Articles & Podcast Episodes

Bed bugs can survive in airplane cargo holds. These areas are pressurized and have temperatures that do not eliminate them. A live bed bug in luggage can endure the flight. To prevent bringing bed bugs home, travelers should inspect and treat their luggage carefully after traveling. To avoid infesting your luggage, take proactive steps. Inspect … Read more

Bed bugs can survive in checked luggage for weeks without a blood meal. They often travel on clothing and bags from infested places. To prevent infestations, seal luggage in plastic bags, keep bags elevated, and wash clothes in hot water after your trip. Always check your luggage for bed bug signs before bringing it home. … Read more

Bed bugs can survive for months in plastic bags due to low oxygen needs. They prefer hiding in warm, organic materials. Effective methods to eliminate them include freezing items at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 days and using quality plastic mattress covers to reduce hiding spaces and suffocation risk. The lifespan of bed bugs in … Read more

Bed bugs cannot survive in a washing machine with hot water. Using water at least 113°F (45°C) for a long time effectively kills bed bugs and their eggs. However, washing with cold water does not work. Proper laundry techniques are essential for pest control and removing bed bugs from your clothes. While a washing machine … Read more

Bed bugs cannot survive in water with detergent. The detergent weakens their protective coating. Hot water, around 140°F, can drown them in 90 minutes. Using laundry detergent during a hot washing cycle effectively kills bed bugs and their eggs. Lower temperatures might only kill some bed bugs, so hot washes are better. For best results, … Read more

Bed bugs cannot swim. They will drown if fully submerged in water, but their lightweight bodies can help them float. Bed bug eggs can survive being underwater for up to 24 hours. These pests primarily crawl and rely on blood for survival. Knowing their behavior in water is key for effective pest control. Bed bugs … Read more

Bed bugs transmit mainly through human activity. They travel in luggage, clothing, and used furniture. They do not spread directly from person to person. Infestations usually begin when one bed bug enters a home. They hide in seams and folds, making them hard to detect in infested areas. To prevent infestations, individuals should regularly inspect … Read more

Bed bugs travel by clinging to clothing, luggage, and used furniture. They can move between rooms in places like apartments and hotels. Unlike lice, they do not transfer directly between people. Bed bugs are drawn to carbon dioxide from humans, which leads them to seek out a host for feeding. To prevent bed bugs, it … Read more

Yes, bed bugs can travel on clothes you’re wearing. They crawl onto fabric to find food. Although they prefer to stay still, they can attach to clothing. Take precautions when moving from infested areas. If they join you, they can create an infestation in your home. Stay alert to avoid bringing them back. The risks … Read more

Yes, cats can carry bed bugs temporarily on their fur or bedding. However, bed bugs do not infest cats. They do not live on pets like fleas or ticks do. Bed bugs prefer humans as hosts and only contact pets when there are no humans around. Therefore, a pet infestation from bed bugs is unlikely. … Read more