Want to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Your Home? Start Your Search in These 19 Places
Bed bugs are small, elusive pests that love to hide in dark, tight spaces. They can be tough to spot, but knowing where to look increases your chances of finding them before an infestation becomes overwhelming.
If you’re dealing with a bed bug problem—or just want to be proactive in prevention—there are several key places in your home where these critters tend to hide. Here are 19 spots you should check thoroughly to ensure your home remains bed bug-free.
Mattress Seams
The seams of your mattress are prime real estate for bed bugs. These tiny insects can easily crawl into the crevices of the seams, where they hide and reproduce.
To check, carefully inspect both sides of your mattress with a flashlight. Look for dark spots (which could be bed bug droppings), eggs, or even the bugs themselves.
Box Spring
Your box spring is another common hiding spot for bed bugs. They love to settle into the cracks and joints of the wood or metal frame.
To inspect this area, lift the mattress and check the underside of the box spring for any signs of infestation. It’s important to look at both the interior and exterior.
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Bed Frame Joints
Bed bugs can find comfort in the joints and crevices of your bed frame, especially if it’s made of wood or metal. These areas are often overlooked during cleaning, making them a perfect hiding spot.
Inspect each joint closely with a magnifying glass, paying attention to any small dark marks or live bugs.
Headboard
Many people forget to check the headboard, but it can be a prime location for bed bugs. These insects often hide in the cracks or behind the headboard itself.
If your bed frame has a removable headboard, take it off and look behind it for any signs of activity.
Upholstered Furniture
Bed bugs are known to seek refuge in upholstered furniture like sofas, armchairs, and even throw pillows. Check seams, folds, and underneath cushions for eggs or dark spots.
Pay particular attention to areas that are rarely cleaned or used, as bed bugs tend to gravitate to less disturbed spots.
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Carpet Edges
Carpet edges, especially near the baseboards or under furniture, are places where bed bugs can easily hide. The fibers of the carpet provide excellent camouflage for them to blend in.
Inspect the edges thoroughly, using a flashlight to look under the carpet and along the seams where it meets the wall.
Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
Bed bugs don’t just live in furniture; they can also hide in cracks in walls or ceilings. These small openings offer easy access to secluded spaces where bed bugs can breed.
Check the wall for any small cracks, particularly around the perimeter of the room.
Electrical Outlets
Believe it or not, electrical outlets are a potential hiding place for bed bugs. The gaps around electrical plates provide just enough space for these pests to nest.
Carefully remove the outlet covers and inspect inside with a flashlight.
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Behind Wallpaper or Wall Hangings
In some cases, bed bugs may find their way behind wallpaper or even framed pictures and mirrors. They can use these spaces to hide during the day and emerge at night to feed.
If you suspect this, carefully lift corners of wallpaper or move objects to look for signs of bed bug activity.
Underneath Furniture Legs
Bed bugs often crawl into the crevices beneath furniture legs, especially if the furniture is heavy or rarely moved. Lift or carefully inspect each leg and its surrounding area for any signs of bed bugs. They tend to hide in dark, concealed spaces.
Luggage
Luggage, especially after traveling, is another common place where bed bugs can hitch a ride. After returning from a trip, thoroughly inspect and clean your luggage, including zippers, seams, and compartments, to ensure that you aren’t bringing unwanted guests back into your home.
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Bookshelves and Books
Bed bugs may not be attracted to the books themselves, but they will hide in the cracks of bookshelves. Check along the edges of shelves, behind books, and in the corners of the shelf for any bed bug activity. Use a flashlight to illuminate these dark spaces.
Curtains and Drapes
Like other fabric-covered areas, curtains and drapes provide a hiding space for bed bugs. Inspect the folds and edges of your curtains, particularly at the bottom where the bugs are likely to settle.
Look for tiny black spots, which are indicative of bed bug droppings.
Behind and Under Appliances
Appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, and even washing machines, can provide ideal hiding spots for bed bugs. The gaps around the appliances offer shelter, and the warmth can attract them.
Pull out appliances from the wall to check the area behind them.
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Wooden Furniture Cracks
Any wooden furniture, especially older pieces, can have cracks or crevices that make perfect hiding spots. Bed bugs can crawl into these small openings and remain out of sight.
Check the joints, legs, and underside of wooden tables, chairs, and cabinets for any signs of infestation.
Pet Beds
If you have pets, their beds and sleeping areas may also attract bed bugs. These insects will seek warmth and comfort in any space, and your pet’s bed is no exception.
Inspect the pet bedding, seams, and surrounding areas for signs of bed bug presence.
Ceiling Fixtures
In rare cases, bed bugs can even be found in ceiling fixtures, light sconces, or fans. They might hide in the crevices of these fixtures or even inside lampshades.
Check the edges of ceiling fixtures carefully when performing a thorough inspection.
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HVAC Ducts
Though not as common, bed bugs can sometimes travel through HVAC systems, hiding in ducts or vents. These spaces provide access to different rooms and can spread the infestation.
Make sure to check your HVAC ducts, especially if you’re dealing with a severe infestation.
Clothing and Laundry Baskets
Dirty laundry and clothes left on the floor can be attractive to bed bugs. They crawl into piles of clothing, especially if the clothes are not washed frequently.
Regularly inspect your laundry basket, clothing, and closets for any signs of bed bug activity.
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