Bed bugs: where can they hide and what should be done at home? - briefly
They conceal themselves in mattress seams, box‑spring folds, bed frames, headboards, upholstered furniture, wall cracks and behind wallpaper. Effective home treatment combines thorough vacuuming, high‑temperature laundering, steam cleaning and targeted insecticide application, followed by regular inspections.
Bed bugs: where can they hide and what should be done at home? - in detail
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) exploit small, dark, and protected sites near their hosts. Typical refuges include seams of mattresses, box‑spring frames, and the edges of headboards. Crevices in wooden bed frames, nightstand joints, and upholstered furniture also provide shelter. Wall voids, baseboard cracks, and electrical outlet covers are frequently colonized, especially when gaps lead to adjacent rooms. Cluttered storage areas, such as boxes under beds or in closets, create additional hiding places. Even behind wallpaper, picture frames, and curtain rods, insects can establish hidden colonies.
Effective home management requires a systematic approach. First, isolate the infestation by removing bedding and laundering items at ≥ 60 °C for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum carpets, floorboards, and upholstered surfaces, discarding the vacuum bag or emptying the canister into a sealed bag. Apply a high‑temperature steam treatment (≥ 100 °C) to mattress seams, furniture joints, and wall cracks; steam penetrates deep into concealed spaces. Second, install protective encasements on mattresses and box springs, ensuring a zippered closure that prevents re‑entry. Third, seal cracks and crevices with caulk or expanding foam, reducing entry points. Fourth, use EPA‑registered insecticide sprays or dusts labeled for bed‑bug control, applying them to voids, baseboards, and behind removable panels according to label directions. Fifth, reduce clutter to limit harborage sites and facilitate monitoring.
Monitoring devices, such as interceptors placed under bed legs, detect movement and confirm treatment success. Repeat inspections weekly for at least four weeks, focusing on previously infested zones. If symptoms persist, consider professional pest‑management services that employ integrated pest‑management (IPM) strategies, including heat‑chamber treatment or targeted fumigation. Continuous vigilance and adherence to the outlined procedures minimize reinfestation risk.