Bed bugs are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. These tiny, blood-sucking pests are notoriously difficult to spot and eradicate. Most people associate these pesky critters with nighttime activity, as they typically bite when their human hosts are fast asleep. 

However, finding these bugs during the day is not only possible but essential to prevent an infestation from spiralling out of control. This post will explore the most innovative ways to find these pesky critters during the day, so you can take action and protect your home and family.

Know the Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation 

Before effectively locating bed bugs during the day, you must recognise the signs of an infestation. These may include:

• Unexplained red, itchy bites on your skin 
• Tiny black or dark brown faecal spots on your mattress, bedding, or surrounding areas 
• Small blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases 
• Tiny white eggs or eggshells, which are about 1mm in size and often found in mattress seams or other hiding spots 
• A musty, sweet odour that may become stronger as the infestation grows

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to inspect your home for these bugs thoroughly.

Focus on Their Favourite Hiding Spots

These pesky critters are incredibly tiny and excellent at hiding, so they often go undetected until an infestation has become severe. During the day, they tend to retreat to dark, secluded areas where they can avoid detection. Some of their favourite hiding spots include:

• Mattress seams, folds, and piping 
• Box springs and bed frames  
• Behind headboards, wall hangings, and picture frames 
• In the folds and seams of upholstered furniture, such as sofas and chairs 
• In the corners and crevices of baseboards, crown moulding, and window sills 
• Inside electrical outlets, light switches, and electronic devices

When inspecting these areas, use a flashlight to illuminate any potential hiding spots, and be prepared to use a credit card or similar tool to scrape along seams and crevices where bed bugs may be hiding.

Employ the Power of Heat

These bugs are highly susceptible to heat, so one way to find them during the day is to use a hairdryer or space heater to force them out of hiding. Set the hairdryer or heater high and direct the heat towards the suspected hiding spots. The heat will cause these critters to become more active and possibly emerge from their hiding places, making them easier to spot.

Use Sticky Traps or Interceptor Devices

Another smart way to find these pesky critters during the day is to use sticky traps or interceptor devices. Sticky traps, such as double-sided tape or commercially available traps, can be placed near suspected infestation areas to capture any bugs venturing out during the day.

Interceptor devices, small plastic cups with a textured exterior and a smooth, slippery inner surface, can be placed under the legs of beds and other furniture. These bugs attempting to climb onto the furniture will get trapped in the interceptor, making finding and identifying them more manageable.

Consult a Professional 

If you are still struggling to find these bugs during the day or are unsure whether you have an infestation, it is always a brilliant idea to consult a professional pest control expert. They will have the necessary knowledge, equipment, and experience to identify and address your bug problem accurately.

Conclusion  

Finding bed bugs during the day may seem daunting, but with the proper knowledge and tools, locating and addressing an infestation before it becomes a significant issue is possible. By knowing the signs of an infestation, focusing on common hiding spots, employing heat, using sticky traps or interceptor devices, and consulting a professional if necessary, you can protect your home and family from the harmful effects of these blood-sucking pests.

If you are tired of waking up with itchy and red bites on your skin, it is time to take action against bed bugs. Bed Bug Barrier offers a DIY system to help you eliminate these pests for good. With our easy-to-use treatment, you can eliminate these pesky critters without the need for expensive exterminators. Order now!