Where do bed lice live? - briefly
Bed lice inhabit seams, folds, and crevices of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. They may also occupy upholstered furniture and clothing stored close to the sleeping area.
Where do bed lice live? - in detail
Bed lice, also known as Cimex lectularius, inhabit environments that provide close proximity to human hosts and offer protection from disturbance. Their primary residence is the sleeping area, where they exploit small crevices and seams that are difficult to detect.
Typical locations include:
- Mattress edges, especially the stitching and folds where fabric meets the frame.
- Box‑spring and bed‑frame joints, where wood or metal components create narrow gaps.
- Headboards and footboards, particularly behind loose panels or decorative elements.
- Bed‑side furniture such as nightstands, within drawer liners and under surface scratches.
- Upholstered chairs and sofas, within cushion seams and under fabric folds.
- Wall hangings, picture frames, and curtain rods that are close to the bed, providing additional hiding spots.
In addition to these focal points, bed lice may spread to adjacent rooms through luggage, clothing, or personal items that have been in contact with infested surfaces. Their survival depends on maintaining a stable temperature (20‑30 °C) and humidity level (40‑80 %). Under favorable conditions, they can remain hidden for months without feeding, emerging primarily at night to locate a host.
Control measures target the identified refuges: thorough vacuuming of seams, steam treatment of fabric, and encasement of mattresses and pillows. Regular inspection of the listed areas reduces the likelihood of re‑infestation.