What is the Main Cause Of Bed Bugs?

The number one way that people get bed bugs is by traveling. These opportunistic insects are notorious for hitching rides on various items such as clothing, luggage, and used furniture. They also often stay near areas where hosts sleep, so hotels and guest rooms are a common place to accidentally pick them up. That said, travel isn’t the only way to get bed bugs, so knowing about the different ways that infestations spread can help you avoid them.

How Do Bed Bugs Enter Homes?

There are quite a few different ways that you can get bed bugs. For example, buying secondhand furniture could also bring them into your home if the item is infested. It’s also possible to get bed bugs by:

• Sitting in a public area like a theater or airport
• Thrifting clothing or visiting a laundromat
• Staying in an infested hotel or guest room
• Buying a used pet bed

Why Do Bed Bugs Prefer Bedrooms?

As their name suggests, bed bugs prefer to stay where people sleep—but why is that? Well, they’re nocturnal insects that primarily feed on hosts as they rest, so it makes sense that they’d want to stay in a bedroom. Inside of a room, bed bugs may hide in places like:

• Furniture crevices
• Mattress seams
• Folds in bedding material
• Headboards

Can Bed Bugs Fly or Jump?

No, bed bugs can’t fly or jump. They lack developed wings and don’t have strong enough legs to bounce around. Instead, they get around by crawling. Since they tend to hide close to where they feed, there’s no need for them to crawl quickly. After feeding, they simply crawl back to their hiding spot until it’s time to emerge again. In rare cases, you might see them crawling on walls.

Are Bed Bugs Contagious?

While bed bugs are often spread by latching onto suitcases or purses, they are not contagious in the traditional sense—they don’t pass directly from person to person. However, if you come into contact with something that has bed bugs or their eggs on it, there’s a high chance you could unknowingly bring them into your home. To prevent this, it’s crucial to:

• Carefully inspect any secondhand furniture
• Be mindful of your belongings when traveling
• Be cautious when thrifting clothes or other items
• Inspect your hotel or guest room before unpacking

Do Bed Bugs Spread Quickly in Michigan?

Yes, bed bugs can spread quickly if you’re not careful. They are expert hitchhikers and can easily move within communities, especially in densely populated areas like cities. If you live in a dormitory or an apartment complex, you’re at an even higher risk of experiencing an infestation. If you think you have bed bugs or found out that a neighbor is dealing with them, it’s important to:

• Identify Infested Areas: Start by identifying areas or items that are infested with bed bugs.
• Contain the Spread: Securely encase infested items in plastic to prevent the bugs from spreading.
• Avoid Moving Furniture: Resist the urge to move furniture around, as this can spread the infestation further.
• Keep Spaces Clean: Regularly vacuum and declutter your home to reduce hiding spots and make your space less inviting for bed bugs.
• Invest in Protection: Consider using bug-proof mattress covers to limit their breeding ground.

While DIY efforts can help, enlisting professional assistance is often the most effective way to tackle a bed bug problem. Bed bug extermination experts have the tools and expertise needed for thorough treatment.