Pest control experts can see the connection between human travel and bed bug movement. Because bed bugs use humans to move through the world, our movement and theirs are linked. Bed bugs are found in the places we frequent. Infestations are localized to the areas we spend the majority of our time. Once there’s a bed bug infestation in a home, it can be difficult to remove it. When travel was limited at the beginning of the Covid outbreak, bedbug infestations seemed to remain at their normal levels. It took a few weeks, but bed bugs infestation rates dropped during the pandemic.
How Bed Bug Infestations Will Return
Bed bugs are experts at attaching themselves to luggage, clothes, and bedding so they can be taken back to our homes. When they are being transported, they can go long periods without feeding. At the beginning of the outbreak, it appeared bed bugs were affected by slowed human movement. Now that people are traveling again, infestation rates are climbing. The initial reopening of the world has been slow. Still, now that people are moving around and returning to a business-as-usual attitude, it’s only a matter of time until we see more bed bug infestations. Since we know bed bugs need humans to move from place to place, as we travel more, so will the bed bugs.
Avoiding Infestation is the Best Course of Action
Prevention is always better than a cure, so avoiding a bed bug infestation is the best course of action if you expect to be traveling soon. Bed bugs have a pattern, and their movement aligns with our habits. Each year, infestations are most common in living spaces, single-family homes, apartments, condos, and hotels. A room can look clean and be infested with bed bugs, so it’s best to do an inspection when you arrive at a new location.
Consider adhering to the following checklist:
- Take a small flashlight with you and conduct a visual inspection of the box spring, mattress, and seating areas.
- Request a room change to a nonadjacent room if you see feces, insects, or shells during your inspection.
- Keep your luggage on the tiled floor during your stay.
- Once you return home, inspect your belongings, and vacuum your suitcase before taking it into your home.
- Dry any clothing or shoes you think might have been exposed.
- Contact a bed bug specialist to inspect your home with a bed bug K9.
How Fast Does a Bed Bug Infestation Spread?
Bed bugs are resilient and found in all 50 states. They adapt and enjoy all climates, and bed bugs don’t limit their infestation to beds only.
You can find them in any of the following places:
- Pillows and Couch Cushions
- Upholstered Surfaces
- Buses, Airplanes, and Trains
- Clothing
- Luggage
- Purses
- Backpacks
- Stuffed Toys
- Rugs
- Children’s Car Seats
- Headboards
- Picture Frames
Bed bug infestations spread quickly because a single bed bug can lay five eggs per day. They can even survive many months without eating. When inspecting a room for bed bugs, look for bugs the size of an apple seed with oval or flat-shaped bodies. They have a musty or sweet odor. If you’ve noticed dark spots on the bedding or sitting areas in your living space, you could already have bed bugs. If you’ve noticed the signs of a bed bug infestation, contact Red Coat Pest Solutions at (404) 724-8999. Our Atlanta bed bug control specialists can inspect your property and give you the peace of mind you deserve!