Bed bugs are a growing problem in this country. Perhaps one reason this problem is spreading is the idea that bed bugs can only live in mattresses or other “soft” places like furniture. This is a myth. You’d be surprised by the places bed bugs may be hiding in your home. They can hide out in a slew of unexpected places, which makes infestation all the easier. Here are some places you probably never considered bed bugs may call home.
Library Books
The library used to be one heck of a bargain… after all, where else can you get the latest best sellers for free? However, thanks to bed bugs, the tables may be turning. Tiny bedbugs can hide and lay eggs in the spines of hardcover books. Patrons unknowingly check these books out and take them home. After the lights go out, bed bugs find a new home in the house (ex. the mattress) and a new food source (you).
Alarm Clocks
Instead of waking up to music, you could be waking up to itchy bites because bed bugs can hide out in your alarm clock. Bed bugs like to hide close to their food source (you), and since your alarm clock typically sits right next to your bed, those dark cracks and crevices are just as inviting to them as your mattress.
Under The Bed
As a child, you probably thought there was a monster under your bed… and you may have been right. Many people believe that bed bugs can live in your mattress, but they don’t even consider that they can live under the bed. That’s right, bed bugs can take up residence where the carpet meets the wall (especially near the bed, as it’s close to their food source). Since they have an affinity for wood and fabric, they can also make a home in the cracks of your bed frame or even the wood slats that support your bed.
Electrical Outlets
In a home that is heavily infested, bed bugs spread out. One place they can hide is behind electrical outlet plates. The outlets in your bedroom, specifically those closest to your bed, are the most likely culprits for housing bed bugs.
Dresser Drawers
Dresser drawers are another candidate for bed bug infestation because they’re (often) made of wood and near your bed, or at least in your bedroom. The crevices of drawers and even screw heads can be prime real estate for bed bugs.
Purses
Want a shopping buddy? Probably a stylish friend … not bed bugs. These unwanted pals can hide in the seams and pockets of purses, especially when placed on the ground or near furniture. Don’t give them the opportunity to latch on.
Stuffed Animals
So you’re on a family vacation and your kids bring their favorite fluffy friends along. Unfortunately, this puts them at risk for coming into contact with bed bugs who may enjoy nestling in their fur—aka the perfect haven. When you return from your trip, be sure to wash and dry stuffed animals on a hot cycle to get rid of any bed bugs that may have hitched a ride home.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
It seems hard to believe … but bed bugs hide in fluorescent light bulbs. Even though they’re known to love the dark, they can be found in bright places, too, so check the bulbs near your nightstand or above your bed. Any tiny spot they are able to squeeze into, they will. Be extra careful when checking for bed bugs around electricity. If you get shocked, you know who to blame. #unwantedguests
School Buses
The upholstery on school bus seats is the perfect spot for bed bugs to hide. They weasel their way in and can jump onto students’ backpacks and clothing. However, these unwelcome classmates can be expelled if you vacuum backpacks thoroughly and wash and dry clothes on hot cycles to ensure no bed bugs get off at your stop.
Airplanes
It seems like airplanes are a conduit for more than just germs … bed bugs are among the list of not-so-lovely travelers, too. Often found burrowing in seats, carpet, and vents, bed bugs can even take to the skies. To avoid bringing them along with you once you depart the airplane, it’s crucial to take precautions such as vacuuming your suitcase and any carry-on items once you land. Here are more tips for avoiding bed bugs while flying.
Wooden Furniture & Baseboards
It’s a myth that bed bugs only hang out in soft, cushioned furniture. In fact, bed bugs frequently hide behind baseboards and in wooden furniture like bed frames, nightstands, dressers, tables, chairs, etc. Since bed bugs are tiny, it’s easy for them to hide in the cracks and crevices of wooden items.
Movie Theater Chairs
Be wary when planning to see the next blockbuster: movie theater chairs and cushions can be a hotbed for bed bugs! Bed bugs can come in on the clothing and belongings of other movie-goers, then spread to you when you sit down to catch a flick.
Airport Terminals
With lots of travelers coming and going from all over the world (including bed bug hot spots), it’s little wonder that airports have bed bugs. You might pick up these well-traveled bed bugs from the airport terminal’s seating or carpeting, or even from the airplane itself. After your travels, you might end up taking bed bugs home with you!
Public Transportation
Buses, trains, and even ride-sharing vehicles (like Uber and Lyft) can pick up this pesky hitchhiker from one rider, then spread it to everyone else. Because so many people use public transit, this is a common problem!
Hospital Beds & Chairs
You go to a hospital to get rid of a problem, but unfortunately, you might come out with a different one! Hospitals can spread bed bugs around between the many patients, visitors, and staff that enter and use the beds, chairs, etc.
Bed bug infestations are not uncommon in hospitals: remember that bed bugs take up residence in places where people spend extended periods of time (like an overnight hospital stay).
Laundromats
If you share laundry facilities, you might also be sharing bed bugs. Bed bugs can crawl from another person’s clothing to yours, then to your home! (Consider: most people keep their laundry baskets in their bedroom, and clothing is a common hiding place for bed bugs.)
Bed Bugs Begone
The moral of this (frightening) bedtime story is that bed bugs can live just about anywhere. They prefer to be close to their food source, so the items that make up your bed or are closest to your bed are the waterfront property, so to speak, but no room is truly safe. Sofas and recliners, especially if they’re slept on, are also nice homes for bed bugs. If you spot signs of an infestation, contact a professional like Scherzinger Pest Control right away, as bed bug infestations are difficult to treat.
Scherzinger Termite and Pest Control is a trusted pest control company in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, including Dayton, OH, and now Columbus, OH. We’ve been pioneers, engineering new standards for ways of eliminating and controlling bugs and pests. Contact us by phone at 1-877-748-9888 or via web inquiry, Facebook, or Twitter.
