Where are bedbugs during the day? - briefly
During daylight hours, bedbugs conceal themselves in minute cracks and seams close to human hosts, such as mattress edges, box‑spring joints, headboard gaps, and wall or furniture fissures. They stay motionless until nightfall, when they become active to feed.
Where are bedbugs during the day? - in detail
Bed bugs are nocturnal feeders; throughout daylight they remain concealed in locations that protect them from light, disturbance, and temperature fluctuations. Their preferred refuges are close to the host’s resting area, enabling rapid access at night.
Typical daytime shelters include:
- Mattress seams and folds – crevices along the edges, piping, and internal stitching provide tight spaces.
- Box spring cavities – hollow sections and metal springs offer protected niches.
- Bed frame joints – screw holes, wooden dowels, and metal brackets create hidden gaps.
- Headboard and footboard cracks – especially in upholstered or wooden designs.
- Bedside furniture – drawer interiors, behind picture frames, and under lamp bases.
- Wall voids and baseboards – gaps between walls and flooring, particularly where wallpaper or paint is peeling.
- Carpet edges and floorboards – loose planks, underlay, and carpet seams near the bed.
- Clothing and personal items – folded garments, hats, and bags left on or near the bed.
- Curtains and drapes – folds and hems that hang close to the sleeping area.
- Electrical outlets and switch plates – shallow recesses behind plates can harbor insects.
Bed bugs also exploit temporary hiding spots when hosts are absent, such as luggage compartments, travel bags, and upholstered seats in vehicles. Their flattened bodies allow them to squeeze into openings as narrow as 0.3 mm, making even minute fissures viable shelters.
During daylight, activity is limited to occasional relocation in response to disturbances, temperature changes, or hunger cues. They may travel short distances along fabric or wiring to reach new refuges, but most remain within the immediate vicinity of the sleeping surface to minimize exposure.