How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Cars?

While bed bugs are notorious for infesting homes and hotels, many people are unaware that these persistent pests can also find their way into our vehicles. 

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or simply concerned about potential infestations, understanding the possibility of bed bugs in cars and knowing how to effectively combat them is essential.

Can Bed Bugs Get Into Cars?

Bed bugs can definitely get into cars. However, It’s important to note that bed bugs are not typically found in large numbers in cars, as they prefer to establish themselves in areas where they have easy access to human hosts during sleep. 

In most cases, they temporarily infest a vehicle, then they may be transported to other locations, such as your home or workplace.

How Do Bed Bugs Get Into Cars?

Bed bugs can find their way into cars through various means, including:

• Hitchhiking: Bed bugs can cling onto clothing, bags, luggage, or other items that come into contact with infested areas such as hotels, homes, or public transportation. If these items are then placed in a car, the bed bugs can crawl off and hide within the vehicle.
• Infested belongings: If you have infested items like bedding, clothing, or bags stored in your car, there is a risk of bed bugs spreading from these items to the vehicle’s interior.
• Shared transportation: If you frequently use shared transportation like taxis, buses, or rental cars that have been previously infested with bed bugs, there is a chance of bringing these pests into your own vehicle.
• Contiguous spaces: In situations where your car is adjacent to an infested area, such as parking near an infested building or another vehicle with bed bugs, the bugs may crawl from the infested space into your car.

How Long Can Bed Bugs Stay Alive in Cars?

Bed bugs can survive for extended periods without a blood meal, which allows them to stay alive in various environments, including cars. 

The exact duration they can stay alive in a car depends on several factors, including temperature, access to food sources, and hiding spots. Given the conditions inside a car, it is generally less favorable for long-term bed bug survival compared to a human dwelling. 

However, it’s still important to address any signs of bed bug activity in your car promptly to prevent infestation and potential spread to other areas. 

How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Getting into Your Car?

Preventing bed bugs from getting into your car can help avoid potential infestations. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

• Inspect luggage and belongings: Before placing any items in your car, thoroughly inspect them for signs of bed bugs. If you spot any indications of bed bugs, such as live bugs, eggs, or dark stains, avoid bringing those items into your vehicle.
• Keep your car clean and clutter-free: Regularly clean and vacuum your car’s interior, paying special attention to upholstery, seats, carpets, and floor mats. Also, reduce clutter and remove any unnecessary items that could provide hiding spots for bed bugs.
• Encase and protect your car seats: Consider using protective covers or encasements specifically designed for car seats. These covers can help prevent bed bugs from hiding in the upholstery or seams of your seats.
• Inspect parking areas: Be cautious when parking your car in areas with a known history of bed bug infestations, such as hotels or other infested locations. Try to park in well-lit and well-traveled areas to minimize the risk of exposure.
• Practice good hygiene: Bed bugs are attracted to body heat and carbon dioxide. Reduce the risk of attracting them by practicing good personal hygiene, such as washing clothes regularly, showering before getting into your car, and avoiding wearing clothes worn in infested areas.
• Treat infested items promptly: If you discover bed bug activity in your home or other areas, promptly address the issue and avoid transporting infested items in your car, as this can lead to the spread of bed bugs to your vehicle.

Remember, prevention is key. By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of bed bugs infesting your car and potentially being transported to your home or other locations.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Moving from A Car to Your Home?

To prevent bed bugs from moving from your car to your home, you need to regularly inspect your car’s interior for any signs of bed bugs. If you notice any indications of bed bugs, take immediate action to address the issue before they have a chance to spread.

If you use shared transportation services like taxis or rideshares, be cautious about placing your belongings on seats or in trunks.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs in Cars?

Getting rid of bed bugs in cars can be challenging, but it is possible with a thorough cleaning and targeted treatments. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

• Inspect the car: Carefully inspect your car for signs of bed bugs. Look for live bugs, shed skins, dark stains, eggs, or any other evidence of their presence.
• Remove clutter: Clear out any unnecessary items from your car, including clothing, bags, blankets, and other potential hiding spots for bed bugs. Place them in sealed plastic bags for further inspection and treatment.
• Vacuum thoroughly: Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment to vacuum all surfaces inside the car. Pay close attention to seams, cracks, crevices, and other areas where bed bugs may be hiding.
• Steam clean: Using a handheld steamer, treat the infested areas with high-temperature steam. The heat from the steam can help kill bed bugs and their eggs.
• Use a residual bed bug spray: Choose a bed bug spray specifically labeled for use in vehicles or interiors. Follow the instructions on the product carefully and treat all infested areas as directed.
• Treat infested items: If you discovered infested items during the cleaning process, such as clothing or bags, launder them separately in hot water and dry them on high heat.
• Repeat the process if needed: In severe infestations, you may need to repeat the cleaning, vacuuming, and treatment steps to ensure complete eradication of bed bugs. Monitor your car regularly for any signs of re-infestation.

If the infestation persists or you find it challenging to eliminate the bed bugs on your own, it is advisable to seek professional pest control services with experience in treating vehicles.

SFW Pest Control Services to Deal with Bed Bugs

When facing a bed bug infestation, seeking professional pest control services, such as those offered by SWF, is crucial

SWF employs a team of trained professionals who have extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with bed bug infestations. They utilize modern treatment methods to combat bed bugs and use registered insecticides that are specifically formulated to combat bed bugs quickly and efficiently.

By entrusting the task to a professional pest control company like SWF, you can have peace of mind knowing that skilled technicians will handle the infestation promptly, effectively, and with the utmost attention to safety.

Contact us to learn how we can help you (and our prices) via:

• Phone: 01275005022
• email: [email protected]
• Via our contact form here.