Where to look for bedbug nests in an apartment? - briefly
Check mattress seams, box‑spring folds, headboard cracks, nightstand joints, baseboard gaps, behind wallpaper or picture frames, and inside upholstered cushions or furniture crevices.
Where to look for bedbug nests in an apartment? - in detail
Bed bugs congregate in tight, protected spaces near their food source. Examine the sleeping area first: the seams, tags, and folds of mattresses; the inner corners of box springs; the joints and cracks of bed frames and headboards. Pull back any fabric covers and use a flashlight to reveal tiny rust‑colored spots or shed skins.
Next, inspect adjacent furniture. Look inside nightstand drawers, under chair cushions, and within sofa crevices. Pay special attention to the stitching of upholstered pieces, the undersides of cushions, and any detachable legs.
Wall and floor junctions provide additional refuge. Scrutinize baseboards, especially where they meet carpet or laminate. Lift loose floorboards or vinyl tiles if possible. Check behind wallpaper, picture frames, and wall hangings for concealed pockets.
Electrical and plumbing fixtures often contain hidden cavities. Remove outlet covers and switch plates, then shine a light into the openings. Examine pipe access panels and behind radiators for signs of activity.
Storage areas are frequent harborage points. Open closets, examine hanging garments, and search luggage, backpacks, and gym bags. Look for nests in the seams of suitcases and within shoe boxes.
Ventilation systems can transport insects between rooms. Inspect HVAC grilles, dryer exhaust vents, and air‑conditioner units for accumulated debris or live insects.
Finally, conduct a systematic sweep with a magnifying glass or a bed‑bug detection tool. Note any live bugs, pale eggs, dark fecal stains, or exuviae. Document locations to prioritize treatment and prevent re‑infestation.