Where should you look for bedbugs in a sofa? - briefly
Check the seams, folds, stitching, and corners of the cushions, as well as any removable covers or zippered pockets. Also inspect the interior frame where the fabric attaches to the sofa’s structure.
Where should you look for bedbugs in a sofa? - in detail
Inspecting a couch for Cimex infestations requires systematic examination of all components where insects can hide, feed, or lay eggs. Begin with the visible surface, then move to concealed areas.
The most common sites include:
- Seams and stitching – corners, edges, and where fabric meets cushion.
- Tufts and folds – especially in sofa backs and armrests where fabric is gathered.
- Cushion cores – remove removable covers and feel for small, rust‑colored spots or live insects.
- Frame joints – wooden or metal connections, particularly where the frame is exposed.
- Underneath the upholstery – lift the fabric to check the padding and foam layers.
- Legs and base – cracks, hollow tubes, and any fabric or carpet covering the legs.
- Hidden pockets – storage compartments, zippered sections, or decorative flaps.
When examining each area, use a bright flashlight and a magnifying lens. Look for:
- Live adult bugs, about 4–5 mm, flat‑brown before feeding and reddish after a blood meal.
- Nymphs, smaller and translucent, often found near adults.
- Shed exoskeletons (exuviae) that appear as translucent shells.
- Tiny dark specks (fecal stains) on fabric or cushion material.
- Eggs, about 0.5 mm, usually deposited in clusters near seams.
A disposable glove or tweezers can be used to capture any specimen for confirmation. After inspection, seal any removed fabric or cushion in a plastic bag to prevent spread. If evidence is found, treat the entire piece with appropriate heat, steam, or professional insecticide protocols, and repeat the inspection after treatment to verify elimination.