How do Bed Bugs Spread?
Bed bugs can spread throughout a property quicker than you think. Bed bug infestations usually start when bed bugs find their way into a new space after latching to purses, suitcases, backpacks, or luggage.
Most Common Ways That Bed Bugs Spread
Bed bugs are primarily spread through human activity and can easily hitch a ride on belongings or move between locations. They can spread in many ways, but here are the most common ways bed bugs spread:
- Infested college students returning home
- Traveling with an infested suitcase or staying in an infested hotel
- Bringing infested furniture into the home
See our separate article for more information about who is most at risk of a bed bug infestation.
Can Bed Bugs Fly or Jump?
Bed bugs cannot fly or jump; instead, they rely on crawling to move from place to place. They have six legs that allow them to move quickly across various surfaces, including floors, walls, and ceilings. Unlike pests such as fleas or lice, bed bugs do not possess wings or powerful hind legs designed for jumping. Their movement is typically limited to short distances within their immediate environment, such as crawling from one room to another or onto a host.
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How Fast Do Bed Bugs Crawl Around?
As mentioned before, bed bugs thankfully do not fly or jump long distances. So how do they spread from room to room? Bed bugs most commonly latch onto purses, suitcases, backpacks, or luggage. From there, they can easily transport from one spot to another. This is why bed bug infestations frequently are tied back to travel, and why it’s important to stay vigilant when traveling to avoid bringing them home with you.
Bed bugs are expert hiders, taking advantage of tiny crevices, seams in fabric, and hidden compartments in bags to avoid detection. For example, they might crawl into the folds of clothing or tuck themselves into the lining of a suitcase. Their flat, oval bodies allow them to fit into spaces as narrow as a credit card’s thickness, making them nearly impossible to spot unless you’re actively looking for them.
Once hidden, bed bugs can remain dormant for weeks, waiting until conditions are favorable to emerge and feed. They are drawn to the scent of humans and can detect body heat and carbon dioxide, signaling the presence of a potential host for their blood meal. They are capable of crawling distances of 3-4 feet per minute on most surfaces, allowing them to move quickly from luggage to beds, couches, or other resting areas once they are brought into a home. Their nocturnal nature and small size make them difficult to notice during the day, and they often feed while their host is asleep. By the time they’re discovered, the infestation may have already spread, as they can reproduce quickly and hide in multiple locations. This combination of stealth, speed, and adaptability makes bed bugs particularly troublesome pests to deal with.
Are Bed Bugs Contagious?
Although bed bugs commonly spread from latching onto suitcases or purses, they are not contagious in the sense that they pass from person to person. Bed bugs do not like heat, and thus do not live on humans and transmit to other people that way. Although they aren’t directly contagious, it is very common for bed bugs to spread from one building to another through the ways mentioned above.
Bed bugs spread quickly due to their ability to move several feet per minute and reproduce rapidly, with females laying up to seven eggs daily and infestations growing significantly within weeks. They hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and furniture, spreading easily in high-turnover environments like hotels, public transport, dormitories, and multi-unit buildings where close contact and shared spaces facilitate rapid infestation. Given the risks associated with multi-unit housing, it’s important to understand how to prevent bed bugs in apartments.
If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact us at Active Pest Control without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How easily do bed bugs spread?
Bed bugs spread quickly and efficiently by hitchhiking on infested items like luggage, furniture, and clothing. People who frequently travel, live in apartments, or stay in shared spaces like dormitories are at higher risk of encountering bed bugs. To prevent bed bugs, regularly inspect mattresses, bed frames, and seams for signs of infestation and avoid bringing infested items into your home.
Can you get bed bugs from being around someone who has them?
It is unlikely to get bed bugs simply by being near someone who has them. Bed bugs do not live on humans; they hide in cracks, seams, and furniture, coming out only to feed. However, if you are in close contact with an infested item, such as a bag or clothing, you could inadvertently bring bed bugs home. To prevent bringing bed bugs home, inspect personal items and luggage after being in high-risk environments like hotels or public transport.
Can bed bugs stay in your clothes?
Yes, bed bugs can hide in your clothes, especially in seams and folds. While they prefer to stay close to areas where they can feed, such as mattresses and bed frames, they can cling to clothing if it’s left near infested items. To prevent bed bugs from staying in your clothes, wash and dry them on high heat after potential exposure.
Do bed bugs stay in your hair?
No, bed bugs do not stay in hair. Unlike lice or fleas, bed bugs are not adapted to cling to hair or skin. They feed on exposed areas of the skin and then return to their hiding places in cracks, furniture, or seams. If you suspect a bed bug infestation, focus on inspecting your sleeping area rather than your hair.
Can bed bugs survive the washing machine?
Bed bugs can survive a washing cycle if it’s done in cold water, but they cannot withstand the high heat of a dryer. To kill bed bugs, wash your clothes and infested items in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
Do bed bugs stay on your skin after a shower?
No, bed bugs do not stay on your skin after a shower. They do not cling to skin or live on humans like other parasites. Bed bugs feed on your blood and then retreat to hiding spots in furniture, cracks, or seams. To address an infestation, focus on treating your home and preventing bed bugs in areas like dormitories or apartments rather than personal hygiene.
How do Bed Bugs Spread in Georgia in Georgia?
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