How to Find Bed Bugs During the Day

Finding bed bugs can be a real challenge, especially during the day when they like to play hide-and-seek. But don’t worry — you can sniff them out with a bit of know-how and the right tools. It’s a task worth taking on, as bed bugs have made a remarkable comeback in recent years. Once virtually nonexistent in the US from the 1950s to the late 1990s, these pests have now been reported in all 50 states and various settings, making bed bug detection more critical than ever.

Remember, finding even a single bed bug is a sign of a larger bed bug problem.

So, Do Bed Bugs Come Out During The Day?

No, generally bed bugs hide during the day. However, there are a few exceptions where they may break their routine and be seen during daylight hours: 

• If someone is sleeping during the day
• If a person has been away for an extended period
• If the infestation is severe
• If bed bugs are migrating from a neighboring apartment

Although they don’t build nests like termites, bed bugs do gather on furniture such as couches, beds, and headboards, making their hideouts easier to spot. While they are elusive pests, it is still possible to find them if you know what to look for.

How to Find Bed Bugs During the Day: Tips

Now that you know where bed bugs are more likely to hide during the day, use the following strategies to find them.

Use a Flashlight Near the Sleeping Area

One of the best places to start looking for bed bugs is near your sleeping areas, such as beds, couches, or armchairs. A flashlight is a handy tool for lighting the cracks and crevices where bed bugs like to hide. By shining a light into these areas, you may be able to spot the bugs themselves or other signs of their presence, such as their reddish-brown shed skins, small black droppings, or bed bug eggs. 

Be sure to inspect the seams, folds, and tufts of your bedding and upholstery, as well as any nearby baseboards and molding. The sleeping area is a prime target for inspection because it’s where bed bugs are most likely to be feeding on their host, making it a good starting point for your bed bug hunt.

Check Your Pets

Your pets can also bring bed bugs into your home and become infested. To inspect your pets for bed bugs, check their sleeping areas, such as a dog bed or cat tree. Look for any dark, reddish-brown spots on their fur, which could be bed bug droppings or live or dead bugs. Bed bug bites will irritate your pets skin so excessive scratching could be a sign of adult bed bugs.

You can also run a canine bed bug inspection with a flea comb through your pet’s fur to collect any bugs or eggs that may be present. The bed bugs dangerous bite shouldn’t effect you during this process.

If you suspect your pet may be carrying bed bugs, it’s best to seek the help of a professional exterminator, as these pests can be difficult to eliminate on your own.

Inspect with a Card

A stiff, flat card such as a credit card or ID card can be used to spot bed bugs during the day. Use the card to probe into cracks and crevices near your sleeping area, such as the seams of your bedding, upholstery, baseboards, molding, and picture frames. 

Run the card gently along these areas to dislodge any bed bugs that may be hiding and expose them to the light. Look for any signs of an infestation, such as live or dead bugs, droppings, or eggs. Remember that bed bugs can be small and difficult to spot, so it’s essential to be thorough in your inspection. Consider using a magnifying glass to help you see more clearly and track bed bugs.

Clean the Area

Cleaning is an essential aspect of finding bed bugs during the day. 

To start, clear the area of clutter and remove all linens and bedding from your bed. This will make it easier to spot any bed bugs and evidence of an infestation and prevent the bugs from hiding in your bedding. Live bed bugs like hiding spots like the bed frame so check there to find adult bed bugs.

Vacuum the entire area, focusing on the mattress seams, folds, and tufts, you could detect bed bugs on the box spring, baseboards, molding, and furniture. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately after vacuuming to prevent bed bugs from escaping. Wash your bed linens and bedding in hot water, as bed bugs are known to die at temperatures above 120°F.

Usually, bed bugs bite at night so it’s best to wash all linens before sleeping.

Eliminate Bed Bugs With Budget Brothers

If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, you must act quickly and contact a professional pest control company. It’s challenging to kill bed bugs, and professional service will have the tools, knowledge, and experience to do the job effectively. 

Budget Brothers is a leading pest control company in Arizona with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Our team of skilled technicians is equipped to handle bed bug infestations and will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that best fits your needs. Don’t wait to take action if you think you may have bed bugs – contact Budget Brothers today to get started on the road to a bed bug-free home.