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Can Bed Bugs Live in Wood? How to Check & Remove Them

Carl Heinrichs, owner of Quagga Designs.
Written by,

Carl Heinrichs

CEO of Quagga

Is your bed bug problem getting worse? Are you finding more and more of these pesky critters in your home? If so, it's time to take action!

In this article, we will discuss whether or not bed bugs can live in wood. We will also give you advice on how to check for bed bugs and remove them from your home if necessary.

What are Bed Bugs?

Close up of a bed bug on someone's skin
Credit: Wikipedia

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, and are generally active at night when they will bite their sleeping victims to feast on their blood (scary, I know!)

They are reddish-brown and have flat, oval-shaped bodies. They are typically 4-5mm in length, making them hard to spot with the naked eye.

Bed bugs are not currently known to transmit any diseases, but their bites can be very itchy and annoying. If you think you may have bed bugs, it is important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible to get rid of them.

Can Bed Bugs Live in Wood?

Cracks in wood
Credit: Engin Akyurt

Bed bugs hide in cracks and crevices near where people sleep, but they can also travel long distances in search of a meal. This means that they can end up in all sorts of unexpected places, including wood furniture.

So, can bed bugs live in wood? The short answer is yes. Bed bugs can survive for long periods without food, and they can hide very effectively in tight spaces. This means that wooden furniture can provide an ideal environment for bedbugs looking to escape the light and heat of the day.

However, it is important to remember that bedbugs can only survive for so long without food. This means that if you think you have bedbugs in your wood furniture, it is important to take action quickly to eliminate them before they starve to death.

What Causes Bed Bugs to Live in Wood?

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide and often live in wood furniture, beds, and other places where people sleep.

While bed bugs can live in many different materials, including upholstery and carpet, they are most commonly found in wood. But why is this?

Here are a couple of reasons why bed bugs like to live in wood:

  • Bed bugs are attracted to wood because it provides them with a safe place to hide and breed
  • Bed bugs are attracted to the warmth of wood, which helps them stay warm in the winter
  • Bed bugs are attracted to wood because it provides shelter from predators and the elements

As a result, wood is one of the most common places where bed bugs can be found.

If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, it is important to inspect any wooden furniture in your home for signs of the insects. These include small brown spots (bed bug excrement), shed skins, and live bed bugs. If you find any of these signs, you should contact a pest control professional to get rid of the infestation.

How Can You Prevent Bed Bugs from Living in Your Home?

Here are some practical ways you can prevent bed bugs before they start living in your home:

  • Inspect any new wood furniture before bringing it into your home
  • Keep your wood furniture clean and free of clutter to detect them immediately
  • Vacuum your wood furniture regularly in case there are any, including underneath cushions
  • Use a cover on your furniture to prevent bed bugs from getting onto your furniture and biting you
  • Call an exterminator if you have a bed bug infestation as soon as possible

How to Check for Bed Bugs in Wood Furniture?

If you think you may have bed bugs in your home, there are a few simple steps you can take to check for them.

Check for Spots with the Naked Eye

First, inspect your bed frame and mattress for any signs of bed bugs. Look for small, dark spots on the fabric which could be bed bug poop or eggs.

You may also see small brownish insects crawling on the surface. If you suspect bed bugs, it is best to call a pest control professional for help.

Use a Magnifying Glass

Next, use a magnifying glass to closely examine any areas where you think bed bugs might be hiding. This could include cracks in the bed frame or seams in the mattress. Look for small brown insects or dark spots that could indicate bed bug poop.

If you find bed bugs in your home, it is important to contact a pest control professional right away to get rid of them. Bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of on your own and their bites can be very uncomfortable.

By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your home is free of bed bugs.

How to Remove Bed Bugs in Wood Furniture?

If you do end up finding bed bugs in your furniture, that's no good! You're going to want to remove them immediately. Our homes are our sanctuaries, and we want to do everything we can to prevent pests from invading them.

Unfortunately, bed bugs are becoming an increasingly common problem due to travel and lack of knowledge to prevent infestation. These tiny insects can hide in furniture and cause sleepless nights for their human hosts. So how do you get rid of bed bugs in wood furniture?

Identify Infested Pieces of Furniture

The first step is to identify any infested pieces of furniture. Look for signs of bed bug activity such as small blood stains on sheets or pillowcases, dark spots on mattresses or upholstered furniture, or live insects crawling around.

Once you've identified the infested furniture, it's time to start treating it.

Use Bed Bug Killer Spray

One effective way to get rid of bed bugs is to use a bed bug killer spray. These products are designed to kill insects on contact, and they can be very effective at exterminating an infestation.

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, as some sprays can be harmful to humans if they're not used correctly.

Use a Steam Cleaner

Another option that's more natural and safer for humans and animals is to use a steam cleaner. The high temperatures generated by the steam will kill bed bugs (and their eggs) on contact. This method is considered safe for both humans and pets, but it's important to use a steam cleaner that's been approved for use on upholstered surfaces.

Following these tips should help you get rid of bed bugs in wood furniture and prevent them from coming back in the future.

FAQ

How do you get rid of bed bugs on wood furniture?

When it comes to wooden furniture, there are a few things you can do to prevent bed bugs from taking up residence.

First, make sure that any bed frames or other wooden furniture are kept clean and free of clutter. This will make it much harder for bed bugs to hide and breed.

Second, regularly inspect your wooden furniture for signs of bed bugs, such as small brown spots or blood stains. If you do find bed bugs, it's important to remove them and dispose of them properly and carefully.

Finally, consider using a quality insecticide or bed bug spray on wooden furniture to help keep bed bugs at bay. In addition to a spray, this can also be applied in the form of traps or baits.

By following these steps, you can help keep your wooden furniture free of bed bugs.

Do bed bugs lay eggs on wood?

Bed bugs are notorious for infesting homes and businesses, but they can also lay eggs on wood surfaces.

While bed bugs prefer to lay their eggs in mattresses and other soft furnishings, they will lay them on any suitable surface. This includes wooden surfaces such as bed frames, headboards, and even bedside tables.

Bed bug eggs are small and white, and they are usually found in clusters. If you suspect that bed bugs are laying eggs on your wood furniture, you should contact a pest control professional for assistance.

What wood do bed bugs not like?

Bed bugs are elusive creatures, which makes them difficult to control. However, there are a few things that you can do to discourage them from taking up residence in your home.

If you already have wood furniture in your home, you can treat it with a natural repellent like neem oil or eucalyptus oil. You can also take steps to reduce the overall population of bed bugs in your home by vacuuming regularly and removing clutter where they might hide.

Taking these simple steps will help to make your home less inviting to bed bugs.

Conclusion: Can Bed Bugs Live in Wood?

Bed bugs can be a huge problem to deal with, but there are ways you can prevent them from taking up residence in your home.

By inspecting new wood furniture before bringing it inside, keeping your furniture clean and free of clutter, vacuuming regularly, using a cover on your furniture, and checking for bed bugs with a magnifying glass, you can make sure that these pests stay out of your life. If you do find an infestation, call an exterminator right away.

Carl Heinrichs

CEO of Quagga
Carl Heinrichs is the Founder of Quagga, Canada's most innovative furniture design solutions that are easy to assemble and playfully made.

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