People can say whatever they want about
bed bugs, and they are the talk of the town these days. However, no one can deny the fact that these are probably one of the most resilient insects on the face of the planet. They are more resilient than ever before and possess a natural tenacity that is unmatched. Chemicals and pesticides that used to be effective means of elimination are no longer having effects on the bugs. You combine this with the fact that they go out of their way to avoid detection, and it just makes matters all that more troubling.
These bugs are small, smart, and blend in easily with everyday surroundings, also making them one of the most difficult insects in the world to detect, let alone eliminate. To determine whether you are dealing with an infestation or not, you almost must know exactly where to look for them.
Box Springs And Mattresses
Most people can discern from the name bed bug that this insect likes to hide in the mattress or box spring. This is how they got dubbed the
bed bug. With that in mind, they won’t just lay on top of the mattress. These
bedbugs will burrow deep into the corners, get under the tags, and nestle into the stitching. They’ll access parts of the mattress and box spring that are rarely accessed. Parts you would never even think to look at. You can take the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner and run it over the entirety of these pieces and see what you come away with. In an infested area, you’ll at least vacuum up a bug, an exoskeleton, or an egg.
Cracks And Crevices In The Bed Frames
Unfortunately, the mattress and box spring aren’t the only preferred hiding locations in the bed. There is also the bed frame. Most bed frames go together in several different sections. You’ll want to check everywhere there is a connection, gaps, or openings. Take where the side rails meet the headboards and footboards, for example. You’ll also want to scour the cracks and crevices of the frame itself. Wooden frames are extremely well-known for their natural cracking. Check these areas with a flashlight or take a powerful vacuum cleaner to them.
Sheets/Bedding/Linen
These
bedbugs will also take up residence in your sheets. The one good thing about this location is, they will be easier to spot here. It’s not like there are many hiding spots on a sheet. The bugs can’t burrow into the material, so you’ll likely just see them laying on top. Keep an eye peeled for stains, as this will be an excellent indication of this type of infestation.
Rugs And Carpet
Rugs and carpets are soft, comfortable, and warm materials. These are probably some of the reasons that
bed bugs choose to make these locations a permanent residence, but above all else, it most likely has to do with the fact that rugs and carpets are more oftentimes than not installed in the bedrooms. At least searching for them here will be much easier than trying to locate them in a mattress or box spring
Couches And Upholstered Furniture
A couch or piece of upholstered furniture is much like that of a bed. It’s a good hiding location that provides a plethora of secondary hiding locations. Just think of all the possibilities! There are the armrests, under the feet, in the cushions, along with tons of other potentials. Scouring a couch or piece of furniture for an infestation will be one of the more difficult locations to search for these bugs.
Suitcases/Luggage
No one wants to accidentally bring home an unwanted friend with them from their ventures. Unfortunately, this is becoming more and more of a common occurrence thanks to the resurgence of bed bugs in the hospitality industry.
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and will latch right onto your luggage or suitcases and ride them back to the property. They’ll also make permanent residence out of these items. Therefore, you must learn to thoroughly scour your luggage and belongings before making your way back home, especially if you stayed in some less than accommodating locations.
Wall Decorations/Paintings/Pictures
There are some pieces that can add immense warmth, enjoyment, or excitement to any room. Maybe you have one of these pieces hanging above your bed. Well, bed bugs could also be partial to the item, as these pieces oftentimes provide the perfect environmental conditions. They are usually protected, cozy, out of the way, and dark.
Magazines, Books, And Other Reading Materials
You might not have a problem reading about bed bugs, but you do not want to open a book and have them literally jump off the pages. Unfortunately, this is a real possibility in an infested home. However, these bugs will more than likely get into the spines and front or back covers as opposed to the pages. These will be the locations you’ll want to check.
