the mattress because they can easily conceal themselves and remain close to their food source. Bed bugs are elusive during daylight and are less likely to be seen on the mattress surface. If there are openings in the mattress, such as rips or tears, bed bugs may also take refuge inside the mattress and stay hidden between feedings.



Bed bugs also frequently inhabit box springs beneath the mattress. The fabric covering box springs is prone to tearing which provides easy access for bed bugs to enter and hide. These pests also use these locations to strategically lay their eggs. This behavior highlights the importance of regularly inspecting these areas especially if you suspect a bed bug presence in your home.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide Their Eggs?

Understanding where bed bugs deposit their eggs is important to addressing and preventing infestations. Female bed bugs lay their eggs in hidden, protected areas that are as close as possible to a potential food source so newly hatched bed bug nymphs can easily find food. Common egg-laying sites include the seams and tags of mattresses and box springs in addition to the crevices and wooden joints of bed frames and headboards. The females produce a sticky substance that helps the eggs adhere to these surfaces which ensures they remain in place. Bed bug eggs are slightly larger than a grain of salt and are pale white in color which makes them hard to see against light colored bedding and mattresses. 

Do Bed Bugs Hide on Your Body?

Bed bugs, unlike some other parasites like ticks, do not live or hide on the human body for extended periods. They are attracted to and feed on stationary humans that are sleeping so it is rare that a bed bug will stay on an active person for long. Bed bugs do not attach themselves to the skin, but they can inadvertently be carried by humans on personal items like clothing, luggage, or backpacks. 

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide in Public Places?

Bed bugs need to be carried by people or objects to spread to new locations. They do so by hitchhiking on unsuspecting carriers that may spend a moment in an already infested area. Bed bugs can be carried onto and shed in various public places where there is frequent human activity. From here, they can latch onto new hosts that will then carry them on into their homes or businesses. Common hiding spots in public areas include:

• Transportation Seats: bed bugs can be deposited in taxis, buses, and airplanes, where they hide in upholstery, carpeting, and seat frame gaps.
• Hotel & Motel Rooms: This is the most common place for people to pick up bed bugs. They can be found in beds, furniture, and luggage areas.
• Movie Theaters: People that frequent movie theaters sit long enough for bed bugs to crawl off in the cushions and seams of seats.
• Workplace Areas: Chairs in break rooms and upholstered furniture in offices or lounges can have an infestation if one employee is a carrier.
• Luggage Storage Areas: Anywhere luggage or personal belongings are kept can help spread bed bugs. This can happen in airplane luggage holds and hotel lobbies.
• Nursing Homes: Due to the communal nature and visiting families, nursing homes can easily be infested.
• Educational Institutions: College dorms, schools, and daycares can all spread bed bugs if even one student is a carrier.
• Medical Facilities: Hospitals, emergency rooms, and waiting areas can hold seats that are infested by someone that introduces bed bugs.

To minimize the risk of encountering bed bugs in these places, precautions such as keeping personal items like purses in your lap, placing luggage on hard, uncarpeted surfaces in hotel rooms, and regularly inspecting seating areas can be effective. Although infestations in locations like schools, daycares, and workplaces are relatively rare compared to places where people sleep or rest, staying vigilant is key to preventing the spread of bed bugs.

How to Check for Bed Bugs

When checking for bed bugs, a systematic approach focusing on their common hiding places is essential. Equip yourself with a flashlight and a screwdriver for a detailed inspection. Begin by examining all bedroom furnishings, including beds, chairs, and couches. Be sure to pay close attention to seams, cushions, and areas where fabric meets the legs. Bed bugs can also hide along the perimeter of the room around the edges of carpets, behind baseboards, and along tack strips. You may need to gently peel back carpet edges for a closer inspection.

Thoroughly inspect your dresser, starting by emptying all drawers and checking the edges of the drawers where the wood joints meet. Take all of the belongings from a drawer and wash and dry them on high heat to kill any bed bugs. Once the drawers are empty, remove them to check underneath and along their edges. Shine your flashlight inside the dresser, focusing on the runners and internal edges. Bed bugs prefer to stay close to where humans rest, so concentrate on areas and furniture near your bed. Use the same logic for any other locations where you spend extended periods stationery like computer chairs and couches. A meticulous inspection of these areas is key to locating bed bugs and effectively beginning the elimination process.

Signs of Bed Bug Activity

Bed bug infestations are typically discovered through a combination of physical signs and visual evidence. One of the most common indicators of their presence is the appearance of bites on the skin. Bed bug bites typically manifest as raised or flat red spots that may be arranged in clusters or zigzag patterns. These bites are usually itchy and uncomfortable.

In addition to the bites, bed bugs leave behind distinct signs of their activity.

• Blood stains on bedding are common and are a result of their bites bleeding or the bugs being smashed after feeding.
• You might also find rust-colored excrement spots on your bed, bedding, and walls.
• In more severe infestations, the presence of bed bugs, their eggs, and shed skins become visible.
• Another sign is a musty odor in the infested area.

What Should You Do if You Find Bed Bugs?

If you discover bed bugs in your home, the best approach is to hire a professional to handle the problem. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to treat, and each infestation needs to be treated seriously. DIY attempts risk not only not being effective, but they can also spread the infestation further as well as allow the infestation to grow. A qualified exterminator will conduct a thorough inspection to identify all the places bed bugs are hiding and formulate a comprehensive treatment plan to eradicate them. If you're in an apartment, it's crucial to inform your landlord or building manager immediately so they can bring in a professional to treat the property and the surrounding apartments.

Contact EcoGuard if You Are Dealing with Bed Bugs

Dealing with bed bugs can be a stressful and challenging experience, requiring prompt and effective solutions. If you're facing a bed bug infestation, don't hesitate to reach out to EcoGuard Pest Management. Our team of experienced professionals is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to efficiently identify and eradicate bed bugs from your home. We offer comprehensive inspection and treatment plans tailored to your specific situation to ensure that your living space becomes bed bug-free. For expert assistance and peace of mind, contact EcoGuard Pest Management today and take the first step towards resolving your bed bug concerns.

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