Bed bugs have been feeding on humans for more than 3,300 years and continue to be one of the top pests plaguing homes, hotels, hospitals, attractions and even public transportation today. Due to their ability to stealthily sneak into belongings and travel long distances, bed bugs have earned notoriety as excellent hitchhikers. To make matters worse, bed bugs will readily infest any type of indoor environment, just as long as there is a readily available blood meal. Once inside of a new environment, they can infest many places beyond the bed, such as couches and chairs, inside picture frames and even behind electrical switch plates.
So, how do you get bed bugs in your house or your bed?
One of the most common places where people may first encounter bed bugs is in a hotel room. Travelers should inspect the place they’re staying for bed bugs as soon as they arrive and alert the staff if bed bugs are suspected.
Another common but lesser-known way people bring home bed bugs is by purchasing second-hand furniture that may already be infested. Be sure to always inspect used couches, mattresses or box springs and other soft goods thoroughly before bringing them inside.
What to Do if You Get Bed Bugs
If an infestation occurs, call a pest control professional immediately for assistance. Bed bugs can breed and multiply quickly, so the earlier you can combat an infestation, the better.
For more information about how to prevent bed bugs, check out this article for everything you need to know to stay bed bug-free.
