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Since their resurgence in the 1990s, anyone and everyone is at risk of getting bed bugs. Anyone who visits high risk areas such as hotels, schools, dorms, office buildings and movie theatres are prone to an infestation.
Those that are at highest risk of getting bed bugs include:
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Certain cities and states in the US have become notorious for bed bug infestations, largely due to high population density, tourism, and the prevalence of shared living spaces.
Cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles often see the highest numbers of reported cases. These urban centers have large numbers of hotels, public transport systems, and densely populated buildings, all of which provide ample opportunities for bed bugs to spread.
Additionally, areas with high visitor turnover, such as tourist destinations and business hubs, tend to experience more infestations due to travelers unknowingly carrying bed bugs.
Several factors can increase the chances of bed bugs entering your home. Being aware of these risks is important for taking preventive measures, from utilizing natural repellents like lavender and diatomaceous earth to hiring a team of professionals to inspect your property.
The following situations can increase your exposure to these pests:
Work Trips
Traveling for business can expose you to hotels, airports, and taxis where bed bugs are more likely to be found. In hotel rooms or on public transport, bed bugs can hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, or personal items, increasing the likelihood of bringing them back home.
Holidays and Travel
Vacationing or staying in high-traffic hotels is another common way bed bugs spread. Bed bugs often infest hotel rooms, especially in popular tourist areas where the turnover of guests is high. Be cautious when traveling, and inspect your accommodations and luggage carefully to avoid transporting bed bugs back to your home.
Shared Living Spaces
Living in or visiting places with many people, such as dormitories, apartment complexes, or shared housing, can increase the risk of encountering bed bugs. These environments offer easy pathways for bed bugs to move between units and affect multiple residents.
Secondhand Furniture
Purchasing secondhand furniture, especially from online marketplaces or garage sales, can also be risky. Bed bugs often hide in furniture, particularly in cracks, seams, and upholstered areas. Always inspect used furniture carefully for signs of bed bugs before bringing it into your home.
Learning the common signs of bed bugs can help you stay vigilant and reduce the chance of unknowingly bringing them into your property.
With a rise in global travel comes the rise of bed bugs in hotels. Unfortunately, hotels are a prime location for bed bugs. For one, bed bugs are never short of a meal in hotel rooms. Even if a room is vacant for a day or two, they can easily spread to another room. Bed bugs inside one hotel room can quickly lead to an infested hotel.
To avoid picking up bed bugs in a hotel, always do your research and read reviews. Additionally, check the mattress and furniture in the room. Lastly, store your suitcase above ground or in the bathtub, away from the reach of bed bugs.
Airplanes, airports, and their seating areas can harbor bed bugs, often hidden in cracks, seams, or upholstery. These pests can easily attach themselves to your luggage or personal items and travel with you. Be cautious when placing bags under the seat or in the overhead compartments.
Taxis and rideshare vehicles, especially those with fabric seats, can be hotspots for bed bugs. They may hide in seat cracks or underneath cushions, hitching rides on passengers’ bags.
If you’re using public transport or ridesharing services, avoid placing your belongings directly on the seats and check your items thoroughly when you exit
If you work in shared spaces like offices, coworking environments, or with frequent business travel, the risk of bed bugs is higher. Bed bugs can be brought into these spaces on clothing, bags, or even equipment.
Stay vigilant by checking your workspace and belongings for signs of bed bugs, and keep personal items off shared furniture
Secondhand furniture, particularly upholstered items, can be an easy way for bed bugs to enter your home. These pests often hide in cracks, seams, and crevices, making it difficult to detect them.
Always inspect used furniture carefully, and if possible, avoid bringing items home that can’t be thoroughly checked.
Living or working in environments with many people, such as dorms, apartments, or public spaces, increases your exposure to bed bugs. These areas provide easy pathways for bed bugs to spread, especially when moving between units or shared areas.
Regularly check for signs of bed bugs in communal spaces, and practice vigilance when moving between spaces.
Bed bugs don’t just appear out of nowhere; they are typically transported from one location to another by people or their belongings. This is why they are so common in places like hotels, taxis, and airports, where many individuals come into close contact with shared spaces.
Their ability to remain dormant for months without feeding allows them to survive unnoticed until they find a food source. They are more common than many realize, especially in high-traffic areas or shared spaces, making vigilance crucial.
By staying informed and taking precautions—whether during travel or while handling used furniture—you can significantly reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs into your home.
Yes, anyone can get bed bugs. These pests do not discriminate and will infest anywhere they can feed. Even worse, they can go a whole year without a blood meal! Bed bugs are opportunists and will hitch a ride to new areas, where a new infestation can grow.
Even if you think you aren’t at risk of getting bed bugs, it’s important to know the signs of an infestation and to take cautionary measures to prevent them
If you suspect that you have bed bugs or need help addressing an infestation, contact Active Pest Control. Our team of experts is here to provide fast and effective solutions to protect your home and family from a bed bug infestation.
Back to Bed Bug Prevention GuideWhat percentage of the US has bed bugs?
While exact figures are hard to pinpoint, their presence has grown in recent years, impacting homes, hotels, public transport, and offices.
What city in the US has the worst bed bug problem?
Chicago is often noted for having one of the worst bed bug problems, although other major cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, also experience significant infestations.
Factors like dense populations, tourism, and high turnover in housing contribute to the spread of bed bugs, making these areas hotspots for infestations. Bed bugs can be found in hotels, apartments, and public spaces.
Are bed bugs still a problem in 2024?
Yes, bed bugs continue to be a major issue in 2024. Despite efforts to control them, these pests remain common in homes, hotels, and public spaces.
Their ability to spread quickly through travel and secondhand items, along with resistance to some treatments, makes them a persistent challenge for homeowners and businesses alike.
How normal is it to get bed bugs?
While not everyone will encounter bed bugs, the risk of coming into contact with them is fairly high in environments with heavy human activity. Hotels, public transport, and shared living spaces are common places where bed bugs thrive.
They can hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, or furniture, making it easy to accidentally bring them home.
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