How Do You Get Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to eradicate in the home and can be found nearly all over the world, including the U.S. Infestations may occur nearly anywhere where people may frequent, including hotels, hospitals and even forms of public transportation. Due to their small size and flattened body, bed bugs can hide in some unusual places, including couches, picture frames and behind electrical switch plates.  

Keep reading to find out how you might get bed bugs in your house. 

How Do You Get Bed Bugs in Your House?

So, how do you get bed bugs in the first place? Bed bugs are notorious for their hitchhiking abilities. If you’re suddenly experiencing signs of a bed bug infestation in your home for the first time, they likely snuck their way in as a stowaway on a purse, luggage, or clothing.  

Secondhand furniture, particularly mattresses, box springs, couches, and chairs, may be harboring hungry bed bugs. If you purchase secondhand furniture, be sure to thoroughly inspect the item for any evidence of bed bugs including cast skins, eggs, fecal spotting, or the insects themselves. Pay close attention to seams or folds in fabric and use a high-powered flashlight to aid in the inspection.  

Lodging facilities like hotels and motels are prime sources for bed bugs, so be on high alert when traveling to be sure you don’t take bed bugs home with you as unintentional souvenirs. To avoid any unwanted encounters, always thoroughly inspect your room for any signs of bed bug activity before unpacking. Common areas to inspect include the seams of the mattress, headboards, sofas and chairs. Leave your luggage in the bathroom or entry way while you conduct your inspection and avoid placing luggage on any furniture until you have had the chance to ensure the item is bed bug free. If you do find evidence of an infestation, change establishments immediately to avoid bringing bed bugs in your house. When you return from your trip, inspect your suitcases and wash all packed clothing in hot water to kill any would-be hitchhikers. 

How Do You Get Bed Bugs in Your Bed?

Once bed bugs get into your home, why do they go to your bed? Bed bugs will be attracted to any areas where humans spend a lot of time. Once in the area, they will look for dark hiding spots that are close and convenient to their food source. Beds make a perfect location to hide since the bed bugs can easily come out to feed at night while we are sleeping. And, if needed, they can quickly retreat to the safety of the bed frame or mattress if disturbed. While bed bug infestations are often associated with beds, they are easily spread throughout the home and be found on other furniture outside of the bedroom.   

What to Do if You Get Bed Bugs

If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, call a pest control professional immediately. Because bed bugs can breed quickly, time is of the essence when combatting an infestation. 

To protect your home from an infestation, check out this article for even more bed bug prevention tips.