do bed bugs travel alone

Bed Bugs FAQs

What are bed bugs, where are bed bugs found, do bed bugs spread disease, what health risks do bed bugs pose, what are the signs and symptoms of a bed bug infestation.

How are bed bug bites diagnosed?

How did I get bed bugs?

Who is at risk for getting bed bugs, how are bed bugs treated and prevented.

Bed bugs ( Cimex lectularius ) are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed solely on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, wingless, range from 1mm to 7mm (roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny), and can live several months without a blood meal.

Bed bugs are found across the globe from North and South America, to Africa, Asia and Europe. Although the presence of bed bugs has traditionally been seen as a problem in developing countries, it has recently been spreading rapidly in parts of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe. Bed bugs have been found in five-star hotels and resorts and their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found.

Bed bug infestations usually occur around or near the areas where people sleep. These areas include apartments, shelters, rooming houses, hotels, cruise ships, buses, trains, and dorm rooms. They hide during the day in places such as seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, or any other clutter or objects around a bed. Bed bugs have been shown to be able to travel over 100 feet in a night but tend to live within 8 feet of where people sleep.

Bed bugs are not known to spread disease. Bed bugs can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.

A bed bug bite affects each person differently. Bite responses can range from an absence of any physical signs of the bite, to a small bite mark, to a serious allergic reaction. Bed bugs are not considered to be dangerous; however, an allergic reaction to several bites may need medical attention.

One of the easiest ways to identify a bed bug infestation is by the tell-tale bite marks on the face, neck, arms, hands, or any other body parts while sleeping. However, these bite marks may take as long as 14 days to develop in some people so it is important to look for other clues when determining if bed bugs have infested an area. These signs include:

the bed bugs’ exoskeletons after molting,
bed bugs in the fold of mattresses and sheets,
rusty–colored blood spots due to their blood-filled fecal material that they excrete on the mattress or nearby furniture, and
a sweet musty odor.

How do I know if I’ve been bitten by a bed bug?

It is hard to tell if you’ve been bitten by a bed bug unless you find bed bugs or signs of infestation. When bed bugs bite, they inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from realizing they are being bitten. Most people do not realize they have been bitten until bite marks appear anywhere from one to several days after the initial bite. The bite marks are similar to that of a mosquito or a flea — a slightly swollen and red area that may itch and be irritating. The bite marks may be random or appear in a straight line. Other symptoms of bed bug bites include insomnia, anxiety, and skin problems that arise from profuse scratching of the bites.

Because bed bug bites affect everyone differently, some people may have no reaction and will not develop bite marks or any other visible signs of being bitten. Other people may be allergic to the bed bugs and can react adversely to the bites. These allergic symptoms can include enlarged bite marks, painful swellings at the bite site, and, on rare occasions, anaphylaxis.

Bed bugs are experts at hiding. Their slim flat bodies allow them to fit into the smallest of spaces and stay there for long periods of time, even without a blood meal. Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. The bed bugs travel in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. Most people do not realize they are transporting stow-away bed bugs as they travel from location to location, infecting areas as they travel.

Everyone is at risk for getting bed bugs when visiting an infected area. However, anyone who travels frequently and shares living and sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept has a higher risk of being bitten and or spreading a bed bug infestation.

Bed bug bites usually do not pose a serious medical threat. The best way to treat a bite is to avoid scratching the area and apply antiseptic creams or lotions and take an antihistamine. Bed bug infestations are commonly treated by insecticide spraying. If you suspect that you have an infestation, contact your landlord or professional pest control company that is experienced with treating bed bugs. The best way to prevent bed bugs is regular inspection for the signs of an infestation.

This information is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the parasites described above or think that you may have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider.

To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:

Parasites A-Z Index
Parasites Glossary
Neglected Tropical Diseases
Laboratory Diagnostic Assistance [DPDx]

For Healthcare Providers, Emergency Consultations, and General Public.

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

We don’t recognize that sign in. Your username maybe be your email address. Passwords are 6-20 characters with at least one number and letter.

We still don’t recognize that sign in. Retrieve your username. Reset your password.

Forgot your username or password ?

Don’t have an account?

Account Settings
My Benefits
My Products
Donate Donate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Other Membership Benefits:

7 Myths About Bed Bugs Debunked

These creepy crawlers strike fear (and confusion) in the hearts of humans. CR gets to the truth.

It’s not surprising that half-truths and downright magical thinking come into play where bed bugs are concerned. There are few things that make us feel so powerless in our own domain as the specter of a visit from these creatures.

The most obvious misconception is that if you keep your house really clean, bed bugs won’t come. But “anyone can get bed bugs,” says Zachary DeVries, PhD, an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky. “Only those who have the resources are able to get rid of them.”

Below, CR busts some myths and delivers advice to help you stare down this scourge, protect yourself and your family, and take effective action if you need to.

Myth 1: You’re Safe From Bed Bugs if You Have a Foam Mattress

Truth: While bed bugs can’t live in foam, they can stash themselves in any crevice that’s close to your body while you’re inert, such as in the small cracks of your bed frame. So even though foam isn’t habitable for bed bugs, someone who’s sleeping on it is still vulnerable.

Does it lower your risk to zip your mattress and box spring into protective bags? “Mattress encasements can be useful to save your mattress and box spring, but they won’t solve your bed bug problem,” DeVries says.

So you can still have bed bugs in your home and can still get bitten. What encasement bags are good for is protecting the actual mattress. That means you might not need to toss it and spend money on a new one if you have a bed bug infestation.

Myth 2: Bed Bugs Travel Only by Hitchhiking on Clothes or Other Fabric

Truth: Fabric is only one mode of transport. Bed bugs get around on their own just fine. Bed bugs can move around within buildings, between rooms and units. They can also hitch a ride on furniture or other infested items to move from one home to another. If you live in a multi-unit building and you know bed bugs are in apartments near yours, you should have an exterminator examine your home and look for signs of the pests. And if your home has an infestation in one room, adjacent rooms should be treated, too.

Myth 3: A Bed Bug–Sniffing Dog Is the Best Way to Identify an Infestation

Truth: There are reputable handlers with well-trained bed bug–sniffing dogs and there are scammers with untrained dogs. There are also legit bug-sniffing dogs that occasionally make mistakes.

Dogs and handlers should have proper accreditation and verifiable training through respected organizations such as the World Detector Dog Organization and the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association.

As for spotting signs of bed bugs yourself, there are a couple of things to look for on your sheets: tiny hard brown dots about the size of a pen tip (bed bug excrement) and small blood spots where you might have smashed a bed bug while rolling over. You might also see white eggs the size of sesame seeds in small clumps in or around furniture.

Find out how to identify bed bugs .

And remember, if you see none of the above in your home and your only worry is bite marks, the problem could be something else. There are many insects that bite in the night.

Myth 4: You’ll Need to Throw Out Everything You Own if You Have Bed Bugs

Truth: Most likely you won’t have to leave your expensive TV or computer—or much else—on the curb after a run-in with bed bugs. According to DeVries, you probably won’t need to throw away any of your items, unless the infestation is severe. “It is usually better to treat and eradicate the bugs first,” DeVries says. “If you want to replace items, it’s best to do so only after the problem has been solved to make sure new items don’t get infested.”

Once your home is treated professionally, your belongings should be okay. Exterminators use heat to kill bed bugs, a temperature above 120° F. (The high setting on most clothes dryers is well above this, by the way.) They bring in portable heaters and fans and gradually heat the room, using sensors to make sure the heat is well-distributed.

Some pest control companies ask you to strip beds and furniture and bag up belongings including clothes, shoes, and coats so that bed bugs have nowhere to hide during the treatment. You’ll leave these bags (tied tightly) in the room being heated so that the bed bugs get baked with the rest of the space. Most everything in your home, including furniture, can withstand this heat for the hour and a half necessary to kill off the bugs.

Myth 5: A Blow Dryer Is Fatal to Bed Bugs

Truth: In some cases, it can be. But the trick is keeping bed bugs in one place long enough to take the heat till they’re dead. A hair dryer can be a reliable tool for flushing bed bugs out of cracks and crevices, though. The bugs will scurry away from the hot wind.

Myth 6: Cayenne Pepper or Diatomaceous Earth Can Kill Bed Bugs

Truth: Most over-the-counter products—including natural oils, cayenne pepper, and diatomaceous earth—won’t be effective at killing the pests, according to DeVries. That also includes bug bombs, or sprays containing deet; the concentration is usually not high enough to kill bed bugs or their eggs (and it’s not safe to misuse this chemical by applying more than is recommended). Professional heat treatment by an exterminator is the surest way to kill bed bugs.

If you’re waiting for treatment, you might be able to reduce the number of bed bugs by laying down Cimexa’s Insecticide Dust, which is made mostly of silicon dioxide. Sprinkle it in cracks and joints of a bed frame and in any contact points where bugs could hide (for example, where wood meets the floor and where a bed platform meets the mattress). This insecticide absorbs the waxy exterior of a bed bug’s shell, leaving it desiccated, but you’ll probably need multiple applications. You can also “bake” bedding, shoes, backpacks, and pillows in a clothes dryer set on high for 10 to 20 minutes.

Myth 7: Once They’re Gone, They’re Gone

Truth: Bed bugs can live one to four months at regular temperatures (possibly a bit longer at cooler temperatures). An exterminator should come more than once and should inspect your home before offering a quote. Depending on the degree of problem and the size of your home, treatment costs can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Many exterminators include a follow-up visit, and some will return several times. (It would be prudent to request this.) After two to three visits from a pro to make sure there are no signs of bed bugs, you can consider yourself clear of the infestation.

Bed Bug Tips

These pests are more common than you think. From the “ Consumer 101 ” TV show, learn how you can protect yourself against a bed bug infestation.

Haniya Rae is a former home and mattress reporter for CR. Previously, she wrote about consumer advocacy issues for The Atlantic, PC Magazine, Popular Science, and others.

Sharing is Nice

We respect your privacy . All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story.

Trending in Pest Control

Best Insect Repellents of 2024

An Unusually Aggressive Tick Species Is Spreading Across the Eastern U.S.

How to Get Rid of Ants

Tickproof Your Yard Without Spraying Pesticides

Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

How Do Bed Bugs Travel?

Bags & personal belongings.

Bed bugs are transported by people, most often in personal belongings such as the following:

Luggage & Suitcases

Items kept close to sleep areas

They can hide in your personal belongings, or even on you, and hitchhike a ride back to your home, condo, townhouse or apartment.

A bed bug on jeans

Where do you pick them up?

It’s possible to pick up bed bugs almost any place - they've infested offices, stores, hotels, gyms and countless other places.

Prefer people over pets

The common bed bug prefers to feed on human hosts and does not prefer pets or other furry animals.

Bed bugs are easily transported into previously non-infested dwellings.

Once indoors, they can be extremely difficult to control without the help of an experienced pest specialist.

If you suspect you may have picked up some of these hitchhikers in your travels, call Orkin for a comprehensive bed bug inspection and assessment and implementation of a treatment solution.

Protect Your Home from Bed Bugs

Are bed bugs nocturnal | do bed bugs only bite at night, do bed bugs hide in pillows | signs of bed bugs, do bed bugs feed every night | bed bug life cycle, pest control, bed bug pest control treatment | bed bug exterminator.

Do you use super heating to kill bed bugs?

What Do Bed Bugs and Eggs Look Like on Clothes?

What do I do with the clothes?

Spraying for bed bugs did not work

If the neighboring unit has bed bugs, am I looking at being sprayed every three months?

Bed Bug Bites on Humans | Get Rid of Bed Bugs

What eats bed bugs | bed bug predators, what do bed bugs look like | bed bug identification, connect with us.

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

Live In The D
Newsletters

Everything to know about bedbugs and travel: How to spot them, life cycle, what to do

Kayla Clarke , Senior Web Producer

Here’s everything to know about the link between bedbugs and travel.

Bedbugs are small, flat insects that feed on the blood of people and animals while they sleep. The French government has had to work to calm a nation as people raise concerns about a bedbug crisis as the country prepares to host the Olympic Games in just nine months.

Videos on social media of tiny creatures appearing to burrow in the seat of a fast train and reports of cases of bedbugs on public transport have proven to be unfounded, according to the transport minister.

But bedbugs have been a problem for decades. The bugs are very good at hiding and their slim, flat bodies allow them to fit in tiny spaces and stay there for long periods of time. They can go without feeding for between 20 to 400 days depending on temperature and humidity, according to studies.

Bedbugs are not a sign of a dirty home or poor personal hygiene. Bedbugs travel to new places by hiding in furniture, suitcases or other objects that get moved around. They are not known to spread disease but can be annoying because they can cause itching and loss of sleep.

---> Read more: Bedbugs are making France anxious ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics

The life cycle of a bed bug

Adults and all nymphal stages of bedbugs need to feed on blood from warm-blooded hosts. They prefer humans, but can use other mammals and birds when humans aren’t around.

Females lay about five eggs daily throughout their adult lives in places such as mattress seams, crevices in box springs, spaces under baseboards, and more. The eggs hatch in about 4-12 days into first instar nymphs, which must feed on blood before molting to the next stage.

The bugs will undergo five nymphal stages, each one requiring they feed on blood before they molt to the next stage. After the sixth stage, they molt into an adult.

Nymphs resemble smaller versions of adults. Nymphs and adults take about five to 10 minutes to obtain a full blood meal. The adults may take several blood meals over several weeks.

Mating takes place off the host and involves “traumatic insemination” whereby the male penetrates the female’s abdominal wall with his external genitalia and inseminates into her body cavity. Adults live six to 12 months and can survive for long periods of time without feeding.

How to check for bedbugs

Signs of a bed bug infestation include finding small wingless bugs in cracks and crevices around the bed, seeing small blood spots or bed bug fecal matter on bedding or finding bed bug eggs or cast skins.

Many people who have been bitten by a bed bug will see itchy welts, similar to a mosquito bite. Bite reactions vary from person to person and some people do not react at all. Bed bug bites have not been found to spread any diseases.

The only way to know for sure if you have bedbugs is to find a live bed bug in your home. You cannot tell just by looking at the bites. If you suspect you have bedbugs, you should inspect your bed or sleeping area. You can also contact a pest management professional to do an inspection for you.

The bite marks usually appear on the face, neck, arms, hands or other body parts and people are bitten while sleeping. The bites may take as long as 14 days to develop in some people, so you should look for other clues.

When a bed bug bites, it injects an anesthetic and an anticoagulant that prevents a person from knowing that they have been bitten. The bite marks may be random or appear in a straight line. Other symptoms include insomnia, anxiety and skin problems. You should avoid scratching the bite area and apply antiseptic creams or lotions and take an antihistamine.

The signs of a bed bug infestation include the bedbugs’ exoskeletons after molting, bedbugs in the fold of mattresses and sheets, rusty–colored blood spots due to their blood-filled fecal material that they excrete on the mattress or nearby furniture, and a sweet musty odor.

Not all bugs you find in your bedroom are bedbugs, you should contact a professional to be sure.

Do bedbugs spread disease?

No. Bedbugs are not known to spread disease.

Can you prevent a bed bug infestation?

You can take steps when you’re traveling or purchasing secondhand furniture to help prevent a bed bug infestation.

Officials said you should avoid picking up used mattresses or secondhand upholstered furniture because it’s hard to see if they have bedbugs in them. Other used furniture should be carefully inspected and cleaned before you bring it home.

You should scrub the furniture with soapy water or a household cleaning product to remove any bedbugs or their eggs. Second-hand clothing should be placed in a sealed, plastic bag and emptied directly into the washing machine. Wash the clothes in hot water and dry them on a high heat setting to kill bedbugs and their eggs.

When you’re visiting hotels you should inspect the room for signs of bedbugs before you unpack your luggage.

How to treat a bed bug infestation?

Taking care of a bed bug infestation is not easy.

You need to act quickly, and will likely need to call an experienced pest management professional. The professional will use several methods, either separately or in combination, to kill the bedbugs.

Bug bombs are not effective at killing bedbugs. Many “all-natural” sprays are also not effective at controlling bed beds. Officials do not recommend using rubbing alcohol to treat a home for bedbugs, it’s not very effective but it is very flammable.

More information on how to treat a bed bug infestation is available in the PDF below. (Can’t see it the PDF? Click here .)

More resources from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services:

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite (English) (Spanish) (Arabic)
Michigan Manual for the Prevention and Control of Bed Bugs
Getting the Bed Bugs Out: A guide to controlling bed bugs in your home
Bed Bugs: What Schools Need to Know
Bed Bugs: What Camps Need to Know
Bed Bugs & Mattresses fact sheet
Choosing a Pest Control Company
How to Move and Leave Bed Bugs Behind
Bed Bugs Management Decision Flowchart
Bed Bugs 101 for Home Visitors Webinar
MDCH & MPMA Bed Bug Public Service Announcement #1 (radio spot)
MDCH & MPMA Bed Bug Public Service Announcement #2 (radio spot)
Communicable Disease Division Publication Order Form

About the Author

Kayla clarke.

Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.

Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines.

Bed Bug Confidential: An Expert Explains How to Defend against the Dreaded Pests

Everything you ever wanted to know about bed bugs but were afraid to ask

By Kate Wong

Vial of live bed bugs.

Brian Kersey Getty Images

Chances are, you or someone you know has had a run-in with bed bug s. It might have happened in a scrupulously clean bedroom. Or maybe it was a hotel room, office or college dorm. In the February issue of Scientific American entomologist Kenneth Haynes of the University of Kentucky explains how, after a lengthy absence, bed bugs are staging a comeback . The good news is scientists are intensively studying these insects, and their insights suggest novel ways of detecting the bugs and eradicating infestations. Some of those potential solutions are a long way off, however. In the meantime the best bet is to avoid bringing bed bugs home in the first place. I called Haynes to ask him how to do that and what to do if one suspects an infestation (eek!), among a bunch of other practical-minded questions.

Do bed bugs only feed on humans? No. Bed bugs are also pests in poultry operations, and they're known to parasitize bats. Some labs that study bed bugs rear them on guinea pigs and mice. The bugs might feed on cats and dogs. Fur is probably a barrier to them, but they could feed at any place on the body without fur. Bed bugs are not specific to humans, but they are adapted to parasitizing us.

Could you have a bed bug infestation in your home and not know it?

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing . By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

That's very possible. I have heard of couples reporting that only one partner is getting bitten. The truth is that both are getting bitten, but only one has a reaction to the bites. Thirty percent of people or more don't react to bed bug bites at all, and the elderly are less reactive than the rest of the population. Among those people who do react to the bites, most of them don't respond to early bites, but develop a sensitivity to subsequent ones. Those individuals who are not sensitive to bed bug bites may not know they have an infestation. Because bed bugs are nocturnally active, it's hard to see other signs of their presence—unless you're accustomed to waking up at 3 A.M. and taking a census. With a huge infestation, bed bugs start to move away from the bed, so you're more likely to see one in an exposed place during the day. In very severe infestations people can become anemic. That takes a lot of bugs though—maybe 100,000 feeding once a week or more.

Another clue to infestation is odor. Like many species of bugs, bed bugs release odors called alarm pheromones. When a group of bed bugs gets disturbed, you may get a whiff of that odor, which is similar to the odor stink bugs give off. At higher concentrations the odor is unpleasant. Some people say at low concentrations it's a pleasant smell—like coriander. In fact, older literature refers to the bed bug as the coriander bug. I've tried to smell the coriander scent in bed bug alarm pheromones and have not been able to make the connection, however.

What can one do to avoid getting bed bugs? The first thing is you have to be able to recognize and distinguish a bed bug from any other insect. Everything starts to look like a bed bug if you start to worry about them. An adult bed bug is about the size and shape of an apple seed. If it has not fed recently it will be flattened and brown. If it has fed it will be round in circumference and reddish. Immature bed bugs have a similar appearance to adults, with the smallest being the size of the head of a pin. You can then learn to look for their fecal spots, which can be easier to detect than the bugs themselves. Check your hotel rooms when you travel. And think twice before bringing home used furniture. If you are purchasing used furniture, ask the furniture store how they deal with bed bugs. If they have no plan whatsoever, that's probably not a good sign. If you purchase used clothing, put it through a clothes dryer on a medium to high setting for a cycle as soon as you bring it home. And before you move into an apartment, ask the landlord whether there has been a bed bug infestation, or whether the building has ever been treated for bed bugs.

What should one do upon suspecting a bed bug infestation

The first question I would ask that person is, what makes you think you have bed bugs? A skin reaction alone does not necessarily indicate the presence of bed bugs. Other bugs, allergies and irritants in the environment can produce similar skin reactions. And it's hard to confidently identify a bed bug bite because reactions vary from person to person. My next question would be, have you seen an insect in an area where you sleep and, if so, was it the correct size and shape to be a bed bug? Carpet beetles in an immature stage are commonly mistaken for bed bugs. The carpet beetle actually doesn't look anything like a bed bug, but it is the right size. And it's another common insect to have indoors around the bed. If you find an insect that you think is a bed bug, save it in a pill bottle or another container so its key characteristics won't get crushed and a professional can identify it.

I wouldn't try to get rid of an infestation on my own. I would call a pest control operator. A good pest control operator will spend a fair amount of time inspecting the place for evidence of bed bugs, and will educate the person on what makes it clear that it's a bed bug infestation.

Once you have a suspicion or a confirmed infestation, do not spread things outside of the bedroom. Don't take linens off the bed and go to sleep somewhere else—that will just move the infestation to other rooms. Ultimately pest control operators will tell you to put everything you can through the washer and dryer, since bed bugs cannot withstand high temperatures. I don't think bed bugs would be able to survive solvent-based dry cleaning, but I don't have any first-hand knowledge that that's true. Unfortunately, dry cleaners and Laundromats can be places where people pick up bed bugs. I think it's a low probability, but it only takes one adult female bed bug that has been mated to get an infestation going.

The safest and most effective approach to getting rid of bed bugs is heat treatment, in which a trained professional heats the home's rooms one by one to a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius and sustains the heat for four hours. Heat does not penetrate well into wall voids, though, so desiccant dusts are often applied to those areas. No single technique can eliminate bed bugs—combinations of approaches are essential to getting the job done.

What are the mistakes people make in trying to get rid of bed bugs on their own, without professional help? DIY approaches come with risk. It's not uncommon for someone to use a pest-control bomb or fogger that is available over the counter. These don't work well against bed bugs, according to research from Ohio State University. They can also expose people to toxic chemicals. Neither are over-the-counter aerosol insecticides effective against bed bugs. Most of these products have either pyrethrin or a pyrethroid as a main ingredient and those compounds have the same mode of action as DDT, which bed bugs have become resistant to. If you spray the bug directly you might kill it, but that is not going to get rid of the infestation. The problem is finding all the bed bugs. Some just can't be reached with insecticide. It's difficult for nonprofessionals to do anything more than kill what they can see, but that's just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what's there.

Some of the dusts that are available to consumers, such as diatomaceous earth, can help in this regard. Pest controllers will put dusts in wall voids and other places where pesticide won't reach. What happens is the bugs will wander through the dust and pick up particles and be more vulnerable to desiccation after that exposure. But dusts will not solve the problem if deployed incorrectly, and if they are applied at too high a level they can cause breathing difficulties in some people.

The Internet abounds with so-called miracle cures for bed bugs. But bed bugs are hard to get rid of, so anything that advertises an immediate solution is not accurate—it's snake oil. These "cures" have included (as reported by pest control operators who come in afterward to tackle bed bugs correctly) using bleach, ammonia and even DIY heat treatment, which carries fire risk.

Another solution you hear about is vacuuming. You can vacuum up a lot of insects, but eggs are harder to get, and vacuuming won't in and of itself kill bed bugs. Indeed, vacuuming can end up spreading bed bugs to other rooms—when emptying the canister, for example. Pest control operators who use vacuums take measures to prevent bed bugs from escaping when the vacuum is emptied.

Encasing mattresses is one of many good parts of a solution, but it doesn't get rid of the infestation. There are going to be other bugs away from the mattress, hiding nearby. What mattress covers are good at is entombing the sometimes large number of bed bugs that can live on a mattress. And because the covers tend to be uniform in color and don't have a lot of seams that the bugs can hide in, it's easier to see the insects.

Given that you work with bed bugs, how do you avoid bringing them home? I have four risk factors. I work with bed bugs in a lab situation, so we have to take extreme precautions to prevent escapes there. I visit infested apartments sometimes. I travel a fair amount, so I may be exposed to bed bugs in hotels. And I've had college-age kids, who can bring bed bugs home from dorms.

In the lab we handle all the bed bugs in a specific room that we steam clean once a week, and we have double-stick tape barriers that they can't walk through (as long as the adhesive remains dust-free). And the bed bugs themselves are enclosed in containers that they can't get out of. We actually feed them inside those containers—we lay a blood reservoir against the cloth "lid" and the bed bugs have to push their mouthparts through the cloth into the reservoir to eat.

If I go to an infested apartment, then when I leave I check my shoes very carefully for bugs that may have crawled onto them. I also keep a change of clothes in my garage and put them on before entering my house. Once inside, I immediately put the clothes I wore to the infested apartment in the dryer, which is located in a room just off the garage.

When staying in a hotel, I check the bed before I bring the suitcase into the sleeping part of the room so that if I have to ask the manager for another room, then I haven't exposed my suitcase to the bugs. When settling in, I put my suitcase up on the suitcase stand or the desktop so that any bugs are less likely to crawl into it. An extreme measure would be putting the suitcase in the tub. If it's a porcelain tub, bed bugs would have a hard time crawling up it. It's also unlikely that they would randomly crawl up a tub, because it's not near the bed. But if I don't see bed bugs in the room when I inspect it, I just put my suitcase on the stand because I know the probability is really low that a bug is going to crawl up the stand and into my suitcase. I keep my clothes in the suitcase or hang them in the closet—I don't leave them on the floor because wandering bed bugs might crawl into them.

I actually haven't found bed bugs in my hotel rooms, but I've seen them in other peoples' rooms. Enough of my students and postdocs have found them that I'm surprised I haven't seen them yet in a room where I'm staying.

How should one check a hotel room for bed bugs? Bring a little flashlight—hotel room lighting is always pretty poor and the dimmer the lighting, the harder it is to see small bed bugs or their fecal spots. I would pull back the bed covers and look all around the head of the bed. Pull back the sheets, too, and look at mattress seams and edges that are exposed. bed bugs love to hide under mattress tags. Look all around the box springs, too. If there's a dust ruffle, pull it up and look under it as much as possible. Look for moving bugs and stationary, hiding bugs.

The space behind the headboard is prime bed bug territory. Most headboards are hanging on the wall. If my wife is with me, we'll remove it and look behind it. This exposes a lot of possible bed bug territory. Even if you don't remove headboard, look around it. Or if you move the bed out from wall, look at the wall under the headboard.

Bed bugs could also be at the foot of the bed, but they're more likely to reside at the head of the bed. The foot of the bed, if the sheets are tucked in, doesn't allow bed bugs easy access to a sleeping host. The bugs would have to come up to the head of the bed to get you, and they typically minimize the distance to the host.

All of the stages of bed bugs are visible, at least if you don't need reading glasses and you have a sufficient amount of light. So if you're looking closely enough, you can even see bugs in the nymphal first instar stage. A fecal spot, for its part, can be as large as a bed bug itself in terms of the area it covers. The spots are basically digested blood, so most are dark in color. On a white mattress, they stand out pretty well.

Are there tactics that professional exterminators use that don't work? No one tactic alone will be effective. A good pest control operator will develop a strategy to deal with the bed bugs that takes the particulars of the setting into account, and will return several times to check on progress. Dry ice sprays that freeze bed bugs have limited potential to reach hidden bugs. Steam has somewhat better penetrating ability. The downside of steam is that it leaves moisture behind. Dry ice doesn't leave any residue at all. Vacuuming has a role, but it has limitations, too. Some insecticides leave behind deposits that are slow to act but are effective in the long-term. Other insecticides kill on contact, but only reach insects that are in view. Insecticide resistance makes the choice of tactics more difficult.

An important thing to remember is that good professional pest controllers do get rid of bed bugs. The fine line that bed bug experts have to walk in talking to the public is the line where the anxiety and depression and so forth that can result from thinking about bed bugs too much can cause more problems than the bugs themselves would.

Here's how to check for bed bugs so you can avoid an infestation in your home this spring

It's spring time and temperatures are beginning to rise, so that means it's also bug season.

That includes those pesky beg bugs, which a harmless but are still a nuisance and are tough to get rid of.

Bed bug “season” is generally considered to be between the end of spring and early November, but that isn’t representative of when these pests are most active, just when people start noticing.

Here's how to spot them:

How to check for bed bugs

Aptly named, bed bugs are most likely to be found in areas like mattresses and bed frames, as well as other cracks or crevices in a house. It’s typically said that if a crevice is small enough to hold a credit card, it also could hide a bed bug.

Bed bugs also can find refuge in electrical sockets, cracks in a wall or even cars.

An individual bug is typically the size of an apple seed, around a quarter to three-eighths of an inch, with an ovular body. Their color is largely determined by the last time the bug has fed and ranges from dark red to brownish color.

Dark spots found on furniture could be bed bug excrement, and small eggshells and pale-yellow skins typically are left by nymphs as they grow.

Bed bugs feed on blood from humans and other mammals and primarily are active at night. They can remain active in temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit and die at temperatures around 113 degrees.

Bed bugs are great at hiding, which is why regular cleaning and clutter removal can help limit places where the bugs can occupy.

How to prevent bed bugs

Buying sealed encasements for mattresses and box springs also will keep populations of bed bugs from moving or infesting the material in the first place. Any bedding that’s brought into your house also should be inspected and washed before use.

Chemical treatments are available in stores that can be used to prevent infestations, like aerosols and dust applied in cracks and crevices around the house.

Delaware does not have any protections for renters whose residences become infested, but contacting a landlord and collaborating on a treatment plan is considered the best practice.

Are bed bugs making a comeback?: How to identify risks and avoid an infestation

Ladybugs in your house?: Here's how you can help them

What to treat bed bug infestations

Consumer pesticides typically are ineffective in wiping out bed bug populations, so calling a professional is the best practice to take if you suspect your home’s been infested with bed bugs. Professional treatments sometimes involve steam cleaning or heat treatments that may take up to eight hours.

It’s not recommended to dispose of infested items, which can cause the populations to migrate. However, in multifamily homes, disposal is sometimes the safest option. A pest control specialist can help determine what method is the best for your situation.

Monitors and traps are available at stores, from simple plastic tray arrangements to chemical baiting and electronic devices that work to draw and trap the bugs.

While professional treatments are effective in wiping out certain populations, they don’t always guarantee infestations won’t come back.

Experts also assure that a bed bug infestation is not indicative of a “dirty” lifestyle, as people often pick them up when traveling.

Anthony DiMattia contributed to this story

Bedbugs: What travelers need to know

Something wasn’t right with Michelle Quinn.

In mid-February of this year, she started noticing spots on the left side of her lower back. The 53-year-old resident of northwest Indiana thought maybe she was allergic to her detergent.

Then the itchy places started spreading to other areas of her body — still all on her left side. That heightened the anxiety and the mystery. “It was itchy, but never in my life thought it was bedbugs .”

Then one night after work – about two weeks later – the thought of bedbugs did enter her mind. She was looking up pictures of them on Google when she noticed “a little tiny reddish bug” crawling across a piece of paper on her couch. She looked at the bug. Then the screen. Then the bug again.

“I was like ‘Nah, that can’t be.’ And so I kind of flicked it off and didn’t think anything of it until the next morning – when I wake up and I see one on my arm. And so I grabbed my phone and put it in camera and enlarged it and sure enough, that’s exactly what it was. And that of course is when the freaking out commenced.”

Bedbugs in the news

Quinn is hardly alone in grappling with these pests. Just ask the residents of (and visitors to) Paris, which reported in early fall 2023 a “widespread” rise in bedbugs, including sightings on public transit.

The French government has vowed action to “reassure and protect” the public in response.

Where and when these critters might strike is anyone’s guess.

“It’s hard to predict this sort of thing, but the scenario of record increases in travel and staff shortages in the hospitality industry is concerning in respect to bedbugs,” said Michael F. Potter, professor emeritus in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky.

While bedbug infestations can happen in all types of places, hotels and other lodging are a major spreading spot, Potter said.

“The staff shortage issue is concerning because the best way for hotels to prevent infestations from escalating within their hotels is staying vigilant. And the biggest way they can do that is by performing regular inspections of their rooms … by the housekeepers who need to be trained and educated to spot infestations at their initial stages.”

The worse the staffing shortage, the harder it becomes to stay on top of the situation, Potter said.

Does it help if you flat-out ask about the bedbug situation at an establishment when you check in or make reservations?

“I think the reality is the person at the front desk is not going to be equipped to answer that question,” said Potter. “If I were in the hospitality industry, I’d be really schooling my people to respond to that question. But in terms of whether the guest is going to be able to get anything of any substance when they ask that question, I would say it’s exceedingly unlikely.”

Hotel room prevention tips

First thing to ask yourself: How much time and energy do you want to devote to bedbug prevention?

“Every traveler has to decide how vigilant they want to be in respect to bedbugs. Travel is stressful enough – or can be – and you’re trying to get away from all the things life throws at you,” said Potter. “So the last thing you want to be doing is … living out of your suitcase, living out of Ziploc bags, keeping your suitcase in the bathtub, which some people recommend but which I think is stupid.”

There are less drastic measures you can take.

Potter suggests that before you even unpack, at least do a cursory bed check. Pull back the sheets and blankets from the mattress and look around the seams of the mattress, particularly at the head area, for bedbugs themselves or signs of them (more on that below).

Check the seams of the mattress, too. This cursory check won’t reveal every place a bedbug could hide, Potter said, but it gives you the best shot of spotting an issue for the least effort.

A big thing to avoid: Don’t place your suitcase on the floor in the corner. That’s the best chance of bringing bedbugs home, Potter said. Put it instead on an elevated surface such as the top of a dresser or a luggage rack. If there are two beds in a room, Potter does not put his suitcase on the other bed.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association offers some additional tips :

• Check behind the headboard as best you can (that’s a tough one to check easily) and in sofas and chairs.

• If you see any signs of bedbugs, tell management right away. Ask for another room – ideally one not next to the problem room. If you aren’t satisfied, go to another place entirely if possible.

• If you have spotted bedbugs, consider putting a plastic trash bag or protective cover around your suitcase.

These are the signs of bedbug infestations

The US Environmental Protection Agency notes that other insects, such as carpet beetles, can be easily mistaken for bedbugs. So it’s good to educate yourself before your inspection. And that probably includes looking at gross, close-up pictures.

Usually, adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (5 to 7 millimeters or 3/16 to 1/4 inch long). They’re long and brown, with a flat, oval-shaped body if they haven’t fed recently. They are balloon-like, reddish-brown and more elongated if they’ve fed.

Young bed bugs are usually smaller and are either translucent or whitish-yellow. If they haven’t recently fed, the nymphs can be nearly invisible to the naked eye. Bed bug eggs are the size of a pinhead and pearl-white.

You might not see the bugs themselves but rather their telltale signs, which might include:

• Rusty or reddish stains on sheets or mattresses (caused when they are crushed).

• Dark spots about the size of the bullet points in this list. Those spots are bedbug excrement after they’ve feasted on blood.

• Eggs and eggshells, which are quite tiny.

• The exoskeletons of the bugs , which they shed when they molt.

• A sweet, musty odor if the infestation is heavy.

Bedbugs are more than a bed and motel problem

While overnight lodging is a frequent culprit, the unfortunate truth is they can congregate and spread from multiple areas.

There’s the Paris issue in the early fall of 2023, and in another example, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, had to close three gates in late May and deep clean the areas after bedbugs were found. Three more treatments were made, a Hawaii Department of Transportation spokesman told CNN Travel.

Potter said that schools, libraries, apartment buildings, movie theaters, hospitals, office buildings, taxis, buses, trains, dorms and student unions at colleges can all host bedbugs. He also noted it’s simply not practical to check all of that and cautions against getting paranoid over it.

But Potter has advice if you’ve encountered bedbugs at a hotel or Airbnb: “It’s bad enough if you get bit in a hotel, but what you really don’t want to do is bring these things home with you.”

He said take everything out of your suitcase and put it in garbage bags. Wash your clothes and then do an extended dry – the heat of a clothes dryer kills them.

As far as your suitcase goes, summertime heatwaves can be your friend. Just unzip the luggage, put it in your car, park it outdoors and the heat will kill bedbugs within an hour, Potter said. If it can’t get around 140 F (60 C) in your car, just throw away your suitcase if you’re concerned. That’s far less expensive than eradicating bedbugs from your home.

Medical and well-being issues

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has one piece of good news if you’ve been feasted upon by bedbugs: They don’t spread any diseases (like the way mosquitoes transmit malaria or ticks transmit Lyme disease).

However, the itching from the bites can cause a loss of sleep and secondary skin infections if you scratch too often and hard. And some people might have a serious allergic reaction.

The Cleveland Clinic lays out the typical treatment plan:

• Wash the bites gently with soap and water.

• Use an anti-itch cream or lotion (look for hydrocortisone 1%) on your skin.

• Repeat once or twice a day until the itching fades.

If the itching is severe, the clinic says to talk to a healthcare provider about a stronger steroid cream or an over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine medication.

The effects on your mental well-being might be even rougher. People might feel anxious and even embarrassed, even though experts say it’s no reflection on personal hygiene or housekeeping.

“If you get bit by a mosquito outside, you whack it and you go indoors. If you’ve got a bedbug infestation in your home, it’s kind of unnerving,” Potter said. “It’s like ‘Am I going to get bit again tonight? Have I gotten rid of them all?’ So the emotional aspect, the loss of sleep, the anxiety … it’s a big thing. It can be very emotionally distressing to people who are fighting a bedbug problem in their home.”

What to do if you bring bedbugs home

Even if you just think you might have been exposed to bedbugs, you can take preemptive steps, such as running your travel clothes through the drier and wrapping items in plastic bags for week or longer.

If you bring some bedbugs from vacation to the sanctity of your home, the EPA has some additional advice. You need to prepare your home for treatment , including the following steps:

Reduce clutter: Get rid of old magazines and newspapers, keep your clothes off the floor and discard clothes you no longer use. Also, swap out cardboard boxes for plastic containers.

Turn your beds into islands: Move them at least 6 inches from the wall if possible. Try to rid your beds of all bedbugs, larvae and eggs. Snugly place bed-bug-proof covers (often called encasements) or liners on your mattress and box springs. The idea is to trap and starve the critters. Don’t let your bedding touch the floor.

Clean thoroughly: Heat is your friend. Put any clothing, bedding and other items that can withstand a HOT dryer 30 minutes), which will kill bed bugs and eggs. The EPA says “washing alone might not do the job [and] store clean items in a sealed plastic bag to ensure they remain bug free.” And “steam cleaners can get into cracks and fabrics to treat carpets, baseboards, bed frames, and other furniture. The steam temperature must be at least 130 o F,” the EPA said.

The EPA warns against potentially unsafe treatments involving liquids such as rubbing alcohol, kerosene and gasoline that could easily ignite.

And depending on the level of infestation and your financial resources, you might need to turn to professionals to get the job done.

‘You become obsessed’

Michelle Quinn, who rents a place in northwest Indiana, can tell you all about the distress of being bitten.

First off, she’s never been able to figure out where they came from. That has vexed her. She took a trip to Washington, D.C., in January but didn’t notice being bit until mid-February. So she doesn’t think they came from her stay there.

“When this happens, you become obsessed,” Quinn said. “It was a nightmare.”

She had to take a series of costly measures to rid her place of the critters. That included turning to professionals for applications of a nicotine-based pesticide that she was told was safe for people and cats (she has two). She also had to toss out her couch and a vacuum among other things. She thinks it all cost her at least $1,200.

Her last treatment was in May, and she’s been bedbug-free since. Except maybe mentally.

Determined not to get bitten again, she’s put traps under her bed and couch legs, which she checks just about every day, and has “gone on a spackling spree” to cover every tiny crack in her plaster.

But her anxiety resurfaces anytime she feels itchy for any reason now. “You literally, pardon the pun, bug out.”

This article was first published in June 2023 and is updated periodically.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

No wonder bedbugs are hard to spot -- this one is dwarfed by this US dime. - Jeff March/Alamy Stock Photo

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Please click here to see any active alerts .

Tips for Travel

Información relacionada disponible en español

When traveling:

Person inspecting a hotel luggage stand for bed bugs

Check the mattress and headboard before sleeping.
Inspect luggage racks.
In hotel rooms, use luggage racks to hold your luggage when packing or unpacking rather than setting your luggage on the bed or floor. Try to keep luggage away from bed.
Upon returning home, unpack directly into a washing machine and inspect your luggage carefully. Remember that time in a dryer at high temperatures kills the bed bugs (just washing will generally not kill bed bugs).
Store suitcases away from your bedroom, such as in the basement or garage. Never store suitcases under your bed.

More Information

Print a card to carry with you when traveling
View videos and other information on preventing bed bugs while traveling
How to find bed bugs
Bed Bugs Home
Learn about Bed Bugs
— Characteristics of Bed Bugs
— Finding Bed Bugs
Protecting Your Home
Protecting Yourself in Public Places
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
— Do-it-yourself Bed Bug Control
— Pesticides to Control Bed Bugs
Bed Bug Information Clearinghouse
Bed Bug Product Search Tool
Finding Help with Bed Bug Problems

svg]:stroke-primary"> 826K
svg]:stroke-primary"> 622K
svg]:stroke-primary"> 246K
svg]:stroke-primary"> 45K

Solved! What Attracts Bed Bugs?

By Katie Flannery

Updated on Jan 26, 2023 10:56 PM EST

10 minute read

Photo: depositphotos.com

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Q: I’m about to move into a new apartment, and I’m concerned about bed bugs. I heard that they can hitch a ride on moving boxes or already be in the apartment building, but I don’t want them in my place. What attracts bed bugs? If I keep my place really clean, will they stay away? How can I prevent them from making a home in my apartment?

A: Unfortunately, bed bugs are attracted to humans. These flat, reddish-brown bugs resembling apple seeds are drawn to carbon dioxide and warmth. Bed bugs need blood to survive—and people are a pretty excellent source. Bed bugs like to hide in soft bedding and in crevices of mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. They’re good at hiding during the day and typically become active at night when we sleep, although they can feed at any time when we’re inactive. Bed bugs can be found in beds but also in theaters, public transportation, airports, clothing stores, libraries, and hotels. They can hitch a ride on clothing, shoes, luggage, bags, and boxes.

It’s a pervasive myth that bed bugs are attracted to dirty homes, and many people believe that keeping your house clean will deter bed bugs; however, that’s just not the case. If a home is messy and dirty, it may be more difficult to spot the bed bugs. This will result in an extensive infestation, and it will be tough to get rid of them. When a home is clean and neat, bed bugs will be easier to spot and eliminate before the problem gets out of control. And while bed bug infestations are common in heavily populated areas, they can happen anywhere. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent a bed bug infestation is to be vigilant for signs of an infestation. Here, we’ll explain how to find bed bugs , how to prevent bed bugs, discover what attracts bed bugs , and more.

Bed bugs feed on warm-blooded creatures. Body heat and the carbon dioxide you exhale draw them in.

Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide from warm-blooded animals. When humans sleep, we are inactive, and the carbon dioxide we exhale surrounds our heads. This is why the majority of bed bug bites happen on the head and neck, although these bugs can bite on other exposed areas of the body. Finding a cozy, warm bed is just as attractive to a bed bug as it is to people. Bed bugs are drawn in by the warmth and moisture on our bodies, and they can detect that from up to 3 feet away. Since bed bugs don’t jump or fly, they need to stay close to their food source. This is the reason they congregate in and around beds—so they can feed while their host is asleep and unaware. When they sense a heat source, they know a meal is close by. According to the CDC, bed bugs usually stay within 8 feet of a sleeping human host, but some bed bugs have been recorded traveling as much as 100 feet during the night to get a blood meal.

Bed bugs prefer warm temperatures, and the crevices of a mattress or box spring provide the perfect home.

Where do bed bugs hide ? They like to make a cozy home in the crevices of a mattress or box spring since it’s close to their next meal. They like to congregate in areas around the bed, small nooks in a mattress or box spring, or folds in bedding or an upholstered bed frame. The warmth we give off while sleeping is attractive to bed bugs, and they like to remain close to their food source. They’re attracted to dark-colored sheets and bedding and are inclined to congregate around black or red fabric. (It used to be speculated that bed bugs preferred black or red bedding because the color was similar to blood, but it’s probably because darker bedding offers more protection.)

It’s recommended to use lighter-colored sheets and bedding, not only because the bed bugs aren’t as attracted to those colors, but also because it’s easier to see the bed bugs if they’re present. When they’re not feeding, bed bugs can commonly be found around the piping of mattresses, and they can be found in other areas of the home, not just in and around the bed.

You can find bed bugs in other areas of the home—not just the bed.

If a home is heavily infested, bed bugs can be found in many different areas. The bedroom is the most common place to find bed bugs, but there is a bevy of other sites in the home they can hide, including:

Edges of carpeting
In cracks of wooden flooring
In between furniture cushions
In drawer joints
Behind wallpaper and wall hangings
In or behind clocks
In window treatments
In woodwork joints
In screwheads

More than anything, bed bugs like to live in areas where humans like to rest or sleep. Their narrow bodies and ability to survive for months and sometimes up to a year without feeding make them excellent hiders. They have the potential to hide in mattresses and furniture for months before they’re seen. This is why it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for bed bugs and inspect bedding and furniture regularly.

Keep in mind that even the cleanest homes can have bed bugs. Vacuuming often will help pick up any bed bugs that may have hitched a ride into your home. If you use a bagless vacuum, cleaning the dust container and filters in hot water will get rid of bed bugs, larvae, and eggs. Sealing crevices and cracks in walls, woodwork, around outlets, floorboards, windows, and doors will discourage any bed bugs from traveling within the walls of your home.

Dirty laundry can attract bed bugs.

Worn clothing and slept-on sheets hold our sweat, oils, and scent—which can also draw in bed bugs. Dirty laundry serves a dual purpose for smelling like a meal and providing a hiding place for bed bugs. If there is no human host near, bed bugs like to live in dirty laundry until they can feed on human blood.

This is an excellent motivator to clean up all the piles and baskets of laundry and wash clothes and bedding on a regular basis. If you use a shared laundry facility, transport your clothing in sealed plastic bags. If you have an active infestation at home, be sure to dispose of the original bag and use a new one to transport the clean items home. When removing items from the dryer, put them directly into the bag and fold them at home. Washing clothing and bedding in hot water and drying them on the highest dryer setting will help kill bed bugs, larvae, and eggs. Eliminating clutter in the home will reduce the potential hiding places for bed bugs.

Bed bugs typically bite in groups of three, and some telltale signs can be evidence of their presence.

Bed bugs feed on our blood by inserting a beak or proboscis into the skin. It can take up to 10 minutes for a bed bug to feed, and that meal will typically last them for days. You’ll generally find bed bug bites in lines or groups of three—though bites can occur singly.

After feeding, bed bugs will quickly find a place to hide and digest their meal. They commonly bite the head and neck, but they can also feed on other exposed areas of skin, including the feet, legs, arms, and hands. It’s important to note that bed bug bites can look similar to bites from other bugs, such as fleas and mosquitoes.

Some people may have a severe reaction to a bed bug bite by developing itchy bumps, lesions, pustules, or rash-like symptoms. Others will not have a reaction at all and don’t realize that a bed bug has bitten them. Since bed bugs don’t carry and transmit disease, technically, the bites aren’t dangerous. Excessive scratching at the itchy bites can cause an infection due to broken skin, but this can be mitigated by using an antibiotic ointment or spray.

There are also psychological side effects from being bitten by bed bugs: not being able to sleep for fear of being bitten again, the thought of bed bugs crawling on your body while you sleep, and thinking the reason you have bed bugs is because you have a dirty home.

How often do bed bugs feed? Bed bugs will feed at least once before they molt and cast off their exoskeleton, although some bed bugs feed once a day. They typically molt five times before they reach adulthood. Adult bed bugs usually live between 2 and 4 months, and some can survive up to a full year. Young bed bugs have adapted to survive from several days to a few months without feeding on blood, and adult bed bugs can live up to a year without feeding. Bed bugs can also feed on pets, such as dogs, cats, and other warm-blooded animals, but they prefer human blood.

Some signs that you have bed bugs in your home are fecal spots of digested blood that will appear as rusty brown or brownish-red smears on bedding or mattresses, yellowish cast skins or the empty shells they discard when they molt as they go through their growing stages, eggs and eggshells, and live bed bugs.

Bed bug outbreaks are more common in cities—but they have the potential to happen anywhere.

Where do bed bugs originate from? Some of the earliest surviving fossils of bed bugs are over 3,500 years old. They were found in caves that both bats and humans occupied. Bed bugs are found all over the world and are very common in densely populated areas that use bed frames and soft mattresses.

The chemical insecticide DDT was once used as a bed bug deterrent. These bugs were almost eliminated before the use of DDT was banned due to its toxicity, danger to the environment, and likely carcinogenic properties. Since bed bugs can travel around the world by attaching themselves to luggage, clothing, and bags, these pests don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. The worst bed bug outbreaks happen in cities, but infestations can happen anywhere humans live.

When traveling, examine mattresses, bedding, cushions, curtains, and soft upholstery in hotels for signs of bed bugs. Place your luggage on a hard surface while you’re examining the room, and opt to place a purse in your lap instead of a carpeted area. Check the seams, crevices, and folds of your luggage promptly when you arrive back home for signs of bed bugs. When using public transportation, keep in mind that bed bugs quickly move toward body heat, and a short bus or train ride is enough for them to attach to clothing and get into your home.

A bed bug infestation is difficult to eradicate and should receive professional treatment.

Bed bugs are challenging to get rid of . If you see just one in your home, you should call in a professional. Once these bloodsuckers are established in your home, they can breed quickly. One female bed bug can lay between 200 and 250 eggs, and they need between 6 and 10 days to hatch. If you have a bed bug infestation, it’s recommended that you call in a professional as soon as possible.

A professional exterminator is skilled in using specialty equipment, insecticides, and non-chemical controls, such as steam treatments, heat treatments, and vacuuming. Professionals are required to undergo specialized training to use insecticides to treat bed bugs safely. Many people are concerned that they will have to dispose of all their furniture if they have bed bugs, but a professional exterminator can heat treat furniture to kill bed bugs. This involves using a heat treatment that reaches 118 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 70 minutes or can involve removing the furniture and heat treating it in a container. Keep in mind that treating your home with non-chemical controls does not guarantee that bed bugs will not come back into your space.

A few things you can do on your own to help get rid of bed bugs is to wash or dry clothing and bedding in temperatures hotter than 122 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 20 minutes. This will kill bed bugs, eggs, and larvae. Other items that can be washed and dried in hot temperatures include bags, backpacks, stuffed toys, curtains, shoes, and other machine-washable items. You can also use cold to kill bed bugs if items are left in a freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 days. A protective mattress cover that completely encloses a mattress or box spring can potentially eliminate cozy hiding spots for bed bugs. Be sure to periodically check the cover for rips, holes, and tears. Some mattress covers are treated with a pesticide to specifically deter bed bugs. If you buy furniture or other items at a secondhand store, it’s essential to protect your home from bed bugs . Check items thoroughly for signs of bed bugs, and clean them carefully.

Some people use bed bug interceptors or bed bug traps to catch live bed bugs as they try to make their way up furniture legs or across floors. These work by having a slippery surface that prevents the bed bugs from leaving the trap’s surface. While these will catch and trap bed bugs, they will not eliminate larvae or eggs. It’s common to use these items for the early detection of bed bugs in the home and then call a professional exterminator to eliminate the infestation.

It is not recommended to use a bug bomb or other store-bought insecticide on your own to treat bed bugs. Bug bombs, or insect foggers, are not effective when treating a bed bug infestation. Bug foggers can expose you, your family, and your pets to harmful pesticides.

The Government Is Paying People to Upgrade Their Home Comfort, Here’s Why The Government Is Paying People to Upgrade Their Home Comfort, Here’s Why

By: Tony Carrick

The 20 Best Lawn Care Products for a Lush and Healthy Lawn The 20 Best Lawn Care Products for a Lush and Healthy Lawn

By: Deirdre Mundorf

How to prevent bedbugs when traveling

French officials are attempting to quell Paris ' bedbug problem ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics after footage claiming the appearance of bedbugs across France — in Airbnbs, on public transportation and at movie theaters — has gone viral on social media.

It's a timely reminder that bedbugs are an unfortunate yet common reality, whether you're at home or traveling. It has even led guests to sue hotels following outbreaks. There have also been instances of bedbugs found on board airplanes and at airports .

Approximately 20% of U.S. homes and hotels have bedbugs annually, and nearly 68% of the reported bedbug infestations stem from hotels.

"Bed bug populations have experienced a resurgence in many parts of the world over the past couple of decades, especially within the last couple of years due in part to increased travel postponed during the height of the pandemic," an entomologist from Orkin Pest Control said. "However, other factors have led to an increase in bed bug infestations in recent years, including resilience to treatment, lack of public awareness and changing pest control practices."

Travelers shouldn't worry about regularly encountering bedbugs in hotels, especially since reputable accommodations proactively control pests through treatments and routine inspections.

However, with all travel comes inherent risk, so it's important to be aware of the possibility and take preventive measures when traveling. This can help with early detection, especially in densely populated areas with lots of tourists.

"Cities and regions with major airports or transportation hubs often see higher rates of bedbug infestations because they can unknowingly hitchhike along with travelers from different locations," according to Orkin.

To help protect you and your belongings from bedbugs while on the road, here are five tips to follow, plus what steps you should take if you find bedbugs.

Tips to prevent bedbugs when traveling

Believe it or not, bedbug prevention starts before you begin your trip, though there are also several steps you'll want to take once you leave home to ensure your travels remain bedbug-free.

Check bedbug policies before making any hotel reservations

As you research properties for your trip, reach out to any hotel you're interested in to see what its bedbug policy is before you reserve a room.

Hotels should be able to speak to their bedbug prevention and control program, including regular inspections and access to a professional pest control company, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene .

Inspect hotel beds, cushions and drapes, and put luggage in the bathtub or shower

Do your due diligence the next time you're checking into a hotel room. A quick visual scan is your best defense (not all people who get bitten by bedbugs have a skin reaction, so you could be packing them up in your luggage and have no idea). Bedbugs are nocturnal, so if you arrive during the day, you likely won't be able to spot them in the flesh.

First, put your suitcase somewhere that is not on your bed. If there's no luggage rack, leave it in the entryway or even the bathroom. Anywhere is better than putting it on the bed — especially before determining whether your bed may be infested. Bedbugs hide in soft spots, so using a luggage rack is your best bet, as they can't climb up the metal legs.

When it comes to luggage, consider that bedbugs are less likely to attach to hard-shelled suitcases versus soft-shelled bags.

When you're ready to check for bedbugs, peel back the linens of your bed until you can see the mattress, particularly the corners and the lining. Instead of looking for actual bugs, you'll want to see if there's any bedbug excrement, which mimics tiny little ink blots that a pen might leave.

Search the sheets, inside pillowcases and, most importantly, alongside the seams of the mattress. Look under the mattress while you're at it, but be prepared to find a few crumbs here and there.

Be thorough with this process, and look beyond the mattress to include the headboard and any upholstered furniture.

Throughout your trip, regularly examine your clothing and luggage to catch a bedbug infestation in the early stages.

Bring a portable bedbug trap

If you want to take it a step further, you can purchase a portable bedbug trap to accompany you on trips.

One such option is the Ortho Home Defense Bed Bug Trap , which retails for $17 and promises to attract any particularly evasive bedbugs within one hour of setting it up.

Clean your luggage with a steamer and spray

Once you complete your bed sweep, if you want further peace of mind, you can consider using a travel steamer to clean your luggage. To effectively kill bedbugs, the surface temperature needs to be at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so you'll need a steamer strong enough to reach those temperatures, such as the Beautural travel steamer .

For $35, this steamer provides 15 minutes of continuous steaming via a detachable 8.79-ounce water tank. It claims to heat up in 30 seconds and is safe on all fabrics, including clothes, curtains and furniture. It has three additional attachments for versatile steaming options.

Be sure to steam every inch of your luggage inside and out, remembering to unzip the lining and steam inside the pockets, around the handles and by the wheels.

If you are still concerned, consider removing and washing all clothing in hot water before drying your items on high heat.

If steaming your suitcase and washing your clothes is too much effort, pack a travel-size bedbug spray like this one from Hygea Natural for $10.99. At 3 ounces, it meets the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 liquids rule guidance, so you can carry it on a plane. It's even child- and pet-safe and doesn't have an odor, so it won't leave a residue.

Simply spray it upon the affected surface to exterminate any concerns about bedbugs.

Check your airplane seat

"While people mostly think of bedbug infestations at hotels, other common bedbug hiding places are taxis, buses and airplanes," according to Orkin. "Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, so they have plenty of opportunity to catch a ride with unsuspecting travelers. The insects creep into upholstery, carpeting, and gaps along seat frames."

To avoid bedbug issues while on a plane, Orkin suggests inspecting the upholstery, carpeting and gaps along seat frames after you board and before you sit down to look for eggs or even full-size bugs near the cracks and crevices of the seatback cushions.

Steps to take if you find bedbugs

In the event that you discover signs of a bedbug infestation at a hotel, immediately tell the front desk agent and ask to be moved to a room that is neither above, below nor next to the offending room.

Your next order of business is getting your money refunded and leaving the property immediately. If the hotel offers to move you to another room, ask to speak to a manager. Chances are, if the bugs are in one room, they'll be in others.

After you've booked other accommodations, make sure no bugs have been transported with you to the new location by washing and drying your clothes on high heat.

If you have a credit card that offers trip protection , call the issuer to find out if the company will cover the purchase of new luggage since there isn't an easy way to treat large baggage.

Once you get to the new hotel, place the clothes you've worn in a plastic trash bag and seal it up until the clothes can be washed. Lastly, consider packing clothing in resealable plastic bags for an extra layer of protection.

If you find bedbugs at home, start with containing the infestation by isolating the affected areas.

"Do not move items from infested rooms to non-infested ones to prevent the bugs from spreading," the Orkin entomologist said. "Keep in mind if you start sleeping in another area of the house, you may spread infestation there, too."

Once the mess is contained, declutter and clean, as this will make it easier to spot and find the other bugs. Immediately wash your bedding, curtains, clothing and any other affected fabric in hot water and dry on hot heat to kill any remaining bugs or eggs.

"Because bed bug infestations can be difficult to treat, if you wait too long to get help, the problem only gets worse," Orkin said. "Hiring a pest control company is the best way to get rid of bed bugs for good. They will inspect your home, identify the source of the problem, and create a treatment plan that will eliminate these pests."

Bottom line

On your next trip, Orkin reminds travelers to keep the acronym SLEEP in mind:

Survey the hotel room for signs of an infestation.
Lightly lift and look in bedbug-hiding spots (the mattress, behind baseboards, pictures and torn wallpaper).
Elevate luggage away from the bed and wall, and place belongings in the bathroom or on counters instead of on the bed.
Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and once you return home. Always store luggage away from the bed.
Place all your clothing from your luggage in the dryer for at least 30 to 45 minutes at the highest setting once you return home.

Also, remember that bedbugs have nothing to do with cleanliness.

"You can pick them up in the finest hotels, and they can hitchhike into the cleanest homes at any time," the Orkin entomologist said. "You can help reduce your chances of a costly bed bug infestation by catching them early."

Even once the bugs themselves are gone, the trauma can stay with you for a while. Taking the time to do your homework ahead of time before riding an airplane or checking into a hotel is well worth the effort.

How to Get RId of Cockroaches in Your Car

Signs of Termite Damage from a Past Infestation

How Do Bed Bugs Travel: Everything You Need to Know About Bed Bug Spreads and How to Control Them

Despite being wingless, bed bugs are always a factor to bear in mind when traveling. So, how do bed bugs travel from property to property?

Here’s what you ought to know.

Understanding Bed Bugs and Their Behavior

Before answering the question, “how do bed bugs travel” it is essential to understand these insects and their habits. Bed bugs are small reddish-brown insects that rely on human and animal blood to survive. They are also wingless, measuring about 1-7mm, roughly the same size as an apple seed, and can go months without feeding.

Bed bugs are present in every region of the United States, even in the cleanest rooms or hotels. Usually, bed bug infestations begin in sleeping areas such as hostels, apartments, and shelters. They tend to hide in cracks and crevices, mattress seams, headboards, and box springs during the daytime.

Evidence shows that bed bugs move up to 100 feet at night. Even so, these critters prefer to stay within 8 feet of where humans sleep.

Fortunately, bed bugs don’t spread diseases. However, bed bug bites can lead to severe allergic reactions, which will require medical assistance.

How Do Bed Bugs Travel?

To answer the question, “how do bed bugs travel” you must remember that bed bugs can spread from room to room despite being wingless. They achieve this by hitchhiking on you, your luggage, second-hand furniture as well as your pets.

Common areas where these pests may hitchhike include taxis, airports, hotels, theaters and trains. They can also move about 4 feet in a minute. Therefore, if you switch from your infested bedroom to another sleeping area, it could take only an hour for bed bugs to crawl and get to you.

Besides how bed bugs travel, another thing that should concern you is how fast they can spread. It only takes a single female bed bug for you to end up with a large infestation. Female bed bugs usually lay about three eggs daily and roughly 250 eggs during their lifetime.

Under a suitable environment, bedbugs take up to six weeks to reach adulthood. Your home could therefore end up housing three generations of bed bugs within a year. Note that they also spread their hiding spots fast.

They can hatch anywhere from nooks and crannies to door frames and inside furniture cracks. Also, while bed bugs crawling from place to place is a factor behind their fast spread, “hitchhiking” is their preferred method of travel.

How to Stop Bed Bugs Infestations

The best way to prevent bed bugs infestation in your home or business is to spot the signs early and immediately call pest control. Some of the indications of infestations include a molted exoskeleton and a musky odor. Moreover, you might spot bloodstains in areas where bed bugs feed, like on pillowcases and bedsheets.

You can do several things to prevent and control bed bug infestations.

Inspect luggage and clothing after a trip. It would be wise to place items in the washer immediately.
Stop bringing second-hand furniture and clothing inside before a thorough cleaning. Alternatively, you could avoid purchasing such items.
Clean and declutter your home regularly.
If you spot bed bugs, put clothing, teddy bears and beddings in the washer under the highest setting.
Seek pest control services to get rid of bed bugs fast.

Bed bugs are a menace. They can ruin businesses and also disrupt peace in your home. Considering how easily they can travel from place to place, it’s imperative to take action at the earliest signs.

McDonald Pest Control is a trusted company with decades of experience in bed bug control treatment, among other pest control services, including bed bug heat treatment . Don’t wait until you have a large-scale infestation. Schedule a free consultation with us today!

Understanding and Tackling Rats and Mice in Your Home

Why Bed Bugs are Difficult to Kill Why It’s So Hard to Kill Bed Bugs

Why Pest Control Services are Important for Your Property

Search Please fill out this field.
Manage Your Subscription
Give a Gift Subscription
Sweepstakes

Bed Bug Prevention Tips for Before, During, and After Travel

Everything to know from traversing the airport to unpacking when you get home.

Getty Images

A bed bug outbreak in Paris just nine months before the Olympic Games has tourists wondering how to prevent and treat those pesky critters, so Travel + Leisure spoke with experts about what to look out for and what to do if the insects do pop up.

First things first: don’t panic. Bed bugs are annoying and difficult to get rid of, but they’re not typically dangerous, Eric Braun, a board certified entomologist and technical services manager for Terminix, told T+L. In fact, bed bugs aren’t known to transmit any diseases.

“It's the ick factor, right? They find them in areas where you're sleeping, where you're at your most vulnerable, where you feel protected and they're invading that space,” Braun said. “It's more of a psychological impact than it is a health-related impact.”

Since they’re not going to hurt you, Braun said his “main concern” isn’t getting bit, but rather “bringing them home and causing an infestation.”

From packing, to traversing the airport, to entering your hotel, and more, these preventative tips will hopefully keep your dream vacation from turning into a bug-infested nightmare.

Pick the right luggage

Bed bugs like dark cracks and crevices where they can hide, Braun said. While it’s possible for them to crawl onto any surface, they typically “like to come out when we're sedentary… so it's not probable that you're going to be walking down the airport and one is going to jump on your suitcase and tag along with you.”

That said, they can climb onto any surface. That’s why packing in hardside luggage will make it less likely bed bugs will attach to the surface than if the suitcase was made of fabric, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene .

Be strategic at the airport

While comfy plush chairs in lounges and dark nooks may feel like the ideal spot to wait out a layover, Braun said that’s probably not your best bet if you’re trying to avoid picking up any unwelcome friends. Picking a hard, smooth plastic chair may be a better choice over a booth, for example.

“It's less likely [to find bed bugs] in areas that are lit and [where] people aren't sitting for extended periods of time,” he said. “It's more probable that you would contract them in a darker, more private secluded space.”

But while bed bugs prefer darkness, they will still come out when it is light, according to information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency provided to T+L.

Braun recommended travelers inspect the area they are sitting thoroughly and “pick chairs or locations that have as few potential hiding spots for these insects as possible.”

As for when you're actually on the plane, airfarewatchdog.com suggests booking a morning or daytime flight.

"Since bed bugs are nocturnal, the likelihood of them coming out in the daytime is relatively lower," the site noted, (with the caveat that luggage may still be stored in a dark overhead bin).

Unpack smartly

The first thing Braun does when he checks into a hotel room is store his suitcase in the bathroom. He also avoids luggage racks.

“When I travel, I don't unpack my suitcase, I do not put anything in the provided drawers, I do not leave any clothing around the hotel in the bed [or] on the floor,” Braun said. “Everything should be stowed away neatly… my suitcase goes in the bathroom and if they have a tub, it goes in the tub. Those are areas that are less likely for the bed bugs to be.”

Travelers can also hang their clothes in the closet.

“The bed bugs would have to crawl up the wall of the closet, crawl onto the post of the hanger, crawl down the hanger and crawl into your clothing,” Braun said. “They're not really very motivated to do that.”

Per the American Hotel and Lodging Association , travelers should consider placing their suitcase “in a plastic trash bag or protective cover during the duration of your trip to ensure that bed bugs cannot take up residence there prior to departure.”

Go straight from vacation to the dryer

If travelers suspect they’ve been bitten or came into contact with bed bugs , they shouldn’t panic. Instead, they should unpack their clothing directly into the dryer first — not the washer.

“You [can] wash them after you dry them, but the high heat will kill the life stages. The water isn't hot enough to kill them so they could survive a washing,” Braun said. “You're going to remove all the clothing from the suitcase, all the clothing that you're currently wearing, and you're going to place that in the dryer on high for about 30 minutes… if you have some items that can't go in a dryer that need to be dry cleaned, you would bag them up and take them to the dry cleaner.”

Braun added: “You're going to then look at your luggage, inspect your luggage. If you suspect that there's bed bugs in the luggage, you're going to have that professionally treated.”

What to Know About Bed Bugs—and How to Avoid Them While Traveling

A recent outbreak in paris served as a crucial reminder that it’s important to know how to spot and prevent these pests from invading your sleep, belongings, and personal health..

Copy Link copied

Illustration of an oversized bed bug tucked into a bed with planters and rugs on either side

Few places are safe from bed bugs. Here’s what travelers should know to avoid them.

Illustration by Shutterstock

Bed bugs, you could say, are having a moment—or, perhaps, un moment .

Paris was the latest scene of an outbreak that made global headlines as the city that’s hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics scrambled to arrest a resurgence of the insects that are on every traveler’s no-go list.

But Paris is hardly alone when it comes to the pests; bed bugs can be found almost anywhere in the world and at any time.

So, what can travelers do should they encounter the pesky problem on the road? Here’s what to know.

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are wingless parasitic insects found across the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences describes bed bugs as “blood-feeding parasites of humans, chickens, bats and occasionally domesticated animals,” and adds that they are sometimes referred to as chinches, red coats, or mahogany flats.

“Bed bugs have probably been associated with humans for more than 100,000 years,” says Rob Anderson , an associate professor in the biology department at the University of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, who teaches a class on blood-feeding pests, which include bed bugs as well as mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other insects. “They are obligate blood feeders, which means they must have blood to survive and reproduce.”

Considered nest parasites—organisms that reside in the immediate area where the animal host (that would include you) spends most of its time—they live off the blood or skin tissue of the host animal. “Bed bugs are aptly named because they hang out in and around the bedroom where their blood hosts spend lots of time and reliably return. Bed bugs only come onto a host such as a human to blood feed then return to a nearby crevice or hiding place to digest the blood ,” says Anderson.

Adult bed bugs are flat and oval-shaped, grow to about 4 to 5 mm long, and are equipped with “piercing-sucking mouthparts, so they bite and suck blood like a mosquito” according to the University of Florida.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says two species of bed bugs are “usually implicated in human infestations”— Cimex lectularius and C. hemipterus , the former of which is considered cosmopolitan (meaning they are “found or present all over the world,” says Anderson) and the latter appear mostly in the tropics and subtropics.

Bed bugs most often feed on people at night while they sleep and tend to bite the exposed upper part of the body. And while they’re undoubtedly a nuisance, bed bugs are not considered to be “effective vectors of disease” according to the CDC, which notes that the primary medical risk is associated with inflammation from their bites.

Where are bed bugs commonly found?

Bed bugs are some of the world’s most ubiquitous travelers.

“They are to be found in street-side hostels, huts in small villages, and first-class hotels,” says Anderson.

“Many hotel chains regularly deal with them, but they seldom admit it because it’s not good for business,” he says, attributing the presence of bed bugs in hotels to the “the nature of their transitory, ever-changing clientele,” he wrote in an email to AFAR.

According to the CDC’s website, bed bug infestations tend to happen near areas where people sleep, which could mean anywhere from hotels and cruise ships to buses and trains.

The bugs tend to feed at night and hide during the day in the seams of mattresses, behind headboards, inside cracks and crevices in a room, in bed frames, furnishings, and box springs, among other locales, according to the CDC.

Once inside a dwelling, says Anderson, bed bugs’ numbers can build up long before humans even notice them—especially if there are pets in the house that they can feed on. That’s because pets might take the brunt of the early blood-feeding attention of the initial few bed bugs introduced, he says, before they’re present in enough numbers to attract the attention of humans.

He adds, “They move around the world every day with travelers (usually hitching rides in luggage) and sometimes to home where they may establish.”

For people who bring bed bugs home with them from their travels, Anderson warns you might not realize you have a stowaway until some time after returning home.

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

The most common sign of having bed bugs or having been exposed to them is the appearance of their bite marks on your upper body, namely on the face, arms, neck, or hands, after sleeping someplace where they live.

“Often the red spots are in groups of two or three because bed bugs often poke their needle-like mouthparts into the skin several times until they lacerate good blood vessels with enough blood to flow and feed on,” says Anderson.

According to the CDC website, most people won’t feel the bed bug bite itself when it happens since the insects inject an anesthetic and anticoagulant when they bite their victim (how thoughtful of the buggers).

“They tend to feed at night when people are sleeping because they’re less likely to be detected, and they only stay on the human skin for as long as it takes to feed,” says Anderson, adding, “after which they return to the nearest hiding place, some kind of crevice.”

You can look for signs of bed bugs—both their physical forms in the crevices of mattresses and folds of sheets as well as signs of rust-colored blood spots on your mattress (it comes from them being crushed and their fecal material, which is filled with blood, according to the CDC). “The adults are easily visible,” Anderson says. “In large infestations, they often leave a line of blackish, stinking blood feces deposited wherever they hide when off the blood host.”

Look for a dark line right where the mattress or box spring sits against the bedroom wall, he says, which is an indicator that bed bugs are present.

illustration of two people in hazmat suits fumigating a sofa with two pillows

If you bring bed bugs into your home from your travels, you may want to contact a reliable pest control company to help quell an outbreak.

What should you do if you do get bed bugs?

If you get bed bug bites, try to avoid scratching them, as that’s likely to cause more problems by opening up your skin to secondary infections, Anderson says.

Thankfully, “They’re not transmitters of worrisome pathogens as far as an astounding amount of evidence goes,” he adds. “But the bites can be annoying, especially for people with allergic sensitivity to the saliva bed bugs inject when they are feeding (as all blood feeding pests do).”

To relieve the itchiness, he suggests applying topical antihistamines such as Benadryl spray. (As with the use of any drug, consult with a doctor beforehand to make sure you’re not allergic or to address any other concerns.)

If you suspect a bed bug invasion where you live, contact a trusted pest control company experienced in treating bed bugs to inquire about fumigation services and other available methods of dealing with them.

What are the best ways to avoid getting bed bugs?

You’re at risk of encountering bed bugs both at home and nearly any place you travel.

According to the CDC, “Anyone who travels frequently and shares living and sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept has a higher risk of being bitten and/or spreading a bed bug infestation.”

Lyndsey Matthews, senior commerce editor at AFAR, and a firm believer of never putting your suitcase on your bed (in part to help prevent the spread of bed begs), has herself experienced bed bugs three times and has some advice.

“They are bigger than you think—an adult is the size of an apple seed,” she says, so look for them in the seams of headboards and mattress and under sheets, where you may find their eggs, feces, or the bugs themselves.

When you get home from a trip, she suggests washing and drying everything on high heat. If your suitcase can’t be washed in a washing machine, it’s a good idea to steam clean it at a high temperature, she says.

There are some things you can do to avoid bringing bed bugs home with you, too.

Anderson says you can reduce the risk of bed bugs invading your bags and suitcases by keeping them inside well-sealed large garbage bags when staying in temporary housing, including hotels. He says he inspects any hotel room or apartment he rents to look for the obvious signs of bed bugs and checks his belongings for signs of them, too, before packing up and returning home.

In 37 years of traveling around the world and doing research on bed bugs, Anderson says he’s encountered them and been bitten by more than his fair share—but he has so far managed to avoid bringing any of the insects back home with him as a souvenir.

“Bed bugs have been an occupational hazard for me because of the travel to the tropics and often staying in remote, very rudimentary digs in field research sites where bed bugs just exist in significant numbers,” he says. “I’m pretty rigorous about inspecting my luggage, or spraying it or sealing it in containers if I suspect there are bed bugs wherever I’m staying at a given time.”

Answer to all Questions

Do Bed Bugs Travel In Groups Or Alone

Bed bugs are often thought of as solitary creatures but they can travel in groups. Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and humans. They are reddish-brown in color and flattened from top to bottom. Bed bugs can range in size from 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long. They are often found in cracks and crevices of beds furniture and baseboards.Bed bugs are not known to transmit any diseases but their bites can be itchy and uncomfortable. Some people may have an allergic reaction to bed bug bites. Bed bugs are most active at night and are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that humans emit.If you think you have bed bugs it’s important to check your entire home for infestation. Bed bugs can travel in groups so it’s possible for them to be in more than one room of your home. You may need to call a professional pest control company to get rid of the bed bugs.

Do bed bugs travel in groups or alone?

Table of Contents

Bed bugs typically travel alone but can be found in groups when they are nesting.

How do bed bugs travel?

Bed bugs travel by crawling.

What do bed bugs eat?

Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and animals.

Where do bed bugs typically hide?

Bed bugs typically hide in cracks and crevices such as in mattresses bed frames and furniture.

How do bed bugs reproduce?

Bed bugs reproduce by laying eggs.

A female bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime.

What is the life cycle of a bed bug?

The life cycle of a bed bug consists of an egg nymph and adult stage.

Bed bugs typically live for about 10 months.

What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?

The signs of a bed bug infestation include bites on the skin blood stains on sheets and a musty odor.

How do you get rid of bed bugs?

You can get rid of bed bugs by vacuuming steam cleaning and using pesticides.

What are the risks of a bed bug infestation?

The risks of a bed bug infestation include skin irritation secondary infections and anxiety.

Can bed bugs spread diseases?

Bed bugs can spread diseases through their bites but they are not known to transmit any diseases.

What temperature do bed bugs prefer?

Bed bugs prefer a temperature of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are the symptoms of a bed bug bite?

The symptoms of a bed bug bite include a red itchy welts.

How long do bed bug bites last?

Bed bug bites typically last for a few days.

Can bed bugs fly?

No bed bugs cannot fly.

How far can bed bugs travel?

Bed bugs can travel up to 20 feet in a single night.

What Is The Name Of The Song That Harry And Hermione Dance In The Tent To
Why Are Chrome Hearts Sunglasses So Expensive
What Is The Difference Between Genius And Ingenious
How To Repair Power Tilt And Trim Slow Leak

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please enter an answer in digits: 5 × 4 =

Request Your Free, No Obligation Quote

Can You Get Bed Bugs Even If You Don’t Travel?

September 22, 2020

No one wants bed bugs. For many, it is one of their greatest traveling fears – that they will end up at a hotel that has bed bugs, and bring them back home with them. Bed bugs are amazing travelers, which is why the most common way to get bed bugs is to travel, stay at a place that has them, and then take them with you in luggage or on clothes back to your Phoenix, AZ property .

But traveling is not the only way to get bed bugs, and unfortunately, the more common bed bugs become in Arizona, the more likely you are to get them even without traveling.

How Can You Get Bed Bugs Without Traveling?

Bed bugs prefer to live near beds, which is where they can get instant access to food with little risk (since its meals are usually asleep). It is also why they are best known for living in hotels. But bed bugs are not stationary creatures. They have no problem moving to other rooms, and they do not necessarily need to feed on sleeping victims.

This allows bed bugs to spread out on their own. If you have bed bugs on your property, but you did not travel, it’s possible that bed bugs found your property through:

Neighbors – Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs have no problems leaving their home and walking to a new location. They are especially likely to seek out new homes if there is an extensive infestation, which is why many apartment complexes now make residents sign paperwork indicating that they are responsible for any damages from delaying bed bug treatments.

Public Areas – While bed bugs prefer to feed on sleeping victims, they are still more than willing to feed on awake victims. That means that bed bugs can live in offices, or in movie theaters, or anywhere that they can get access to sitting food. It’s possible that you came into contact with bed bugs in one of these locations.

Other Homes and People – Just because you do not travel doesn’t mean that you may not be exposed to bed bugs from visiting someone else’s home, or having someone with a bed bug infestation visit your property.

Buying Used Items – Bed bugs are outstanding hiders. If you bought a used item, it’s possible that it had a bed bug hiding on it. This is why it is not generally recommended to buy used mattresses, for example, even if they look clean at inspection.

Bed bugs prefer locations like hotels and motels, which is why the most common way to get bed bugs is by traveling. But they are hardy insects that can make do in other locations as well, which means that even without traveling, it is possible to get bed bugs in your home. For more information on bed bug treatment, please call us today at (480) 525-7378.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services .

Request Your Free Estimate Today

Complete the form below to request your no obligation estimate.

Top-Rated Pest Control In Phoenix, AZ & Surrounding Areas

5 ways bed bugs can invade your home

Here’s 5 ways bed bugs can easily enter your home

When it comes to pests, bed bugs are the ultimate nuisance. Even if you know how to get rid of bed bugs , it’s an extensive task which often requires repeat applications. Should one female survive, it can continue laying eggs and soon put you back at square one again. And seeing as bed bugs can live all over your home — not just near your bed, if an infestation gets extensive, it can take a long time to deal with. Leaving you constantly looking out for 7 telltale signs of bed bugs in your home .

And you will want to get rid of these pests as soon as you can. On top of feeding on your blood as you sleep, causing skin irritations and sometimes infections, they’re not hygienic to have around the home. Eradicating bed bugs can cause such strife, that it’s good practice to know how they spread into your home in the first place. That’s why we’ve listed 5 such ways bed bugs can travel into your home — so you know what to be wary of in the future and how to avoid potential infestations. Try not to itch yourself as you read this.

1. Clothes

A woman carrying shopping bags in the mall

The first and most well-known way bed bugs can spread into your home is via your clothes. These pests won’t travel directly on your skin or hair, nor will they likely travel via the clothes you’re wearing — they’re not fans of our body heat or the aggressive movement. But, still they will happily hitchhike on any alternative textiles, including packed or bagged clothes. That means if your unworn clothes come into contact with any materials or surfaces which carry bed bugs, these pests have a chance to transfer over. And with bed bugs moving at up to four feet a minute, this won’t take long.

Consequently, bed bugs can technically travel via any clothes you’ve purchased in retail as well as thrift stores. The appearance of bed bugs in such spaces is not surprising when you consider the large number of customers bringing in clothes from their homes, as well as returning items. You can check for signs of bed bugs before you purchase by looking out for stains that may be left behind — the feces of bed bugs appears almost like an ink stain. There may also be sticky white eggs or shells, about 1mm in length, if the item has been undisturbed for some time. Failing that, you can even see bed bugs — they’re about 5mm in length. If you suspect bed bugs in a store, be sure to tell the staff immediately to limit its spreading.

2. Furniture

Two people carrying a couch across a room

As we mentioned in the first point, bed bugs will happily latch onto textiles during travel. That means other fabric-based items you bring into your home are unfortunately at risk too, including furniture. Upholstery, such as a fabric couch, can become a hotspot for bed bugs in the right conditions. This is because it provides shelter, as well as a nearby location to where you might rest at night. So it stands to reason that you must take care when you purchase such items, particularly if they’re second-hand and come from a previous home.

Bed bugs can be carried in all sorts of items including curtains, chairs, box springs and mattresses. So always inspect new furniture to prevent an infestation. You’re looking out for some of the same signs as above, including feces and egg shells. Shed skins might also be prevalent as a sign of maturing bed bugs. You might also detect a faint musty smell. Make sure such items are effectively steam cleaned to kill any potential bed bugs before bringing them into your home.

3. Boxes

A couple on a couch with boxes in front filled with items

Textiles aren’t the only go-to surface for traveling bed bugs either — cardboard boxes can provide a cozy solution too. It makes for the perfect hideaway for bed bugs because it’s dark, sheltered and often undisturbed. It’s an ideal sanctuary for alternative pests for the same reason, including roaches . So you might want to think twice if there’s a number of boxes tucked under your bed.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.

Upgrade your life with a daily dose of the biggest tech news, lifestyle hacks and our curated analysis. Be the first to know about cutting-edge gadgets and the hottest deals.

Bed bugs can survive for up to 400 days without feeding, according to the UC IPM — although this depends on several factors including temperature, humidity and the age of the bed bugs — which means they can easily be transferred inside of such objects when moved from property to property. So whether you’re using infested boxes to move home, or receive a box of items from a neighbor, it’s something to be aware of and to check before you bring it indoors. Replace such stored boxes with plastic, sealed containers instead to play it safe, such as these Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear Plastic Storage Bins with Lid ( $111, Amazon ).

4. Neighbors

Two adjoining front doors, with one red and one blue

Speaking of neighbors, unfortunately bed bugs can be transferred directly from home to home too, especially if they’re in close proximity, such as adjoining apartments. If there are any cracks or gaps in your walls, bed bugs can travel between the two adjoining properties. They can even make their way in via electrical outlets and light switches.

If a close neighbor reports bed bugs, you should first do a thorough sweep for signs of bed bugs in your home, checking continually until the infestation is dealt with. This includes looking out for bite marks on your skin, blood stains or feces in your bedding, eggs, husks and musty odors, although early stages of an infestation may not be so obvious, so you will need to be diligent. Check all hidden areas around your home, shining a flashlight in dark and undisturbed spaces around your bed, mattress and bedding, and in any cracks or crevices in your walls and furniture.

You will need to avoid physical contact with this neighbor or neighbors where possible until the situation is resolved, otherwise you risk introducing bed bugs into your home. Having said that, it's still good practice to call or message your neighbors and stay in contact. This is so you can help keep them at ease and stay informed on the progress. Be sure to check your clothes, shoes and any items you’ve carried with you for signs of bed bugs before you enter your home. Don’t leave any items on the floor outside either — bed bugs may be present in the communal hallway.

It’s a good idea to contact your landlord or property manager to decide whether a formal inspection or further action is needed with regard to your property. Going forward, you can seal up any unnecessary cracks or gaps in walls you might share. Keep your home clean and tidy to deter bed bugs too; vacuum the space regularly (at least once a week) with one of the best vacuum cleaners (sealing and disposing of the residue after each session), wash bedding on the hottest cycle allowed in the best washing machines , and run a steam cleaner over your upholstery. You can always set up bed bug traps if you're concerned too, such as this Ortho Home Defense Max Bed Bug Trap ( $13, Amazon ).

If these pests have invaded your property, here’s how to get rid of bed bugs for advice on what to do next. If you don't want to handle these pests yourselves, you can always call in a professional.

5. Hotels

A woman opening up the curtains in a hotel room

Considering bed bugs often travel on clothing, it’s no surprise that hotels can become a hotspot for these pests. With travelers coming and going, some guests will unknowingly introduce bed bugs into the room in which they’re staying. And as new guests take up residence, they can easily pick up an unwanted parting gift via their suitcases. That’s why checking for bed bugs is one of the 7 things to always do when you check into a hotel room .

If you suspect bed bugs in a hotel room, tell the staff immediately. The room will need to be inspected and if their presence is confirmed, it will need to be sectioned off and cleaned to remove the pests. In such cases, your luggage and clothing will need to be cleaned before you return home too.

If guests visit your home, they too can bring bed bugs in via their luggage. There’s not a lot you can do to prevent bed bugs in these circumstances, but you can be wary of their presence and address them at an early stage to make removal easier. If your guests inform you at a later date that they’ve got bed bugs, this can also alert you to their potential presence. Here are 7 telltale signs of bed bugs in your home .

Hotels aren’t the only establishments to be wary of bed bugs in either. Anywhere with high traffic and rotating guests are prone to these pests, such as hospitals and university dorms.

More from Tom's Guide

Check out 7 telltale signs of roaches in your home
We've also found 7 plants that keep mice and rats from invading your home
And here's how to clean a mattress and remove stubborn stains

Katie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products too, so is the best point of contact for any household advice! She has tested and reviewed appliances for over 6 years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite thing to test has to be air purifiers, as the information provided and the difference between performances is extensive.

Can you save a woody lavender plant? Expert advice tips on how to make it fresh for summer

This $5 gadget makes moving my small appliances a breeze — here's why

West Ham vs Liverpool live stream: How to watch Premier League game online

How to Avoid Bed Bugs when Traveling

Last Updated: May 25, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by Kevin Carrillo . Kevin Carrillo is a Pest Control Specialist and the Senior Project Manager for MMPC, a pest control service and certified Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) based in the New York City area. MMPC is certified by the industry’s leading codes and practices, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), QualityPro, GreenPro, and The New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA). MMPC's work has been featured in CNN, NPR, and ABC News. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 56,240 times.

Imagine finally finding time to take a much needed vacation. Then, when you return home relaxed and feeling rejuvenated, you discover you now have a bed bug problem! It is no surprise that traveling is one of the easiest ways to bring the unwelcome pests into your home. While traveling, there are several precautions you should take to keep this nightmare from happening.

Booking Your Trip

Keep in mind that negative comments may simply be an unhappy guest who just wants to ruin the hotel’s reputation. However, if you see several comments around the same topic like bed bugs, consider it a legitimate concern.

Enjoy the outdoors Head to the nearest camp ground and sleep under the stars or in a cozy tent. Many camps are extremely clean, and offer hot showers for very reasonable rates.

During Your Hotel Stay

Bugs are brown with a long, oval shaped body. Most are tiny, about the size of an apple seed but they can be larger, about the size of a nickel. You should also look for black fecal matter and a musty smell. [1] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source

Place the luggage rack away from any furniture. If the closet is large enough, keep it in there.

Before wearing any garment, shake it out as an extra precaution.

If you forget, ask the hotel to supply something like an extra trash bag.

Do not move to an adjacent room. Request a move to another floor.

Returning Home

If your luggage is a dark color it may be difficult to see. Use a lint roller, covering the entire bag, seams and zippers. [4] X Research source

Don’t hang dry your clothes either. Tossing items into a scorching hot dryer will kill the bugs.
Even items that weren’t worn should be washed. Bugs could have crawled throughout the bag. Better to be safe than sorry.
Shoes can be wiped down with a cloth and some hot water. Leave them outside in the sunlight if possible for a couple of hours too.

Never store suitcases under your bed.

Contact a professional to discuss the extermination options available to you. They may recommend chemical or steam treatments. [9] X Research source
Research pesticides but be clear on their use. While some are great for indoors, others can only be used outside. [10] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source

Expert Q&A

If you happen to notice that white powder is present within drawers, the closet, or around floorboards, it is likely that the room has already been treated for bed bugs. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Don't avoid travel for the fear of bed bugs. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Bed bugs can reproduce quickly so don't procrastinate with treating a problem. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 4

↑ https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs
↑ Kevin Carrillo. Pest Control Specialist. Expert Interview. 22 October 2019.
↑ https://www.bedbugs.umn.edu/travelers/inspecting-your-hotel-room-bed-bugs
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XWKhsaBaic
↑ http://www.orkin.com/other/bed-bugs/bedbug-bites/
↑ http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/bb-heat1.pdf
↑ https://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/pesticides-control-bed-bugs

About this article

Did this article help you?

About wikiHow
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info

IMAGES

How Fast Do Bed Bugs Spread
How to Handle Bedbugs While on a Travel Adventure in 2020
How To Prevent Bed Bugs While Traveling
How Do Bed Bugs Travel?
How Fast Do Bed Bugs Spread and How to Stop the Infestation?
How To Avoid Bed Bugs When Traveling

VIDEO

4 places bed bugs hide on planes
Bed Bugs 101: Where Do They Hide And What Do They Like? #shorts #pestcontrol #treatment #insects
Traveling?✈️🚘🚉 Here's how YOU can avoid bed bugs
Bed Bugs Exposed! Don't Sleep Until You Watch This!
Bed Bug or What? #bedbug #resorts #travel
Do Bed Bugs Transmit Disease?

COMMENTS

CDC
Bed bugs are usually transported from place to place as people travel. The bed bugs travel in the seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding, furniture, and anywhere else where they can hide. Most people do not realize they are transporting stow-away bed bugs as they travel from location to location, infecting areas as ...
Top 10 Myths about Bedbugs
Myth 1: Bedbugs can fly. Bedbugs lack wings, and therefore cannot fly. That is unless you put a blow dryer behind them, says Stephen Kells, a bedbug researcher at the University of Minnesota. Then ...
7 Myths About Bed Bugs Debunked
Myth 5: A Blow Dryer Is Fatal to Bed Bugs. Truth: In some cases, it can be. But the trick is keeping bed bugs in one place long enough to take the heat till they're dead. A hair dryer can be a ...
How Do Bed Bugs Travel?
Bags & Personal Belongings. Bed bugs are transported by people, most often in personal belongings such as the following: They can hide in your personal belongings, or even on you, and hitchhike a ride back to your home, condo, townhouse or apartment. Many people ask if bed bugs can jump, but they can't and dont travel that way.
Everything to know about bedbugs and travel: How to spot them, life
Wash the clothes in hot water and dry them on a high heat setting to kill bedbugs and their eggs. When you're visiting hotels you should inspect the room for signs of bedbugs before you unpack ...
Bed Bug Confidential: An Expert Explains How to Defend against the
A skin reaction alone does not necessarily indicate the presence of bed bugs. Other bugs, allergies and irritants in the environment can produce similar skin reactions.
How to check for bed bugs to avoid an infestation this spring
Aptly named, bed bugs are most likely to be found in areas like mattresses and bed frames, as well as other cracks or crevices in a house. It's typically said that if a crevice is small enough ...
How do Bedbugs Travel and Spread?
4.1.Be Cautious about Secondhand Furniture. 4.2.Inspect Hotel Rooms when Traveling. 4.3.Cover Your Mattress. 4.4.Bedbug Traps and Monitors. 4.5.Portable Heating Chambers. Bedbugs spread primarily through human contact. If you're finding bedbugs on your mattress or other furniture, chances are they came home on your clothes,
How Do Bed Bugs Travel?
Pull the cover off the sheets and look for signs of bed bugs, such as exoskeletons and rust-colored blood spots. Inspect the bedding by slowly pulling the sheets and mattress pad back. Check all four corners and seams for indications of bed bugs. Check the luggage rack, closets, furniture, curtains, chest of drawers and hard surfaces for bed ...
Where Do Bed Bugs Live? How to Find Their Hiding Spot
Once established, bed bugs will instead travel from a hiding spot 5-20 feet away to blood feed. The blood feeding process usually lasts three to 10 minutes. While most people don't know they're being bitten during blood feeding, bites for some people can result in itchy welts caused by a reaction to bed bug saliva and this can cause discomfort ...
Bedbugs: What travelers need to know
Usually, adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed (5 to 7 millimeters or 3/16 to 1/4 inch long). They're long and brown, with a flat, oval-shaped body if they haven't fed recently.
Tips for Travel
Check the mattress and headboard before sleeping. Inspect luggage racks. In hotel rooms, use luggage racks to hold your luggage when packing or unpacking rather than setting your luggage on the bed or floor. Try to keep luggage away from bed. Upon returning home, unpack directly into a washing machine and inspect your luggage carefully.
Solved! What Attracts Bed Bugs?
Since bed bugs can travel around the world by attaching themselves to luggage, clothing, and bags, these pests don't seem to be going away anytime soon. The worst bed bug outbreaks happen in ...
How to prevent bedbugs when traveling
To effectively kill bedbugs, the surface temperature needs to be at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so you'll need a steamer strong enough to reach those temperatures, such as the Beautural travel steamer. For $35, this steamer provides 15 minutes of continuous steaming via a detachable 8.79-ounce water tank.
How Do Bed Bugs Travel From Place to Place?
To answer the question, "how do bed bugs travel" you must remember that bed bugs can spread from room to room despite being wingless. They achieve this by hitchhiking on you, your luggage, second-hand furniture as well as your pets. Common areas where these pests may hitchhike include taxis, airports, hotels, theaters and trains.
Bed Bug Prevention Tips for Before, During, and After Travel
Go straight from vacation to the dryer. If travelers suspect they've been bitten or came into contact with bed bugs, they shouldn't panic. Instead, they should unpack their clothing directly ...
How to Avoid Getting Bed Bugs When You Travel
Bed bugs, you could say, are having a moment—or, perhaps, un moment. Paris was the latest scene of an outbreak that made global headlines as the city that's hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics scrambled to arrest a resurgence of the insects that are on every traveler's no-go list.. But Paris is hardly alone when it comes to the pests; bed bugs can be found almost anywhere in the world and ...
Do Bed Bugs Travel In Groups Or Alone
Bed bugs are often thought of as solitary creatures but they can travel in groups. Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and humans. They are reddish-brown in color and flattened from top to bottom. Bed bugs can range in size from 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long. They are often found in cracks and crevices of beds ...
Can You Get Bed Bugs Even If You Don't Travel?
But they are hardy insects that can make do in other locations as well, which means that even without traveling, it is possible to get bed bugs in your home. For more information on bed bug treatment, please call us today at (480) 525-7378. Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.
5 ways bed bugs can invade your home
1. Clothes. (Image credit: Shutterstock) The first and most well-known way bed bugs can spread into your home is via your clothes. These pests won't travel directly on your skin or hair, nor ...
How to Avoid Bed Bugs when Traveling: 13 Steps (with Pictures)
1. Inspect your luggage. Before entering your home, check the outside of your bags for any bed bug evidence like small eggs, a faint smell, etc. If you suspect you brought a few home with you, leave the bags in the garage or backyard. Do not take them inside. If your luggage is a dark color it may be difficult to see.

Bed Bugs FAQs

How did I get bed bugs?

How do I know if I’ve been bitten by a bed bug?

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

7 Myths About Bed Bugs Debunked

Myth 1: You’re Safe From Bed Bugs if You Have a Foam Mattress

Myth 2: Bed Bugs Travel Only by Hitchhiking on Clothes or Other Fabric

Myth 3: A Bed Bug–Sniffing Dog Is the Best Way to Identify an Infestation

Myth 4: You’ll Need to Throw Out Everything You Own if You Have Bed Bugs

Myth 5: A Blow Dryer Is Fatal to Bed Bugs

Myth 6: Cayenne Pepper or Diatomaceous Earth Can Kill Bed Bugs

Myth 7: Once They’re Gone, They’re Gone

Bed Bug Tips

Sharing is Nice

How Do Bed Bugs Travel?

Where do you pick them up?

Prefer people over pets

Protect Your Home from Bed Bugs

What Do Bed Bugs and Eggs Look Like on Clothes?

Spraying for bed bugs did not work

Bed Bug Bites on Humans | Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Find a Branch

Get a Personalized Quote

Everything to know about bedbugs and travel: How to spot them, life cycle, what to do

The life cycle of a bed bug

How to check for bedbugs

Do bedbugs spread disease?

Can you prevent a bed bug infestation?

How to treat a bed bug infestation?

About the Author

Bed Bug Confidential: An Expert Explains How to Defend against the Dreaded Pests

On supporting science journalism

Here's how to check for bed bugs so you can avoid an infestation in your home this spring

How to check for bed bugs

How to prevent bed bugs

What to treat bed bug infestations

Bedbugs: What travelers need to know

Bedbugs in the news

Hotel room prevention tips

These are the signs of bedbug infestations

Bedbugs are more than a bed and motel problem

Medical and well-being issues

What to do if you bring bedbugs home

‘You become obsessed’

Tips for Travel

When traveling:

More Information

Solved! What Attracts Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs feed on warm-blooded creatures. Body heat and the carbon dioxide you exhale draw them in.

Bed bugs prefer warm temperatures, and the crevices of a mattress or box spring provide the perfect home.

You can find bed bugs in other areas of the home—not just the bed.

Dirty laundry can attract bed bugs.

Bed bugs typically bite in groups of three, and some telltale signs can be evidence of their presence.

Bed bug outbreaks are more common in cities—but they have the potential to happen anywhere.

A bed bug infestation is difficult to eradicate and should receive professional treatment.

The Government Is Paying People to Upgrade Their Home Comfort, Here’s Why The Government Is Paying People to Upgrade Their Home Comfort, Here’s Why

The 20 Best Lawn Care Products for a Lush and Healthy Lawn The 20 Best Lawn Care Products for a Lush and Healthy Lawn

How to prevent bedbugs when traveling

Tips to prevent bedbugs when traveling

Check bedbug policies before making any hotel reservations

Inspect hotel beds, cushions and drapes, and put luggage in the bathtub or shower

Bring a portable bedbug trap

Clean your luggage with a steamer and spray

Check your airplane seat

Steps to take if you find bedbugs

Bottom line

How to Get RId of Cockroaches in Your Car

Signs of Termite Damage from a Past Infestation

How Do Bed Bugs Travel: Everything You Need to Know About Bed Bug Spreads and How to Control Them

Understanding Bed Bugs and Their Behavior

How Do Bed Bugs Travel?

How to Stop Bed Bugs Infestations

Related posts

Understanding and Tackling Rats and Mice in Your Home

Why Bed Bugs are Difficult to Kill Why It’s So Hard to Kill Bed Bugs

Why Pest Control Services are Important for Your Property

Bed Bug Prevention Tips for Before, During, and After Travel

Pick the right luggage

Be strategic at the airport

Unpack smartly