How did I get Bed Bugs?

Trust K9 often gets asked by customers ‘how did I get bed bugs?’

Firstly, bed bugs have nothing to do with cleanliness.  The following are common ways you can get bed bugs, with a bit of bad luck thrown in.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Bed bugs will live anywhere where they can get a blood-meal, so planes, buses, trains, the tube, anywhere that people frequent and sit still for a while are perfect habitats.

Some airlines do use bed bug dogs to check aircraft for bed bugs, but many don’t.

Hotels
Anywhere where there is a high turnover of guests will be at high risk for bed bugs.  This could be in hotels, hostels, friends or families houses and shared accommodation.  One of our own staff members encountered bed bugs when she moved into a rented room which already had a bed bug problem.

Second hand furniture
People unwittingly bring bed bugs into their homes by buying second-hand furniture. This previous blog goes into more detail about this particular issue.

Neighbouring property
Bed bugs can travel between houses so if your neighbours have bed bugs, it is possible you will get them too. Tell-tale signs are beds or mattresses outside the house.

If you suspect you have bed bugs, or have recently stayed somewhere with bed bugs, Trust K9’s bed bug sniffer dogs are a great solution for early detection.

If you are unlucky enough to have a bed bug infestation, the golden rule is to get it treated by a professional.  Trust K9 is a member of the BPCA and the NPTA, so you can be sure you are in safe hands.