Most people think bed bugs are only found in beds. As canine bed bug inspectors, we can tell you that it is one of the biggest myths out there. This past year alone, Doctor Sniffs found infestations in places you would never expect. Here are ten of the strangest (and most eye-opening) spots.
In a Bank
Bed bugs are not limited to a mattress; sometimes they hide in places you least expect, such as a bank chair. They hitchhike in on people’s clothing and bags, and once inside, they hide in cracks of furniture. A quick bed bug inspection revealed more than just money moving around that day.
In a Store’s Fitting Room
People picture them in beds, but fitting rooms are another surprising hotspot. With constant turnover of clothes, customers, and bags, bed bugs can settle into upholstered benches or even seams in the wall. Shoppers looking for a new outfit never expect an insect audience.
In a Donation Box
Forget the mattress; sometimes, bed bugs end up in a donation box instead. They can hide in clothing, shoes, or blankets that get dropped into bins. We have seen them crawling right out of a pile of donations before it ever reached the store.
In a Hospital Waiting Room
They are not limited to bedrooms. Hospitals, with their steady stream of visitors, make an easy target. Especially since many folks will get out of bed and go straight to the hospital if they are not feeling well. We found bed bugs hiding in the seams of the waiting room chairs, showing that it’s not about cleanliness, but how easily they hitch a ride.
In an Elevator
Once again, mattresses are not the only place; elevators can become home too. Especially since elevators in tall buildings carry a large number of people. All you need is one person with a bed bug issue to lean on the wall and drop off a few hitchhikers. We spotted them hiding out near the metal grate.
On the Ceiling of a Neighboring Apartment
Most people think of bed frames, not ceilings. But one inspection revealed clusters along crown molding and ceiling edges. In this case, a neighboring unit had been using self-treatment with repellents. Repellents caused the bugs to scatter and travel into the apartment below, eventually ending up on their ceiling.
In an Office Chair
Instead of hiding under a bed, they may be right under you at work. Bed bugs can easily hide in the stitching of desk chairs and travel with employees. We have found more than a few under the seats of hardworking New Yorkers.
In a Daycare Rocking Chair
People rarely think of daycares when they think of bed bugs. Yet upholstered rocking chairs are perfect hiding spots. We uncovered them wedged in the fabric folds of a daycare rocker.
On a Lobby Couch
Mattresses may get the blame, but lobby couches are just as risky. Hotels, apartment buildings, and offices often have comfy seating that sees heavy traffic. We have witnessed infestations where dozens of people sit daily, completely unaware of the issue.
In an Airplane Seat
If you think airplanes are safe from bed bugs, think again. One of our past clients texted us mid-flight in a panic after spotting a bug on their seat. Unfortunately, it was a bed bug, proving they can show up anywhere people gather, even 30,000 feet in the air.
Takeaway: Bed bugs are not just confined to bedrooms. They will go wherever people go, and their hiding places are more creative than most people realize. That is why professional routine inspections are critical, because no one thinks to check a daycare rocking chair or a seat on an airplane until it is too late.