Common Bed Bug Hiding Spots

By ThermoPest – Your Local Pest Control Experts

Worried you’ve got bed bugs, but can’t quite figure out where they’re hiding? You’re not alone. At ThermoPest, one of the most common questions we get is, “Where do bed bugs hide?” The truth is, bed bugs are experts at staying out of sight, which is why so many people don’t realise they’ve got a problem until it’s turned into a full-blown infestation. But once you know their favourite hiding spots, you can track them down before they make themselves at home. Let’s go through where these pesky pests love to hide and what you should look for.

Why Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Before we jump into the specific hiding spots, it helps to understand why bed bugs hide in the first place. These little pests are nocturnal, meaning they like to feed at night while you’re fast asleep. During the day, they’ll tuck themselves away in dark, undisturbed spots, usually close to where you sleep or relax.

The fact that they don’t need to feed every night only makes them harder to spot. After a good meal, a bed bug can stay hidden for days before coming out for another bite. That’s why catching them early can be such a challenge.

Most Common Bed Bug Hiding Spots in Your Home

Here’s the big question: Where do bed bugs hide? If you suspect you’ve got an infestation, these are the top places you should check.

1. Mattresses and Bedding

Bed bugs got their name for a reason—they love hiding in your bed. Check the seams, folds, and tags of your mattress for any signs of bed bugs. They’ll also hide in the cracks of your bed frame, headboard, or box spring. We’ve seen plenty of cases where the bugs were tucked right into the stitching of the mattress. Grab a torch and take your time inspecting. Even a quick glance under the bed might reveal more than you expect.

2. Upholstered Furniture

If you’ve got sofas or chairs near your bed, these could be a bed bug paradise. Bed bugs love the seams and crevices in upholstery, so pull off the cushions and check the edges. I remember one family who had no idea they had bed bugs until we flipped their sofa over and found a whole colony hiding underneath. Sneaky, right?

3. Cracks and Crevices

Bed bugs are flat and can squeeze into the smallest spaces, so don’t forget to check cracks in the wall, gaps in the flooring, or even behind the skirting boards. They prefer dark, hidden places where they won’t be disturbed. One customer I helped had no idea bed bugs could be hiding in the baseboards behind their bed. Sure enough, once we pulled it off, there they were.

4. Luggage and Personal Belongings

Been travelling recently? Bed bugs are known for hitching a ride in your luggage. Check your suitcase, travel bags, and any clothing you haven’t washed since your trip. Bed bugs can easily transfer from hotel rooms to your home without you realising it. After one holiday, I came back to find that bed bugs had made their way into my suitcase and were hiding in my bedroom closet!

5. Behind Wall Hangings and Decorations

It might surprise you, but bed bugs love hiding behind picture frames, clocks, and shelves. Anything hanging on the wall that doesn’t get moved often can be a prime hiding spot. I once helped a customer who thought they’d thoroughly checked their room, only for us to find bed bugs hiding behind a framed picture above the bed.

6. Electrical Outlets and Appliances

Believe it or not, bed bugs can even squeeze into electrical outlets or hide behind appliances like your TV or computer. It’s rare, but I’ve seen it happen! If you’ve got an infestation and can’t seem to find where they’re hiding, don’t forget to check these sneaky spots.

Less Common, But Possible Hiding Spots

While the above are the main places bed bugs tend to hide, they can also end up in more unusual spots:

• Books and Magazines: If you’ve got reading material next to your bed, bed bugs could be hiding in the spines.
• Curtains and Window Frames: Bed bugs might settle in the folds of your curtains or along window frames.
• Electronics: Small items like remote controls or alarm clocks can also be hiding spots.
• Stuffed Animals and Toys: If you’ve got kids, bed bugs could be hiding in their soft toys, especially if they’re kept on the bed or sofa.

How to Inspect for Bed Bugs

Now that you know where to look, how do you go about inspecting for bed bugs? Here’s a quick guide:

• Tools you’ll need: A torch, magnifying glass, and maybe even some gloves.
• What to look for: You’re on the lookout for the usual signs: live bed bugs, dark spots (which could be bed bug faeces), blood stains on your bedding, eggs, or shed skins. Bed bugs shed their skins as they grow, so if you find tiny, papery skins, it’s a clear sign they’ve been hanging around.

Why Early Detection is So Important

The earlier you can catch bed bugs, the easier it is to get rid of them. Bed bugs reproduce quickly, and once they’ve started laying eggs, it doesn’t take long for a small problem to turn into a major infestation. If you’re noticing bites or suspect there might be bed bugs in your home, don’t wait—take action as soon as possible.

I once helped a family who had no idea they were dealing with bed bugs until the infestation got out of control. We had to treat multiple rooms, and the clean-up was a lot more involved than it would have been if we’d caught them early on. Trust me, you don’t want to wait until it gets to that point!

How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Finding New Hiding Spots

Once you’ve cleared out an infestation, the last thing you want is for bed bugs to come back. To prevent them from finding new hiding spots, try these tips:

• Reduce clutter: Bed bugs love hiding in piles of clothes, books, or anything that doesn’t get moved often. Keeping your space tidy makes it harder for them to hide.
• Use bedbug-proof covers: Mattress and box spring covers are a great way to protect your bed from future infestations.
• Inspect after travel: If you’ve been travelling, always check your luggage and clothes before bringing them into your home.

Ready to Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs might be sneaky, but with the right know-how, you can track them down before they become a major issue. Regular inspections, keeping your home clutter-free, and catching them early are your best defences. And if you’re unsure or spot something suspicious, ThermoPest is here to help. Our team can inspect your home thoroughly and provide effective solutions to get rid of bed bugs once and for all.

Think you’ve got bed bugs lurking in your home? Don’t wait—reach out to us today, and we’ll help you get back to sleeping soundly.