\u27a1\ufe0f A bedbug nest contains eggs, nymphs and adults, with black spots of excrement and sometimes moulted skins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Bed bugs mainly hide in mattresses, bed bases, cracks, skirting boards and furniture near the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f To find a nest, inspect bedding, furniture and dark corners with a torch and magnifying glass, ideally at night when they are active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Canine detection is the most reliable method for quickly locating all sources of infestation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Comprehensive treatment is essential: vacuuming, washing at high temperatures, heat AND chemical treatment, repeated at 7-10 day intervals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Where do bed bugs hide?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bed bugs are discreet insects that spend most of their lives hidden in dark, narrow places. Here are their favourite hiding places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Pourquoi](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Pourquoi-les-punaises-de-lit-se-cachent-dans-le-matelas-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>Mattresses, box springs and headboards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The seams, folds and corners of mattresses are very popular with bed bugs. This allows them to stay close to their food source (you) at first. If the infestation is not treated, bed bugs will eventually move and create nests further and further away from the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inspect the edges, seams, zips and the inside of bed bases, where they also lay their eggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another possible hiding place:<\/strong> headboards (wooden, fabric or leather). Bed bugs often leave traces (excrement, eggs, moulted skin) here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u27a1\ufe0f See also:<\/strong> Bed bugs in a mattress: what to do?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Bed bugs love to hide in cracks in walls, behind skirting boards, under loose wallpaper or at the junction between the floor and the wall. These dark spaces provide ideal protection.<\/p>\n<\/div> Bedside tables, bed frames, shelves and any furniture near the bed may be infested, especially in cases of advanced infestation. Check every crack and crevice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bed bugs love rough textures such as untreated wood.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Electrical outlets, light switches, picture frames and other wall objects are typical hiding places in cases of severe infestation. Their small size allows bed bugs to enter these narrow spaces for protection.<\/p>\n<\/div> Be careful with clothes left near the bed! This is a common source of contamination in other homes. Bed bugs can also hide in curtain hems, under rugs and behind picture frames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u27a1\ufe0f See also:<\/strong> Washing clothes contaminated with bed bugs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Suitcases, travel bags or backpacks placed near the bed are clearly risky situations when accommodation is contaminated. Bed bugs easily settle in them and travel from one place to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u27a1\ufe0f See also:<\/strong> How to avoid bed bugs when travelling?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Key points:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bed bugs avoid light and stay close to their host, so the bed and surrounding furniture should be inspected first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n A bed bug \u2018nest<\/strong>\u2019 does not look anything like a wasp or ant nest. It is more like a group of bed bugs in different stages of life<\/strong>, gathered in the same hiding place near their food source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s how to recognise a bed bug nest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will find bed bugs of all sizes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The eggs are tiny (about 1 mm), white and slightly shiny. They are often stuck in clusters to surfaces (seams, wood, cracks) thanks to a waxy substance that makes them difficult to remove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bedbugs moult 5 times before reaching their adult size<\/a>. You will therefore find small translucent skins in their hiding places.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n These are small black or dark brown<\/a> spots, similar to ink stains, formed by their droppings. They are very characteristic of a bed bug nest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A large nest often gives off a pungent, sweet smell<\/strong>, sometimes described as the smell of rotten fruit or mould. This is caused by pheromones secreted by bedbugs to communicate and mate.<\/p>\n<\/div> Here are our tips for locating the nesting site and confirming an infestation before considering treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start with the bed, as this is the main hiding place for bed bugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Remove all sheets, pillowcases and blankets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Check the seams, folds and labels on the mattress: use a torch to see better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Examine the slats and bed base, especially if they are upholstered. Bedbugs like to hide under stapled fabric and in cracks in the wood.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Inspect all furniture near the bed: bedside tables, nightstands, dressers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Look under drawers, behind frames, in cracks in baseboards and along walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Curtains, carpets, hanging or folded clothing can also harbour bedbugs, especially in cases of advanced infestation.<\/p>\n<\/div> Bed bugs are nocturnal insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To confirm their presence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Turn off the lights at night and then turn them back on suddenly to see them moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 You can also observe their movements on the mattress or even on your body if you sleep for a few minutes with the lights off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feel free to use a powerful torch to illuminate dark corners. A magnifying glass can also be useful for inspecting eggs, which are very small and stick to surfaces.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n If you cannot locate the bed bug nest, canine detection is the most reliable method (95% effective).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Detection dogs are trained to locate bed bugs using their sense of smell, even in hard-to-reach areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canine detection can be used for prevention, detection and after treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u27a1\ufe0f See also:<\/strong> All you need to know about canine detection<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div> Once the nest has been located, it is essential to act quickly and effectively. Here is what you need to do to eliminate a bed bug nest and prevent it from returning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Targeted treatment involves eliminating only the visible infested area (e.g. mattress, bed base). This can be useful at the very beginning of an infestation, but it is rarely sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u26a0\ufe0f Important to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you find only one nest, bed bugs move quickly and often form satellite colonies elsewhere in the home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Comprehensive treatment is essential in the event of a confirmed infestation. This involves treating all potential hiding places in the room (skirting boards, electrical sockets, furniture, cracks) to eradicate eggs, nymphs and adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, bedbugs are difficult to eliminate because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u27a1\ufe0f The eggs are protected by a waxy shell that is highly resistant to conventional insecticides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u27a1\ufe0f Nymphs need a blood meal at each stage, but can survive for several weeks without feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u27a1\ufe0f Adults can live up to 12 months without feeding, depending on the ambient temperature. A complete treatment in several stages<\/a> is therefore essential to eliminate all stages of development and prevent bedbugs from returning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Vacuum<\/strong> with a narrow nozzle and a sealed bag<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Throw the bag immediately into a sealed bag outside to prevent recontamination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2705 Wash your sheets and clothes at a high temperature<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you find bed bugs in several rooms in your home, you need to treat your home quickly. If you feel overwhelmed, call in a professional. Be wary of scams, which are common in this sector<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose a service provider with Certibiocide certification<\/strong> (mandatory for the use of professional insecticides) and, ideally, Certipunaise<\/strong> certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In principle, a \u2018real\u2019 professional follows a comprehensive protocol: thorough inspection, heat and\/or chemical treatment in at least two stages (7-10 days apart). They also provide follow-up to check the effectiveness of the treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> Even after successful treatment, regular vigilance is essential, as bed bugs can reappear weeks or months later if the source has not been completely eradicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSkirting boards, cracks and walls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/La-terre-de-diatomee-est-elle-un-remede-efficace-contre-les-punaises-de-lit-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/presence-punaises-lit-1024x768.jpeg\")
<\/figure>Furniture near the bed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Electrical outlets, picture frames and wall objects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Savoir-reconnaitre-une-punaise-de-lit-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"v\u00eatements](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/vetements-chambre.png\")
<\/figure>Clothing and textiles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Suitcases and bags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"fermer](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/valise-voyage-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat does a bed bug nest look like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Punaises-de-lit-dans-les-immeubles-HLM-que-faire-1024x681.jpg\")
<\/figure>Presence of live and dead insects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Presence of eggs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Presence of exuviae (moulted skins)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Traces of excrement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Characteristic odour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Inspecter-le-matelas-pour-detecter-les-punaises-de-lit-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFinding bed bug nests: the step-by-step method<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Femme](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/protocole-etape-5.png\")
<\/figure>1) Inspect the bedding first<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2) Check furniture and dark corners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Femme](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/protocole-etape-2-3-1024x997.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Palexpo](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Palexpo-punaise-de-lit-1024x777.webp\")
<\/figure>3) Inspect at night<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4) Use the canine detection method<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"D\u00e9tection](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Detection-canine-1024x455.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to destroy a bed bug nest?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Targeted treatment or comprehensive treatment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/laver-vetements-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>First steps to take<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Call in a professional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Choisir-un-professionnel-de-la-desinsectisation-de-punaise-de-lit\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Choisir-un-professionnel-de-la-desinsectisation-de-punaise-de-lit-1024x574.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nPreventive measures after bed bug treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Apply an anti-bed bug repellent spray<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bed](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/kit_EN_bouclier_SOS-1-600x600.jpg\")