Bedbugs are elusive insects that usually hide in small, dark spaces during the day and remain active at night. They also reproduce quickly and are very resilient, making it challenging to control an infestation. As such, these pests present a big problem for many households across the country. A common myth is that bedbugs are only attracted to unclean homes. In reality, they’re skilled hitchhikers primarily spread by humans and their belongings. Understanding how they’re transported can help keep them from sharing your living space. Here are some places they frequently come from.

What Are Some Common Ways Bedbugs Can Get Into a Home?

1. Suitcases 

Bedbugs are notorious for hitching a ride in luggage. In turn, unknowing travelers often bring them home from hotels and other types of vacation accommodations where many other people have been. It’s good practice to place your suitcase on a stand instead of the floor or bed and put your clothes in vacuum-sealed bags to make them less accessible to these critters. 

2. Used Furniture & Appliances

Buying secondhand furniture is a fantastic way to save money, but it increases the risk of bedbugs invading your home. They’re not exclusive to beds, as they’ll also hide in couch cushions, chair seams, dressers, nightstands, and tables. They can get into the vents in electronics and appliances, as well. Regardless of how clean an item may appear, check it over thoroughly before taking it inside.

3. Neighboring Residences 

Another possible way for bedbugs to invade your home is from a neighbor that’s dealing with an infestation. This occurs in residences that have shared walls, like apartment buildings and condos. They can travel from unit to unit through wall voids and enter from cracks in the baseboards or around electrical outlets. To prevent this, seal up any openings you see and cover power outlets that aren’t in use.

4. Housecleaning Services

Vacuuming up bedbugs is an easy way to spread them, as they’ll continue to thrive inside the machine. Thus, if you have a house cleaner, there’s potential they could leave the pests in your home by using a vacuum they used at another residence that was infested. It’s better to provide your cleaning service with a private vacuum that’s only used in your living space.

If you discover your home has bedbugs, reach out to Bruce Terminix Service for help getting rid of them quickly. They offer safe and effective treatment methods that will deliver the results you’re looking for. Serving residents across St. Charles County, MO, this locally owned company has been protecting homes from pest infestations for more than 45 years. Call (636) 947-1452 to schedule an inspection or visit them online to learn more about their services.