Imagine this: You’re finally relaxing after a long day, sipping on a cup of tea, and then you spot them—tiny bed bugs crawling on the wooden frame of your bed or hiding in the cracks of your wooden furniture. Gross, right? You might be wondering, “Why on earth are bed bugs on my wood? I thought they were just in mattresses!” Well, let’s break it down together.

At Neon Pest & Lawn, we get questions like this all the time and believe me, you’re not alone. Bed bugs love to make themselves comfortable in all sorts of unexpected places—especially wood. Let’s dive into why that is and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

Key Takeaways

Bed bugs love wood because it provides plenty of small spaces to hide.
They stay close to you because they feed on blood, which is why they like furniture near your bed.
Bed bugs aren’t picky—they’ll hide in any wood, regardless of how clean or expensive it is.
Prevention and early detection are key, but professional help is often necessary for full eradication.

Why Are Bed Bugs Hanging Out on Wood?

So, why wood? What’s so special about it that bed bugs like to hang out there?

Wood Provides Great Hiding Spots

Here’s the thing—bed bugs are all about finding a good hiding place. They love narrow, tight spaces where they can cozy up and feel safe. Wood furniture, wooden bed frames, and even hardwood floors have plenty of nooks, crannies, and tiny gaps where bed bugs can slip in and stay hidden. The natural cracks and seams in wood are like five-star hotels to these little pests.

They don’t care about the type of wood, either. Whether it’s expensive oak furniture or the bargain bed frame you bought on sale, it’s all the same to them. If they can crawl inside and hide, they’re in.

Close Proximity to Their Food Source

Bed bugs feed on—you guessed it—blood. That means they like to stay close to their food source: you! When they set up camp in your wooden bed frame or headboard, they’re keeping themselves close to where you sleep, so they can easily come out and feed at night. It’s convenient for them (even if it’s horrifying for us).

Wooden furniture near beds is a prime target for bed bugs for the same reason. They prefer to nest in areas that are within crawling distance of where you rest, which makes wood a perfect option if it’s nearby.

Wood vs. Metal: What’s the Difference?

You might be wondering, “But why wood and not metal?” Well, it’s not that bed bugs won’t go on metal; it’s just that wood provides a more textured surface, which makes it easier for them to grip and hide. Metal tends to be smooth and doesn’t offer as many hiding spots, which means they’re less likely to nest in those areas.

If you’ve got a metal bed frame, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to bed bugs—it just means they’ll find other nearby hiding spots, like nightstands, wall crevices, or even electrical outlets.

How Did They Get Here?

Good question. Bed bugs can end up on your wooden furniture for a variety of reasons. They might have traveled in from somewhere else—like a hotel, public transport, or even a friend’s house. These little hitchhikers are sneaky and will latch onto luggage, clothing, or even used furniture, making their way into your home without you noticing.

If you’ve bought secondhand wooden furniture recently, that could be another source. Bed bugs love to hide in secondhand items, and unless you’ve inspected every tiny crevice (which, let’s be honest, most of us don’t), they could be coming along for the ride.

What Can You Do About It?

Alright, so now that we know why bed bugs are hanging out on your wood, what can we do to get rid of them? Here are some steps you can take:

Inspect Thoroughly

Start by thoroughly inspecting your wooden furniture. Look into every crack, joint, and crevice you can find. Use a flashlight—it will help you spot them more easily. You might find not only live bed bugs but also shed skins or small black spots, which are their droppings.

Vacuum and Steam Clean

One effective way to deal with bed bugs on wood is to vacuum the affected areas thoroughly. Use the narrow attachment to get into cracks and seams. After that, steam cleaning is another great option—bed bugs can’t handle high heat, so steam cleaning can help kill both bugs and their eggs.

Diatomaceous Earth

Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the affected area can also help. It’s a natural powder that is safe for pets and people but deadly for bed bugs. The powder works by drying out the bugs, eventually killing them. Make sure to apply it in the cracks and corners where bed bugs are likely to hide.

Call in the Pros

Sometimes, no matter what you do, bed bugs just won’t go away. They’re tough, and if even a few are left behind, they can start the whole infestation all over again. That’s when it’s time to call in professionals. At Neon Pest & Lawn, we use safe, effective treatments that get to the root of the problem, making sure that the bed bugs are completely gone.

Can You Prevent Bed Bugs from Infesting Wood?

Prevention is always better than dealing with an infestation, right? Here are a few ways you can try to prevent bed bugs from making your wooden furniture their new home:

Be Careful with Secondhand Items: Always check used furniture carefully before bringing it into your home. Check all the cracks, seams, and hidden areas.
Use Protective Covers: Mattress and furniture covers can help keep bed bugs from finding a place to hide. There are even some encasements designed specifically for bed bug prevention.
Regular Inspections: Make it a habit to check your furniture every now and then. This helps catch any potential problems early before they become a full-blown infestation.

Final Thoughts

Bed bugs on wood might seem strange at first, but when you think about it, it makes sense. They love tight spaces, they want to be near you, and wood gives them plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in. It’s nothing personal—they’re just trying to find the best hiding spots to feed easily.

If you’re finding bed bugs on your wooden furniture and nothing seems to be working, don’t worry. Neon Pest & Lawn is here to help. We’ve dealt with plenty of bed bug situations, and we’re ready to help you get rid of them for good, so you can go back to enjoying your space without those creepy crawlers lurking around.

FAQ

Why do bed bugs prefer wood over metal?
- Bed bugs prefer wood because it has more cracks and textured surfaces where they can easily hide. Metal is smoother and doesn’t offer as many hiding places.
Can bed bugs live in other furniture besides beds?
- Yes, bed bugs can live in any furniture close to where people rest, including wooden chairs, couches, and even dressers.
How can I check if my wooden furniture has bed bugs?
- Use a flashlight to check every seam, crack, and joint for live bugs, tiny black spots (droppings), or shed skins.
Are bed bugs only found in dirty homes?
- No, bed bugs don’t care about cleanliness. They’re attracted to warmth and the carbon dioxide we breathe out, not dirt.
How do bed bugs end up in my wood furniture?
- They might come in on luggage, secondhand furniture, or even hitch a ride-on clothing. They’re excellent at sneaking in without being noticed.
Does steaming wooden furniture help get rid of bed bugs?
- Yes, steam cleaning is effective because the high heat can kill both bed bugs and their eggs.
What are the signs of bed bugs in wooden furniture?
- Look for small black spots (feces), shed skins, or live bed bugs hiding in cracks and seams.
Will diatomaceous earth damage my wood furniture?
- No, diatomaceous earth is safe for most surfaces, including wood. Just make sure to vacuum it up thoroughly afterward.
Can it possible to get rid of bed bugs without professional help?
- It’s possible, but bed bugs are persistent and can be hard to eliminate completely. Professional treatments are often the best way to ensure they’re gone for good.
How can I stop bed bugs from getting into my wood furniture?
- Inspect second hand items before bringing them in, use protective covers, and do regular inspections to catch any signs early.