If you’re dealing with bed bugs, you may wonder whether having friends or family over is okay. The answer is a pretty firm “no.”
While it may seem manageable if the infestation is contained in one room, it’s not worth the risk of spreading the problem. Let’s talk about why hosting guests when you have bed bugs isn’t the best idea.
Bed Bugs Are Hitchhikers
Did you know that bed bugs are stealth travelers? They can crawl onto your clothing, luggage, or guests’ belongings without noticing.
- They’re not picky: Bed bugs don’t just live in mattresses—they’ll hitch a ride on anything. Learn more: Where do bed bugs come from?
- Nocturnal but mobile: They can sneak onto items during the day, even if they’re mostly active at night.
- Once they’re in, they’re hard to detect: Your guest may unknowingly take one home and only realize it once it’s too late.
Seeing Bed Bugs During the Day?
It’s Not Ethical to Risk an Infestation
Inviting someone into your home when you know bed bugs are present isn’t just rude—it’s a moral dilemma.
- Unwanted “gift”: Sending your guest home with bed bugs can cause them significant stress. Not only that but it can contribute to, financial strain, time-consuming treatments, and PTSD.
- It’s a costly problem: Bed bug treatments can be expensive and lengthy. Don’t risk sending your guests home with a bed bug problem.
- Social responsibility: Protecting your friends and their homes is the right thing to do, especially when it’s avoidable. If your friend has bed bugs and sat in your car, here’s what to do!
One Straggler Can Cause a New Infestation
Even if you believe the bugs are confined to one room, it only takes one to create an infestation elsewhere. Sometimes we do an inpsection and only find bed bugs in one room.
In this case many clients will ask if they can have a friend over to just sit on the couch or sleep in the guest room. Well, unfortunately the answer is “no”. If bugs are detected in one room, the best course of actoin is to NOT have anyone over for a while.
- The straggler risk: Bed bugs are tiny—one single bug can hide within a jacket or shoe.
- They multiply: A single female pregnant bed bug in a new environment can lead to a significant infestation.
- Don’t let your guard down: Any movement in or out of the space increases the risk of spreading these parasites.
Bed Bugs Can Live Without Feeding for Months
You might think your home is safe, especially if you haven’t spotted a bug in a while. Remember, bed bugs can survive for extended periods without feeding. (If no blood source is nearby)
- Dormant if no humans are around: Bed bugs can live without blood for months, meaning they could lurk in a room you don’t use.
- They’ll wait it out: Just because you are not sleeping in the house doesn’t mean the problem is gone.
- False security: You may assume that the bugs are gone. But in all reality you are just not reacting to the bites anymore.
Bed Bugs Are Resistant to Many DIY Treatments
Relying on over-the-counter sprays and traps won’t always solve the issue before hosting guests. The common bed bug has developed resistance to many insecticides.
- DIY treatments aren’t foolproof: Even if you’ve sprayed, bed bugs can still survive.
- They hide in hard-to-reach places: Bed bugs can slip into cracks and crevices where treatments don’t reach.
- Professional help is vital: Effective treatment will require professional extermination. Until that happens, it’s best to avoid having anyone over.
In summary, having bed bugs means taking a break from hosting guests. It’s hard to say when it is safe to have someone over again. Remeber that preventing the spread of a stubborn, resilient pest is of utmost importance. Before inviting anyone over, wait until your home is fully treated and bed bug-free.