Where can bedbugs infest? - briefly
Bedbugs commonly inhabit mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, surrounding furniture, and cracks in walls or floorboards, as well as personal items such as luggage. They also spread to hotels, apartments, dormitories, public transportation, and other shared living spaces.
Where can bedbugs infest? - in detail
Bedbugs can establish colonies in a wide range of environments where humans sleep or rest. Their primary strongholds are upholstered furniture, mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. They also hide in seams, folds, and tags of cushions, pillows, and headboards.
Additional sites include:
- Cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, and floorboards
- Electrical outlets, switch plates, and wiring conduits
- Behind wallpaper, picture frames, and wall hangings
- Luggage, backpacks, and personal bags during travel
- Clothing, particularly in pockets, seams, and folded garments
- Curtains, drapes, and blind cords
- Carpets and rugs, especially at edges or under furniture
Public and commercial settings are vulnerable as well. Hotels, hostels, and motels frequently report infestations in guest rooms and common areas. Transportation hubs—airports, trains, buses—can harbor bugs in seats, armrests, and storage compartments. Daycare centers, schools, and office buildings may experience spread through shared furniture and equipment.
Outdoor structures such as sheds, cabins, and tents can contain bedbugs if they have been used for sleeping. Infestations may also arise in second‑hand items like mattresses, sofas, and clothing purchased without thorough inspection.
Effective control requires thorough examination of all potential hiding places, regardless of whether they are traditionally associated with sleeping surfaces.