Where in a house can bed bugs live? - briefly
They hide in mattress seams, box springs, headboards, upholstered furniture, and cracks in walls, baseboards, and electrical outlets. They also infest luggage, clothing, closets, and spaces beneath floorboards or carpet edges.
Where in a house can bed bugs live? - in detail
Bed bugs prefer concealed, warm, and easily reachable sites. Within a residence they commonly occupy the following areas:
- Mattress and box‑spring seams, tufts, and tag edges.
- Bed frame joints, headboard crevices, and under the platform.
- Nightstands, dressers, and other furniture with hollow legs or drawer slides.
- Upholstered chairs, sofas, and cushions, especially at stitching and buttonholes.
- Baseboards and crown molding where fabric or wallpaper meets the wall.
- Electrical outlets, switch plates, and behind wall plates.
- Wall voids, behind wallpaper, and under loose plaster.
- Flooring gaps, such as under carpet edges, laminate seams, and between floorboards.
- HVAC ducts, air vents, and filters.
- Curtains, drapes, and blind cords.
- Pet bedding, cages, and carrier compartments.
- Closet shelving, hanging rods, and stored clothing.
- Luggage, backpacks, and travel bags left in bedrooms or entryways.
- Moving boxes, crates, and any items stored for extended periods.
These locations share characteristics that support bed‑bug survival: proximity to human hosts, stable temperature, and limited disturbance. Inspection should focus on each listed site, using a flashlight and a fine‑toothed comb to detect live insects, shed skins, or fecal spotting. Early identification in any of these places prevents widespread infestation.