Traveling is a non-negotiable part of many people’s lives. However, there is a new threat associated with traveling now, and that is bed bugs. Bed bugs are sneaky, and you will never know when they will attach themselves to your body. They get on airplanes and public transport using this tactic, which has raised concerns for travelers in Vancouver, Washington.
Recent news has shown that bed bug sightings have increased on planes and buses. While they do not spread diseases, their bites and infestations can cause anxiety and turn a peaceful trip into a stressful one. Tourism and travel will only grow with time, and people in Vancouver should stay alert about this developing issue.
To protect yourself from being infested, it is important to watch out for signs of bed bugs. If you suspect an infestation, do not wait for the problem to escalate. Call expert Exterminator Services and have your home or property inspected today. In the meantime, read this blog to learn about the rise of bed bugs in transport.
Why bed bugs thrive in public transport
Public transportation systems, such as buses, trains, and airplanes, are prime environments for bed bugs to spread and thrive.
- Bed bugs are the ultimate hitchhikers.
Bed bugs are experts at catching rides. They quickly latch onto luggage, clothing, and personal items. This is how they spread from one place to the other. This allows them to spread far and wide, not just within the same neighborhood but maybe to a different country or even continent.
As individuals carry on with their daily life routines and traveling, they may unknowingly carry these pests to their destinations. Since they are so small, it becomes impossible to know if they are indeed traveling with you.
- Public transportation is crowded.
Public transportation experiences a high and constant turnover. People keep boarding and deboarding the form of commute several times a day. Therefore, this allows the little hitchhikers to transfer from one person or item to another. The more passengers there are in an infested vehicle, the wider the bed bugs are going to spread.
Since public transportation is often very busy, crowded, and fast-paced, it is not possible to notice these critters. Even if one notices, they are often too busy about their day to report the authorities. As a result, these pests thrive.
- Public transportation has various hiding spots.
Public transport vehicles are full of tight spaces, something which bed bugs love. They can easily hide in upholstery seams, crevices, and other nooks where they can go unnoticed for months. These hiding spots quickly become a safe home for bed bugs where they live and reproduce. Most people do not notice them until the infestation has become severe.
This is a significant risk for passengers. Sitting in public transport with a severe bug infestation can result in uncomfortable bites. The bed bugs can travel home with them and start an infestation there, too. Their ability to stay hidden for months is the key to success.
- There is a lack of cleanliness in public transport.
Public transport is characterized by tight schedules and constant use. Therefore, maintaining cleanliness is not that easy. While routine cleaning by vacuuming and wiping surfaces can help, it often does not work if the infestation has reached a severe point. Without deep cleaning and targeted pest control methods, bed bugs find the perfect conditions to breed and multiply.
Inadequate cleanliness and maintenance are among the key reasons why bed bugs thrive in public places and turn into breeding grounds.
Need help with bug control?
If you constantly use public transport to travel and have brought home bed bugs, you must take action before it is too late. These pests can start an infestation within one day. Call professional pest control services immediately!
