It cannot be stressed enough, the bed bug is continuously hiding out of sight to avoid human detection. The tiny body is shaped like an apple seed, flat when empty and bloated with full. The flat body allows the bed bug to avoid detection by crawling deep into the tiniest crevice, where it will remain until the next feeding.
Bed bug infestations pose challenges for Houston business owners, homeowners, landlords, tenants, religious establishments, government entities, hospitals, commercial gyms, and skilled nursing centers. The hardest hit by the resurgence of bed bugs is no other than the Texas tourist industry. Hotels, inns, motels, bed & breakfasts, and cabin rentals make up a large portion of the state’s tourism industry.
Bed bug infestations are some of the most challenging because large colonies are often involved. Whether you have opted to take the DIY route or waiting on the exterminator to step in, you can do your part by searching and finding exactly where the culprits are hiding.
Mattress, Box Spring, & Mattress Pad
Since bed bugs are notorious for staying in close proximity to their hosts, they are most often found buried in mattress fibers. Bed bugs find their hosts with the help of CO2, heat, and kairomones, generated by the human body.
If conditions get overcrowded, some of the bed bugs may transition from the mattress and box spring fibers to the bed frame. The small size allows the bed bug to crawl deep into cracks and crevices in wooden bed frames.
Bed bugs have a history of hiding in bed linen. The insect will bury its body between the folds of a sheet, pillowcase, blanket, or quilt.
In severe infestations, bed bugs will find themselves hiding deep into carpet fibers. The same goes for throw rugs and mats in close proximity to the host’s bed.
Sofa, Love Seat, And Recliner
If the host has a habit of sleeping on a sofa or love seat, this is where you will find a few bed bugs hiding. Bed bugs alter their schedules to ensure access to blood meals without interference or fear of detection.
In moderate to severe infestations, bed bug larva and eggs are commonly found along seams, behind rivets, and inside dense padding. Leather upholstery complicates matters for the bed bug. Unlike fabric upholstery, new leather does not have fibers or pores that could be utilized as a bed bug hiding place.
Unexpected Bed Bug Hiding Places
Many people believe they know everything about bed bugs, even their favorite hiding places. While this may be true to some degree, the bed bug never fails to surprise. The hiding places listed below may surprise you as well.
Overnight Bags, Backpacks, And Suitcases
Travelers have reported finding live bed bugs hiding in their overnight bags. Bed bugs probably enjoy traveling more than humans. In all actuality, bed bugs travel with the help of human tourists. Bed bug encounters are more common in temporary rental facilities like hotels, motels, and roadside inns.
Luggage assessment can definitely help avoid bed bugs. Combine the visual assessment with a full laundry cycle utilizing the maximum temperature mode will ensure you never unintentionally invite bed bugs to your home.
Wall Art And Decor
As mentioned previously, overcrowding can push bed bugs into pest-free further into the home. For example, a becomes too large, forcing some of the bed bugs to take refuge in nearby areas. This cycle continues until the colony is split evenly, half in the host’s bed, the other half in the carpet, bed frame, wallboards, and floorboards.
If things get too tight, some of the bed bugs may be forced to take refuge in wall art above the host’s bed.
Magazines And Books
Victims who enjoy reading have reported live bed bugs in their reading materials. Bed bugs will hide in the binding, seams, and between the pages. Unfortunately, reading materials go unchecked during bed bug inspections.
Bedside Tables And Nightstands
Bed bug sightings involving bedside tables are also very common. As long as the bed bugs have quick and easy access to their hosts, they will move a little further away to avoid overcrowding and detection.
Radios, Clocks, And Electronics
Devices powered by electricity generate a gentle buzzing noise and heat, to which bed bugs are drawn. Cockroaches and dust mites are also drawn to electrical-powered devices for the same reason.
During your DIY inspection, if at all possible, we recommend detaching the back cover of all electrical-powered devices in close proximity to the host’s bed.
If your schedule is cut short or patience runs thin, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Our exterminators have many years of combined bed bug management experience and skills. Our in-home bed bug inspections are available to all Houston residents. It is free, with no contracts attached.