Bed bugs are masters of crevice survival.

Their flat bodies can squeeze into extremely narrow spaces — adults can penetrate gaps as small as approximately 1.

The hiding places bed bugs select share a common characteristic: they are usually no more than 2 meters from the human host.

In descending order of frequency: Mattress seams, piping, and air vent edges (approximately 70–85% of bed bug aggregations are in this area); Headboard and bed frame joints and screw holes; Baseboards and wall cracks; Behind electrical outlet and switch plates; The back crevices of picture frames and photo frames; Armrest seams and backrest folds of upholstered furniture; Loose wallpaper; Carpet edges and seams; Curtain folds and tracks; and the crevices of luggage and backpacks (the primary means of bed bug spread via travel).

When inspecting, use a flashlight and magnifying glass, focusing on looking for black fecal spots, shed skins, and live bugs.