How Do You Get Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs don’t just appear out of nowhere. They hitchhike into homes, apartments, hotels, and even offices—clinging to personal belongings, luggage, and used furniture. Understanding how people commonly get bed bugs is key to avoiding them in the first place.
Common Ways Bed Bugs Spread
1. Travel (Hotels, Motels, Airbnbs)
One of the most common ways people bring home bed bugs is through travel. These pests hide in mattress seams, headboards, and nightstands, waiting to hitch a ride in your luggage or clothing.
What to watch for:
- Signs of bugs or fecal spots on hotel mattresses and sheets.
- Luggage racks or drawers that may be infested.
How to reduce the risk:
- Inspect the bed area before settling in.
- Keep your suitcase on a hard surface or in the bathroom.
- Use a hard-shell suitcase instead of soft-sided luggage.
2. Used Furniture or Mattresses
Picking up a secondhand couch, mattress, or even a dresser from a curb or resale shop? Bed bugs could be hiding deep inside.
What to do:
- Avoid used mattresses altogether.
- Carefully inspect and clean any used furniture before bringing it indoors.
3. Public Spaces
Bed bugs don’t live on people, but they can crawl onto personal belongings in:
- Movie theaters
- Public transportation
- Waiting rooms
- Offices
4. Apartments & Shared Housing
Bed bugs can travel between units through wall voids, electrical outlets, and baseboards in multi-unit buildings.
If your neighbor has bed bugs:
- Inform your property manager immediately.
- Request a building-wide inspection.
5. Visitors or Guests
Friends or family who unknowingly have bed bugs at home can bring them into your space via coats, bags, or overnight stays.
Can You Get Bed Bugs from Pets?
Not directly. Bed bugs prefer humans and don’t live on pets like fleas or ticks. However, they may hide in your pet’s bedding or toys, especially if those items are near an infested area.
Where Bed Bugs Hide
- Mattress seams
- Box springs and bed frames
- Behind headboards
- Inside nightstands and dressers
- Along baseboards and under carpet edges
- Inside electrical outlets or wall cracks
Final Tips to Avoid Getting Bed Bugs
- Always inspect hotel rooms.
- Be cautious with used furniture.
- Use protective mattress encasements.
- Vacuum frequently, especially around sleeping areas.
- Act fast at the first sign of infestation.
Bed bugs are stealthy, but not invincible. Knowing how they spread is half the battle—staying vigilant is the other half.
Need help checking your home or travel gear for signs of bed bugs? See our Bed Bug Photos guide or read about Signs & Bites to know what to look for.