Where do bed bugs originate from?

Bed bugs originated in the Middle East and have been around for at least 3,550 years. Even ancient Egyptians dealt with these pests. Since they require blood to survive and reproduce,they've been feeding off of human blood for about as long as they've been around. Over time,they've evolved into different subspecies and spread across the world.

Where do bed bugs live in nature?

Bed bugs want to be near their food source,so they're most commonly found in homes. But long before humans started sleeping in cushy beds,bed bugs lived in caves with healthy bat populations. They fed off bat blood and gradually evolved to feeding on human blood. If a home isn't available,bed bugs can live outside,typically in areas with high levels of human activity. They can be found in busy campsites,on furniture left outside on street corners,in homeless encampments,and even in taxis,buses,trains and planes.

Can bed bugs live on air mattresses?

Bed bugs can easily climb on an air mattress to feed,but they can't live or nest inside it. This is because most modern air mattresses are made of puncture-resistant materials. Bed bugs can't gnaw through the surface to hide inside the mattress. And,even if they did manage to find a way inside the mattress,the bed itself wouldn't provide much shelter. That doesn't mean they can't bite you if you're sleeping on an air mattress. Bed bugs can detect the carbon dioxide on your breath from three feet away. If they need to feed,they'll find a way to do it.

Can bed bugs live on memory foam mattresses?

Though memory foam mattresses are relatively new,they still make a possible habitat for bed bugs. The material is easy for bed bugs to climb on,but it's not their ideal place to make a shelter. As previously mentioned,though,bed bugs are determined parasites and will happily feed on you regardless of bed type.

Can bed bugs live on plastic mattresses?

Plastic or vinyl mattresses are especially common in medical facilities,dormitories and summer camp bunks. They're easy to clean,durable and don't crush down easily even after repeated use. And,like other types of mattresses,bed bugs can easily climb onto them and feed on sleeping humans. They can't live on or in plastic mattresses,but they can still hide along the seams for short periods of time.

Can bed bugs live in books?

If you've noticed black spots on the fore edge of a book,it may be bed bugs. Due to their small size,bed bugs can fit into several different parts of a book. This includes the binding,fore-edge and protective covering. Bed bugs can be found in or on books or magazines that are found near your resting areas. To determine if bed bugs are hiding in your books,first conduct a thorough inspection. Since bed bugs can be hard to see,lay the book against a white sheet or bathtub. It is possible that bed bugs may try to escape upon detection. To avoid migration,keep a vacuum and plastic bags close by. Seal infested books within a plastic bag immediately.

Can bed bugs live in luggage?

When traveling,bed bugs might hitch a ride on your luggage. If bed bugs are not detected before you arrive at your destination,you risk spreading the infestation. Use a flashlight to check all areas of your bag,including pockets and seams. If you find bed bugs in your luggage,there are ways that you can remove them. Vacuuming with a crevice tool attachment can move them into the vacuum bag. This may not not kill bed bugs,but it may contain them within the sealed vacuum bag. When emptying the bag,it is important that you remove all bed bugs. If left inside the bag,they could escape. Put in an outdoor trash receptacle away from the home. If saving a few specimens for the PMP to identify,put them in an old medicine bottle or other tightly sealed container.

Can bed bugs live in shoes?

Do you have a closet full of barely-worn shoes? They may be housing bed bugs. In shoes,bed bugs can hide under soles,between fabrics and in crevices. This includes boots,heels,sneakers and sandals. Before inspecting the shoe,make sure you wear protective gloves as you will need to be hands-on. Examine all materials,layers,laces,zippers and mesh. If you find bed bugs or suspect their presence,move shoes into a plastic bag or container.

Can bed bugs live in electronics?

Like with other household items,bed bugs can find their way into electronics with small openings. Think TV's,phones,remotes,gaming consoles,computers and printers. To inspect your device,use a magnifying glass and make sure you're aware of the common bed bug signs. If you spot bed bugs in electronics,you may not want to take matters into your own hands. Attempting any do-it-yourself solutions can put both you and your electronics at risk.

Where Do Bed Bugs Live and Hide? Finding Bed Bugs in a House

Bed bug infestations are a growing concern for many homeowners. These traveling pests can sneak into our homes unnoticed by catching a ride on luggage, furniture, and other items. Once inside, bed bugs live in mattresses, furniture, cracks and crevices, and clothing. During the day, these tiny reddish-brown insects tend to hide close to where people sleep, only to emerge at night to feed. Understanding the behaviors and hiding spots of these elusive pests is crucial in combating their presence. Learn where bed bugs live and where they hide so you can detect and remove these pests from your home.

Where do bed bugs live?

Bed bugs live in a variety of environments, frequently in places with a high turnover of night-time guests. This includes hotels, hostels, dorms, and apartments. These environments provide bed bugs with ample opportunities to feed on human blood and to hitchhike on luggage or personal belongings to new locations. Temperature-wise, bed bugs prefer environments similar to human habitats, thriving best at temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they can survive in a range of conditions and are not exclusively found in either hot or cold climates. This adaptability means they can establish themselves in nearly any place where people live and sleep.

bed bugs in mattress crevice

Where do bed bugs hide in your home?

Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to hide within our homes, using their flat bodies to squeeze into tight spaces. While many might first think of mattresses as their primary hiding spot, bed bugs hide in various locations beyond just the mattress seams. They find refuge in box springs, bed frames, headboards, and any crevice they can fit into near the bed, seeking proximity to their next blood meal. But their hiding spots are not limited to the bedroom. They can also be found lurking in electronics, in the crevices of furniture, shoes, books, and even within personal belongings. Essentially, any small space within a typical household can serve as a place where bed bugs hide, along with their eggs. When it comes to humans, bed bugs do not live on them; however, they are attracted to us primarily for feeding purposes.

Bed bug infestation

Can bed bugs live in wood furniture?

Yes, bed bugs can live in wood furniture. These pests are not limited to beds alone; they can hide in cracks and crevices of wood furniture, such as dressers, nightstands, and other items, especially those located near a bed. Bed bugs prefer to stay close to their food source, which is human blood, but they can be found in any part of wooden furniture where they can easily hide and remain undetected.

Where do bed bugs hide in public places?

In public areas, bed bugs tend to conceal themselves in locations where people frequently come and go, allowing for easy access to their next unsuspecting host. Some common hiding spots include seats on public transportation (buses, trains, and planes), waiting area furniture, hotel rooms, dressing rooms, and even more crowded places like movie theaters. Essentially, any area that offers a dark, secluded spot close to human activity can potentially harbor bed bugs.

Movie theater chairs

How to check for bed bugs

Worried these pests have hitched a ride home with you? Here’s a quick checklist to find bed bugs:

Inspect your bedding: Carefully check your mattress, box springs, and bed frames.
Examine furniture: Empty the drawers and inspect inside and out, paying close attention to cracks and crevices.
Check sofas and chairs: Don't forget upholstered furniture, including sofas and recliner chairs, especially those used for sleeping. Examine the seams between cushions and the folds of the fabric.
Wall decor and loose wallpaper: Bed bugs can hide behind pictures, posters, and even peeling wallpaper.
Electrical outlets and appliances: While less common, bed bugs can hide in electrical outlets and appliances, especially those near places people sleep. Use caution and ensure safety when checking.
Inspect luggage: Check any luggage or bags used while traveling and thoroughly inspect these items before bringing them inside your home.
Check cracks and crevices: Bed bugs can hide in the tiniest of spaces. Make sure to check the corners of ceilings, baseboards, wall molding, and carpet or rug edges.

What should you do if you find bed bugs?

Finding bed bugs living in your home can be unsettling, but it’s important to take action at the first sign of these pests to prevent the spread of an infestation. Carefully inspecting your belongings, thoroughly washing and heat-treating fabrics, and vacuuming regularly can help combat these pests until you can contact a professional for bed bug control.

If you notice any signs of bed bugs in your home, it's time to call in the Terminix bed bug experts.

Get Bed Bug Treatment

Where do bed bugs hide and how to find them?