Can Pets Spread Bed Bugs?
Unlike fleas, bed bugs do not live on animals or pets. Therefore, cats and dogs do not carry or spread bed bugs. That said, bed bugs have been known to infest pet beds!
Pets may not spread bed bugs, but will the bugs bite your dog or cat?
- Bed bugs prefer human hosts, but can bite dogs, cats, rodents, and even birds!
- Bed bugs will not live on or in your pet’s fur.
- If you pet is bitten, the bites will look like tiny red bumps on their belly or limbs, typically in areas with less hair.
- If you notice your pet itch, bite, or show discomfort, it’s smart to look for the signs of bed bugs.
Learn more about spotting signs you have bed bugs to prevent your home from an infestation.
Say Goodbye to Pest Problems for Good!
Are Bed Bugs Harmful To Your Pets?
Bed bugs don’t typically harm pets. These pests are drawn to carbon dioxide and body heat, which helps them locate their hosts— primarily humans. They feed on blood to survive but favor areas with minimal fur or feathers.
While pets can technically be bitten (in rare circumstances) it’s unusual for bed bugs to infest animals. Your pet’s fur acts as a natural barrier, making it difficult for bed bugs to access its skin.
And unlike fleas or ticks, they lack the physical adaptations to cling to fur or navigate a pet’s dense coat effectively.
In the rare case your dog or cat starts showing signs of bed bug bites, it’s important to further inspect. Look for shed bed bug exoskeletons near or in their bedding. Look for live signs of bed bugs, as well, often around the seams of bedding or on tags. If you find evidence, it’s best to call an exterminator to quickly get rid of the infestation for you! For further information, learn how to prevent a bed bug infestation.
Can Dogs & Cats Get Bed Bugs Outside?
For the most part, dogs and cats can’t get bed bugs outdoors. Except for rare cases, bed bugs cannot survive outside. If your neighbor has bed bugs, you don’t need to worry about your dog or cat picking them up on your daily walk or in your backyard. These pests prefer indoor environments where they can easily access humans.
Unlike fleas or ticks, bed bugs are not adapted to live on animals or in outdoor conditions. You’re more likely to bring bed bugs home with you through secondhand furniture purchases or returning dorm rooms or hotels.
Can Pets Bring Bed Bugs Into Your House?
If your pet encounters people or items from an infested space—like furniture, bags, or clothing—there is a slim chance bed bugs could hitch a ride indoors. However, bed bugs don’t cling to fur like fleas or ticks do, and they typically hide in cracks and crevices rather than on hosts. It is possible that they could latch onto carriers, collars, or bedding your pet interacts with.
Bed bugs are masters of hiding in crevices and on items like bags or blankets. If your pet comes into contact with such infested items during a trip to the groomer, a neighbor’s home, or even a boarding facility, they might inadvertently introduce bed bugs into your living space.
How to Protect Your Pets from Bed Bugs
Keeping your pets safe from bed bugs involves a few simple but effective steps.
If you have bed bugs, it’s important to check your pet’s bedding! Similar to your own bedding, take care in washing the items in a hot washing machine, and drying with heat. This can remove any bed bugs or eggs in your pet’s bedding. If you travel with your pet or have visitors, inspect carriers, crates, and your pet’s belongings for signs of bed bugs before reintroducing them to your home. Additionally, maintaining a clean and clutter-free environment can minimize the hiding spots bed bugs use to spread.
In any case, it’s best to get an exterminator to completely remove an infestation. Contact Active Pest Control today for help with bed bugs in your home!
Back to Bed Bug Prevention Guide
FAQs:
How do you get rid of bed bugs when you have pets?
Eliminating bed bugs with pets involves using pet-safe treatments, washing pet bedding and fabrics in hot water, and vacuuming all areas thoroughly. Focus on cracks, furniture, and pet resting spaces. Avoid using harsh chemicals directly on your pet.
Professional pest control services can ensure the infestation is completely and safely eradicated while protecting your pets and your home from further issues.
How long do bed bugs stay on pets?
Bed bugs don’t live on pets like fleas or ticks. They might bite pets for a quick meal but leave immediately afterward, returning to their hiding places in furniture, bedding, or walls. Pets are not a suitable long-term host for bed bugs due to their fur, which makes it harder for the pests to reach the skin.
Can bed bugs be spread by pets?
While rare, pets can spread bed bugs indirectly by carrying them on their bedding, collars, or toys after being in an infested area. Bed bugs don’t live on animals or travel on fur like fleas, but items your pet interacts with can harbor bed bugs and spread them to new locations if not cleaned or inspected.
Can bed bugs lay eggs on pets?
No, bed bugs don’t lay eggs on pets. These pests require stationary, hidden environments, like mattress seams or crevices in furniture, to deposit their eggs. Pets’ fur and constant movement make them unsuitable for egg-laying.
You’re far more likely to find bed bug eggs in cracks, carpets, or upholstery than on your pet.
Do bed bugs spread from dogs?
Bed bugs don’t spread directly from dogs. However, a dog could unknowingly carry bed bugs on its collar, bedding, or crate if exposed to an infested area. Regular cleaning of your pet’s belongings and monitoring your home for signs of bed bugs can minimize this risk and prevent their spread.
Do cats keep bed bugs away?
Cats don’t repel bed bugs. Bed bugs are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide, making them more interested in humans or pets as feeding sources. While cats may hunt and kill a few bed bugs out of curiosity, they won’t prevent or control an infestation.
Can Pets Spread Bed Bugs in Georgia?
Serving Your Pest Needs for Over 35 Years Across Georgia
