Where should you look for bedbugs in an apartment?

Where should you look for bedbugs in an apartment? - briefly

Check mattress seams, box‑spring tags, headboards, and any upholstered furniture, focusing on folds, cushions, and hidden pockets. Also examine cracks in baseboards, wall voids, electrical outlets, and behind picture frames or wall hangings.

Where should you look for bedbugs in an apartment? - in detail

Bedbugs conceal themselves in tight, protected spaces close to where people rest or sleep. The most reliable locations include:

  • Mattress and box‑spring seams, tufts, and tags
  • Bed frame joints, headboard corners, and under the slats
  • Nightstand drawers, especially the back corners and hidden compartments
  • Upholstered furniture: cushions, seams, and under the fabric folds
  • Chair and sofa frames, particularly where fabric meets wood or metal
  • Wall cracks, baseboard gaps, and behind loose wallpaper or molding
  • Electrical outlets, switch plates, and light fixture housings (remove covers to inspect)
  • Floor and ceiling vents, especially in older buildings with removable grilles
  • Luggage racks, suitcases, and travel bags stored in closets or under the bed
  • Pet beds, cages, and blankets kept near sleeping areas

Inspection techniques enhance detection. Use a bright flashlight at an angle to reveal the beetles’ reddish bodies or the dark spotting of excrement. A fine‑toothed probe or a credit‑card‑sized tool can separate fabric seams for closer viewing. Examine each site methodically, moving from the primary sleeping surface outward to adjacent furniture and structural elements. Recording findings in a checklist prevents missed spots and guides treatment planning.