Where do bedbugs live in an empty apartment? - briefly
Bed bugs occupy concealed areas such as wall voids, baseboard cracks, electrical outlet covers, and any remaining furniture or carpet seams in an unoccupied unit. They also hide behind drywall seams, under floorboards, and within hollow‑core doors where they can remain undetected.
Where do bedbugs live in an empty apartment? - in detail
Bedbugs seek shelter in the smallest, protected crevices that remain untouched when a dwelling is vacant. Their preferred locations include:
- seams and folds of mattresses, box springs, and pillowcases left in storage;
- cracks along the headboard, footboard, and bed frame;
- gaps between wall baseboards and flooring, especially where carpet meets tile or wood;
- behind picture frames, mirrors, and wall hangings that have not been removed;
- inside upholstered furniture such as sofas, chairs, and ottomans, particularly within cushions and under fabric covers;
- within the folds of curtains, drapes, and blinds that have been left hanging;
- behind electrical outlets, switch plates, and wiring conduits where insulation creates a protected niche;
- inside hollow doors, door jambs, and any built‑in cabinetry that remains closed;
- under loose floorboards, in the space beneath removable floor coverings, and within the joist cavity if access is possible;
- within HVAC grilles, ductwork, and vent covers that are not regularly cleaned.
Bedbugs survive without a host for several months, relying on the ambient temperature of the apartment. They will remain dormant in these hidden sites until a human presence resumes, at which point they emerge to feed. Regular inspection of each listed area, even in an unoccupied unit, is essential for early detection and prevention of infestation.