How Do Bed Bugs Travel?

Bed bugs are wingless insects that have a reddish-brown appearance. They are usually found in special crevices and small holes, such as mattress seams, baseboards and fabric-covered furniture. Bed bugs are known for their ability to hitchhike and travel around the world by latching onto people, clothing, luggage, and other items.

There are several ways bed bugs can travel:

Transportation

Bed bugs are able to travel in and out of homes by travelling on backpack, suitcases, clothes and other items. They can even enter your home by hitchhiking on an unsuspecting tourist or family member who has been travelling.

Infected Items

The most common way bed bugs spread is through secondhand items such as furniture, clothing, bed sheets, mattresses and other fabric-covered items. Bed bugs can also make their way into your home by way of visitors who unknowingly bring them in.

Animals

Bed bugs are also known to travel on animals such as cats and dogs. The parasites can attach to their fur and make their way into your home.

Spreading Between Apartments

Bed bugs can also spread between apartments and even entire buildings. The small insects are able to travel through small cracks in walls as well as on clothing and shoes.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Travelling

Below are some tips to prevent bed bugs from travelling and spreading:

Inspect luggage and used items for bed bugs – Before bringing in any used furniture, luggage or secondhand items into your home, you should inspect them for signs of bed bugs.

Keep items away from walls – To prevent bed bugs from spreading through walls and between apartments, make sure to keep items such as furniture and luggage away from walls.

Vacuum your home regularly – Vacuuming your home regularly can help to eliminate any bed bugs that may have made their way into your home.

Wash bedding and clothing in hot water – If clothing or bedding was exposed to bed bugs, it should be washed in hot water to kill any lingering parasites.