No one wants to share their home with unwanted squatters, especially when it comes to bedbugs, those little insects that invite themselves in without warning and ruin our nights.
In recent years, their presence has been on the rise in French homes, and in autumn 2025, the phenomenon shows no sign of abating. Unpleasant surprises are becoming more common, as these invaders are no longer confined to bedding, as is often believed. Increasingly ingenious, they are expanding their territory throughout the home and even beyond. Where exactly are these masters of camouflage hiding? An overview is needed to outsmart them and keep our homes healthy for everyone.
Unexpected hiding places: when bedbugs leave the bedroom
Bedbugs have adapted with agility to our changing rhythms and modern lifestyles. When the temperature drops in autumn, they seek new shelters to survive or to get away from treatments that are too focused on the bedroom. As a result, it is no longer unusual to find them far from the mattress or bed frame. They invade any space where they can protect themselves from light and remain close to potential sources of human heat. Their discretion allows them to reach every corner of the house, making them more difficult to detect and requiring increased vigilance in every room.
Sofas, textiles and furniture: insidious hiding places to watch out for
The living room, once seen as a haven of peace, is becoming one of the favourite hunting grounds for bedbugs. Sofas, armchairs, footstools all upholstered furniture is becoming a favourite hiding place. Bedbugs slip between cushions, under covers, and sometimes even inside the frame or base. They also love thick fabrics such as curtains, large throws and soft rugs. A simple moment of relaxation in front of the television is enough to transport these insects from one room to another on clothing or blankets. Children’s bedrooms are not spared, with pull-out beds, wooden toy boxes and soft toys that can also harbour these stowaways.
Skirting boards, sockets and dark corners: places you would never think to look
Although they are impressive for their tiny size, bedbugs are particularly notable for their ability to blend into places that are invisible to the naked eye. Along skirting boards, in the joints of wooden floors, behind posters or under frames, these discreet spaces become favourite hiding places. As for electrical sockets, gaps in switches, or cracks around windows, these are veritable nests for bedbugs, which appreciate the darkness and residual heat they offer. As long as the room is cluttered or poorly ventilated, they will feel at home there for a long time. Even air vents, cracks in walls, and small storage units should be inspected.
Transport and luggage: the new vectors of invasion
The return of train and bus travel, especially after the holidays or at the start of the autumn term, brings its share of surprises. Nowadays, bedbugs also travel, taking advantage of thick seat fabrics and long stops at stations or public places to change their horizons. They sneak into luggage, suitcases or wheeled bags, waiting patiently to be deposited in a hallway or bedroom. Communal changing rooms, hotels, cinemas and waiting rooms have become strategic transit points for these hitchhikers. Luggage stored in the attic, unopened boxes, laundry baskets and even toy baskets are all potential sources of an insidious infestation in the home upon return.
- Sofas and armchairs (including under cushions and in seams)
- Skirting boards and electrical sockets
- Curtains, carpets and other soft furnishings
- Stored luggage, suitcases and travel bags
- Public transport and public places conducive to human passage
Adopting the right habits: how to track down and limit their proliferation
The fight against bedbugs is primarily a matter of careful inspection and anticipation. It is essential to regularly check all dark corners, textiles and furniture, especially after travelling, buying second-hand items or moving house. Frequent airing and cleaning, and thorough vacuuming along skirting boards, mattress seams and lounge seating, reduces the risk of infestation. What’s more, isolating suspicious laundry in closed bags, washing at high temperatures and treating delicate fabrics in a hot tumble dryer can help to contain any emerging infestation. Finally, keeping your home tidy limits potential hiding places and makes it easier to spot any signs of an infestation.
Knowing that bedbugs do not only sleep in your bedroom, but also squat in sofas, forgotten textiles, wall sockets and suitcases, helps to thwart their discretion. By adopting these preventive and regular measures today, everyone can protect their home and loved ones throughout the season. Constant vigilance remains our best ally against these silent invaders.
