We call them bed bugs because that’s the most likely place you’ll find evidence of an infestation, but these tiny insects will hide inside any crack as thick as a credit card.
If you suspect that these apple-seed-sized intruders are creeping around your home, you’ll want to check the bed and places beyond. Here’s where to investigate and what to watch for.
Baseboards and Carpets
Inspect along the baseboards and carpet edges. Keep your eyes peels for:
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Casings (these are the translucent skins bed bugs shed as they grow
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Black droppings or streaks
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Rusty reddish stains (caused by bed bugs being crushed; you may have stepped on one)
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The bugs themselves
Electronics
As unlikely as it sounds, bed bugs occasionally lurk inside electronics and appliances. These include:
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Bedside lamp
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Mobile devices
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Alarm clock
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Laptop
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Computer and keyboard
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Electrical outlet
This poses an interesting dilemma: If you bag up your belongings and treat for bed bugs, you risk a re-infestation when you put your stuff back. That’s why an effective treatment program will kill bed bugs anyplace they may be hiding — not just your bed.
Furniture
You don’t need to be sleeping for a bed bug to feed on you. Any place where you rest for extended periods is a hot spot for bed bug activity: your couches, recliners, loveseats, and upholstered dining room chairs. Here’s how to check for them:
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Place a piece of furniture on a white sheet. If any bugs fall out of the furniture, you’ll easily see them against the sheet
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With a gloved hand, run the edge of a credit card or something of similar size along all creases, seams, and cracks on the furniture’s surface
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Use a flashlight to inspect all dark crevices
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Look between and under seat cushions
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Check fabric covering the underside of couches and seats
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Pull out drawers and look along the joints
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Look at screw heads and other fastenings and fixtures
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Keep a lookout for any live bugs or evidence thereof (feces, shed skins, etc.)
Luggage and Bags
You may have brought back more than souvenirs from your recent vacation. Hotel rooms are notorious for harboring bed begs. Not even 5-star luxury resorts are immune. So, be sure to thoroughly check your luggage for icky stowaways before leaving checking out.
Using a flashlight, inspect every compartment, zipper, and pocket before bringing your luggage into your home. (Light colored luggage will make this job easier.) If you find any evidence of bugs, keep the luggage stored securely outside. Hot or cold weather will kill bed bugs.
To prevent transporting bed bugs, make it a habit to thoroughly check your hotel room first, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. Use the luggage rack to keep bags up off the floor or store them in the bathtub where bed bugs can’t crawl inside.
Books
Bed bugs love to curl up inside a good book. That book on your nightstand is the perfect place for a bed bug to seek refuge in between feedings. Hardcover books are especially inviting. Flaps, creases, and the spine are perfect hiding spots.
More Nooks and Crannies
Here are a few more places to investigate:
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Curtains
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Wallcoverings
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Molding
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Laundry
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Behind appliances
Bottom line: Once you’ve found proof of bed bugs, do not delay seeking professional treatment. Infestations only get worse if left unchecked, and DIY efforts are hit-and-miss at best. Turn to the experts at Official Pest Prevention for a comprehensive 3-step bug removal service. We’ll make sure your home is entirely bug-free so that you can get a good night’s rest once again. To schedule your appointment, call (877) 711 2847.
