Now that summer is almost over, many people have returned home from vacation and are gearing up for work or another school year. Problem is, you and your family may have brought home some unwanted guests! Bed bugs, found in many hotels, motels, and vacation rentals across the country, are excellent hitchhikers. If you had the misfortune of bed bugs on your vacation, they can easily survive the long trip back to your home! And while many of us know to inspect our beds, what are some other surprising places that bed bugs can hide?
Despite their names, bed bugs don’t stick exclusively to beds. Bed bugs can hide and be transferred from place to place in several different types of belongings. These include clothing, books, bags, even paintings! Here are three surprising places that bed bugs can hide in your home.
Have you got a closet full of shoes that are barely ever worn? Between all the fabrics and crevices, this may be an ideal place for bed bugs to hide. Take some time to lay out your shoes onto a sheet and inspect each pair. Carefully examine all materials. If you spot any signs of bed bugs, place your shoes into a sealed container, and if possible, leave it outside. At this point, it’s best to call a pest control professional. They can check the rest of the house and carry out treatment (and save your shoes!).
Because bed bugs are so small, they can squeeze their way in between the pages of a book. If you notice any black spots around the edges of one or more books in your home, you should conduct a thorough inspection. Try laying the book against a white sheet or bathtub, which can help you see the tiny bugs. If you suspect bed bugs, immediately place the book into a sealed bag. You should vacuum the areas it came into contact with, and contact your local pest professional.
Despite the absence of any ‘fabric-like’ material, electronics still have many cracks and crevices that are perfect for bed bugs to get into. Use a magnifying glass to inspect televisions, computers, printers, speakers, remote controls, and gaming consoles. If you spot any signs of bed bugs and want to salvage your electronics, we recommend calling a pest control professional.
It’s not advised to try dealing with a bed bug infestation on your own. Pest professionals know the most successful methods and have the proper treatments. If you suspect an infestation or want to hear about our pest control packages, feel free to give us a call!
