Can Bed Bugs hide in Nightstands?

Bed bugs in nightstands

In this article, we will answer the question: Can Bed bugs hide in Nightstands?
Nightstands are common bedroom furniture pieces that provide convenient storage and a surface area next to the bed. However, these seemingly innocent furniture items can become hiding spots for bed bugs.

We will try to understand how these pests can infest and hide within the drawers and compartments. By learning about the signs of a bed bug infestation in nightstands and effective prevention strategies, you can protect your sleeping environment from these unwelcome intruders.

 

What is a Nightstand?

A nightstand, also known as a bedside table or bedside cabinet, is a small piece of furniture typically placed next to a bed. It is designed to provide convenient storage and a surface area for items that are commonly used or needed during the night.

Nightstands usually have a flat top surface for placing a lamp, alarm clock, or other personal items, and they often include one or more drawers, shelves, or compartments for storing books, medications, glasses, and other belongings. Bedside tables come in various styles, sizes, and materials to complement bedroom decor and offer practical functionality within arm’s reach of the bed.

 

Can Bed Bugs hide in Nightstands?

Yes, bed bugs can hide in nightstands. Nightstands provide dark and concealed spaces, such as drawers, compartments, or gaps, where these pests can seek shelter and establish their harborage. They are skilled at finding narrow cracks and crevices to hide in, and night tables can offer numerous hiding spots for them.

It’s important to be vigilant and regularly inspect your bedside cabinet for signs of bed bug infestation, such as live bugs, fecal stains, or shed skins, especially if there is an infestation in the surrounding area or adjacent furniture.

Hair salons, along with other outdoor venues, can have bed bugs as well. For additional details, please check our article on Bed Bugs and Hair Salons.

 

How to check your Nightstand for Bed bugs?

To check your nightstand for bed bugs, follow these steps:

  1. Prepare a flashlight: You’ll need a bright flashlight to help you see into the cracks, crevices, and dark areas of the nightstand.
  2. Remove items: Take out all items stored in the nightstand, including books, electronics, and any other belongings. Place them in a safe area away from the inspection zone.
  3. Examine the exterior: Carefully inspect the outer surface of the bedside table, including the top, sides, and back. Look for any signs of bed bugs such as live bugs, dark stains (fecal spots), or shed skins.
  4. Check drawers and compartments: Open each drawer one at a time and examine the interior surfaces. Pay close attention to the corners, joints, and seams where they may hide. Use the flashlight to illuminate the space and check for any signs of bed bugs or their activity.
  5. Inspect cracks and crevices: They can squeeze into narrow cracks and crevices. Using the flashlight, check the corners, edges, and joints of the nightstand. Look for any signs of bed bugs, including live bugs, eggs, or dark spots.
  6. Check electrical outlets: They can hide in electrical outlets. Inspect the outlets near or behind the nightstand. Look for any signs of bed bugs or their fecal stains.

 

What are the signs of bed bugs in and around a nightstand?

The signs of bed bugs in and around a nightstand include:

  • Live bed bugs: You may spot actual bed bugs crawling in and around the nightstand. Adult bugs are roughly the size of 5-8 millimeters, characterized by a flat, oval-shaped body and a reddish-brown coloration. (source)
  • Fecal stains: Look for small, dark stains or smears on the surface of the night table or nearby walls. These stains are often left behind by bed bugs after feeding and can appear as clusters or streaks.
  • Bed bug exoskeletons: As these insects grow and molt, they shed their exoskeletons, leaving behind translucent, empty skins. You might find these exoskeletons in and around the nightstand, particularly in cracks, joints, or seams.
  • Bloodstains: If you have recently crushed a bed bug or accidentally squished one while leaning on the bedside cabinet, you may notice small bloodstains on the surface or fabric.
  • Eggshells: These insects lay tiny, pale-colored eggs that are approximately 1 mm in size. Look for these eggshells in the corners, crevices, or joints of the nightstand.
  • Musty odor: In some cases, a strong, musty odor may be present around an infested nightstand. This odor is often described as sweet or sickly and is caused by bed bug secretions.

 

Can bed bugs hide in the drawers or compartments of a nightstand?

Yes, they can hide in the drawers or compartments of a nightstand. The narrow spaces, corners, and seams within the drawers and compartments provide ideal hiding spots for bed bugs. They can crawl into these areas during the day to remain hidden and emerge at night to feed on human blood.

 

Do Bed bugs hide in Tables?

Yes, they can hide in tables as well. Similar to nightstands, tables provide potential hiding spots for bed bugs due to their structure and design. They can hide in the cracks, joints, or crevices of tables. Especially if they are made of wood or have intricate designs with multiple layers.

They may also seek shelter in any compartments, drawers, or spaces within the table. Where they can remain concealed during the day and come out to feed at night. It’s important to be thorough in inspecting tables for signs of bed bug infestation, especially in areas where there is a known bed bug presence or infested furniture nearby.

 

Where do Bed bugs hide if not in bed?

Bed bugs are adept at finding hiding spots beyond the bed.

Here are some common areas where they may hide if not in the bed:

  • Furniture: Bed bugs can hide in upholstered furniture such as sofas, chairs, recliners, and couches. They can squeeze into seams, cushions, and crevices.
  • Bedside tables: They can hide in the drawers, compartments, or gaps of these furniture pieces, especially if they are located near the bed.
  • Wall voids: They can crawl into cracks, gaps, or voids in walls, including electrical outlets and switch plates.
  • Carpets and rugs: They can seek refuge in the fibers and underneath carpets and rugs, especially near the bed or furniture.
  • Curtains and drapes: Bed bugs may hide in the folds, pleats, or behind curtains and drapes.
  • Baseboards and moldings: They can squeeze into the gaps and crevices along baseboards and moldings.
  • Luggage and bags: They can hitch a ride in suitcases, backpacks, handbags, and other bags, hiding in the seams and pockets.
  • Electronics: They can hide in electronic devices, such as alarm clocks, televisions, or gaming consoles, especially if they are located near the sleeping area.
  • Clothing: They can hide in the seams and folds of clothing, including in closets or drawers near the bed.
  • Cracks and crevices: They can find hiding spots in various cracks, crevices, and gaps throughout the room, including in furniture joints, picture frames, wallpaper, or floorboards.

 

How do you scare Bed bugs out of hiding?

Scaring bed bugs out of hiding is not an effective strategy for dealing with an infestation. They are excellent at hiding and have evolved to avoid detection and disturbances.

Trying to scare them out of hiding may cause them to scatter and spread further throughout your home, making the problem even more challenging to control.

 

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question: Can Bed bugs hide in Nightstands?
It is important to be aware of the potential for bed bugs to hide in nightstands. These small but persistent pests can easily infest the drawers and compartments, posing a threat to your bedroom and overall well-being.

By staying vigilant, regularly inspecting your nightstand, and implementing preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of bed bug infestations and ensure a peaceful and pest-free sleep environment. Remember, early detection and prompt action are key to effectively dealing with bed bugs and maintaining a healthy home.