If you are like most homeowners in your area, you probably know little to nothing about bed bugs. You are no doubt learning more because they are becoming such a known problem. You probably do know the bugs are a total nuisance and not something you want roaming around the property.
This is especially true for business owners. Despite all of this, the main thing you need to know is that the bed bug is one of the most cryptic pests in the world. The reason for this is because they actually go out of their way to avoid human detection. They will completely rearrange their entire lives to opposite that of yours just so they can feed while you sleep. The rest of the time they will be hiding. Therefore, it becomes imperative to know exactly where they choose to hide in and around the property.
Knowing this information could be the difference between detecting an infestation and letting it linger. A linger infestation is not something you want, as it will only cause the numbers to grow and grow until your entire property is overrun.
Common Hiding Spots For Bed Bugs
When it comes right down to it, bed bugs are opportunistic pests. They will hide just about anywhere in the home, given the chance. However, there are some areas and structures they prefer to others. There are reasons they prefer these areas as well. Learning these areas and how to search them will be imperative for clearing up infestations on the property.In The Mattress And Box Spring
Have you ever wondered how this creepy crawler got the name the bed bug? It’s because they are often found hiding in the bed and box springs. That being said, they won’t just lay on top of your mattress or box spring. They’ll delve get into the corner, under the tags, in the stitching, and just about anywhere they can remain undetected. If the infestation is bad enough, it’ll be possible to spot some just laying on the mattress, but most of the time, they are going to try avoiding detection by hiding in some of the above-mentioned locations. Scouring the mattress and going over it from corner to corner is the best way to approach an infestation in this area.Cracks And Crevices Of The Bed Frame
Speaking of the bed, the bed frame is an essential component of any bed. More often than not these the frame and headboards are constructed of wood and metal. There are also gaps and openings where the rails and headboards and footboards connect. All this creates potential hiding areas. Because of the design of the bed bug’s body, these critters can shove themselves into some of the smallest and tiniest cracks and crevices. One little wooden crack in your headboard and bed bugs will get in there. Once again, the best way to tackle an infestation like this is with a powerful vacuum cleaner. You can also try spraying pesticides and chemicals into these areas to force them out. Pesticide powder is another good option and might offer less of a residual effect in the home.Linen And Sheets
Bed bugs will also get in your sheets, but the great thing about an infestation like this is it will be much easier to spot. Plucking bed bugs laying on your sheets will be much easier than digging them out of cracks and crevices. A good vacuum cleaner will also come in handy here, but you can apply another method. You can wash your sheets in hot water and then dry them on high heat. Doing this for a cycle of 90 minutes will kill the bugs. Just be sure to properly remove and dispose of the leftover carcasses. This technique will not only eliminate adult bed bugs, but it’ll kill larvae and eggs as well.Welcome Mats, Rugs, And Carpeting
Welcome mats, rugs, and carpeting can be a great addition to any home. These items provide warmth and inviting environments. Unfortunately, they also create a welcoming environment for the bed bug. One thing that should be noted with these locations is that bed bugs don’t often choose to make them permanent. These areas are more like stop-off points, as they’ll unlatch from luggage or shoes and hide in mats, rugs, and carpeting until they can find safer, more secure locations to call home. Vacuuming these areas and washing them with the same heat technique is a good way to eliminate an infestation like this. You might not be able to wash carpeting, but you can steam clean it or shampoo it.Couches And Other Furniture
A couch and upholstered piece of furniture are like a bed almost. Not only are they commonly installed in bedrooms, but humans sometimes use them for sleeping purposes. However, what’s more, important than this is they provide thousands of hiding spots within just one area. Think of all the potential hiding areas for a bed bug in a couch. They can hide under the armrests, around the feet, under the cushions, and the list goes on. A vacuum cleaner will also likely be your best option in an infestation like this. Just make sure you scour all the potentials. It’ll likely take some time, so be ready to buckle in and stay focused.Place You Might Not Think To Check
As a homeowner, it is likely that you already know to check these areas. These are areas that are often reported with infestations. Of course, that doesn’t make things any easier. Eliminating from those hiding spots will still be difficult. In addition to the above-mentioned areas, there are other areas or items in the home bed bugs will choose to hide in. Knowing these spots and items could be the major difference between successful elimination of the bugs and letting the infestation linger. A lingering infestation is not something you want. This being said, here are some areas or items you probably wouldn’t think about checking.- Luggage pieces/ Suitcases/ Bags/ Purses
- Wall decorations/ Pictures/ Wallpaper
- Books
- Nightstands
- TVs/ Computers/ iPods/ iPads/ Laptops/ All electrical devices