Bed bugs are the worst pest infestation to encounter.
They cause a copious amount of stress, anxiety, sleepless nights, and high costs when trying to remove them.
Their ability to hide in the smallest gap due to their tiny size makes them extremely hard to remove.
Bed Bugs aren’t usually visible, as they like to hide during the day and emerge when you’re fast asleep. They hide in the seams and folds of bed sheets, mattresses and the bed frame. But where else do they infest?
Unfortunately, there are other places they like to dwell in, almost anywhere else in your room. Here are some examples…
1) Children’s Toys
Bed Bugs can infest children’s toys and become a source of spreading bed bugs from one room or house to another. The bugs hide in cracks and crevices of plastic toys and inside soft toys, such as teddy bears and cloth books. Therefore, children’s toys can carry bed bugs into your home from other households.
2) Books
If you have old books lying around on shelves, not only are they gathering dust, but they may harbour bed bugs too. These critters crawl into the spines of books and therefore pose a danger to other households or buildings when books are transported.
3) Furniture
Furniture of all types is a potential home to bed bugs. A common way that bed bugs get introduced to your home is through second-hand furniture. Whether it’s a bedside table, chest of drawers, sofa, or chair, you should inspect these items before bringing them into your home.
Common signs include dark brown spots on the surface near any cracks or small openings. You may even spot clusters of eggs or smell a funny odour from the furniture.
As bed bugs can infest just about anywhere in your room, it’ll take the work of a professional to remove these creatures successfully. Unfortunately, DIY methods won’t eradicate the bugs. Instead, chemical and heat treatments are the best options.
So if you spot any signs of bed bugs, call a professional immediately to avoid the situation worsening as bed bugs reproduce and spread very quickly.
This post was written in conjunction with Zest Environmental, who provide fogging disinfection in Glasgow and throughout Central Scotland
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What household items do bed bugs commonly infest?
Bed bugs most commonly infest items that are close to where people sleep or rest. This includes mattresses, bed frames, sofas, armchairs, cushions, and soft furnishings where they can hide in seams and cracks.
Can bed bugs live in clothing and fabric items?
Yes. Bed bugs can hide in clothing, curtains, blankets, and other fabric items, especially if these are stored near infested areas. They tend to seek out dark folds and seams where they are less likely to be disturbed.
Do bed bugs infest electronics?
Yes, in some cases. Bed bugs can hide in electronic devices such as alarm clocks, TVs, and chargers if these items are located near sleeping areas and provide small crevices for shelter.
Can bed bugs be found in luggage and bags?
Yes. Luggage, backpacks, and handbags are common transport items for bed bugs. They can crawl into seams and linings, making them a key way infestations spread between locations.
Do bed bugs infest wooden furniture?
Yes. Bed bugs can hide in cracks, joints, and screw holes in wooden furniture such as bed frames, wardrobes, drawers, and bedside tables, especially if these are near sleeping areas.
How can I stop household items spreading bed bugs?
Regular inspection, reducing clutter, and isolating infested items are important. Washing fabrics at high temperatures and treating or sealing affected furniture can also help prevent bed bugs from spreading further.