Are Bed Bugs Worse In The Summer?

Yes, Bed bugs are worse during the summer. According to reliable sources such as the National Pest Management Association, there are factors that cause bed bug activity to increase during the summer. Today, we'll look at why bed bugs are worse in the summer, share tips on how to avoid bed bugs, and what to do if these insects find a way into your home. 

What makes bed bugs worse?

The simple answer to this question is heat. These biting pests thrive in hotter temperatures. Not only does their metabolism speed up as the temperatures climb, they also mature faster and their reproduction efforts ramp up as well. That means more bed bugs biting! 

Summer travel is another reason why bed bug infestations spike 

Bed bugs are not pests that will crawl under the garage door or slip through another opening. Instead they hitchhike into homes and businesses on purses, luggage, and other items. When summer hits many families and individuals head out for a break from the daily grind and to experience a little rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, bed bugs take advantage of travelers to move from location to location. 

According to the Deloitte 2024 survey, summer travel remains high even though the cost of traveling has skyrocketed. That means the chances of encountering bed bugs or developing a bed bug problem this summer will be higher. 

Are bed bugs only summer pests?

Definitely not. These pests are active all year long. Here are a few ways property owners could find themselves dealing with these biting pests. 

• Traveling any time of year
  Whenever you fly in an airplane, stay at a hotel (regardless of the number of stars), use public transportation, or spend time where a lot of people congregate, there’s a chance bed bugs will find you or your belongings.
• College kids come home 
  College dormitories can be a hotspot for bed bugs. The high turnover of students and frequent movement of personal belongings make dorms susceptible to bed bug infestations. Bed bugs can easily hitch a ride on students' clothing, luggage, or bedding, spreading quickly from room to room. Additionally, communal living spaces and shared furniture provide ample opportunities for bed bugs to thrive.
• Secondhand furniture
  When you bring secondhand furniture into your home without inspecting it thoroughly, you risk introducing bed bugs or their eggs.
• Going to the movies or even the library
  It’s not just airports or hotels that can host bed bugs. Anywhere people congregate creates an environment for bed bugs to hitchhike. For example, sitting in a movie seat that was previously occupied by a victim of bed bugs or checking a book out of the library that was in a home with bed bugs could result in the transfer of these insects.

There are many ways bed bugs travel from place to place. If you think that you only get bed bugs when you stay in a dirty motel, these pests may surprise you.

How do you keep bed bugs out?

To keep bed bugs out of your home, our local pest control team recommends the following bed bug prevention tips: 

• Be cautious when traveling
  When staying in hotels or other accommodations, inspect the room for bed bugs upon arrival. Check mattress seams, headboards, and furniture. Keep luggage off the floor and don’t use hotel furniture to store clothing.
• Inspect second hand items
  Before bringing any secondhand furniture, clothing, or other items into your home, thoroughly inspect them for signs of bed bugs. Look for live bugs, shed skins, eggs, or dark spots (fecal matter).
• Reduce clutter
  Minimize clutter in your home, especially in bedrooms. Bed bugs thrive in cluttered environments where they have more places to hide.
• Encase mattresses and box springs
  Install mattress and box spring encasements that stop bed bugs from infesting these areas.
• Regularly clean and vacuum
  Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture regularly, paying attention to cracks and crevices where bed bugs may hide. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister in a sealed bag outside immediately after use.

By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can reduce the likelihood of bed bugs entering and infesting your home.

What to do if you have bed bugs

If you’ve spotted a bed bug crawling in your sheets or have found other signs of bed bug activity in your home, contact Miller Pest & Termite for professional bed bug control in Omaha, Des Moines, and Kansas City, or elsewhere in our Midwest service area! 

When you contact us for help getting rid of bed bugs, we will: 

• Inspect your home (or business) for bed bugs. 
• Treat the infested area with products that are lethal to all stages of bed bug development.
• Return 30 days after our initial bed bug treatment to ensure the problem has been solved. 

For qualifying properties, we’ll also issue a 90-day bed bug warranty. Simply put, if bed bugs return within 90 days of your initial service, we’ll come back out to re-treat free of charge! You can also choose to add a bed bug warranty for a low monthly fee.

Since 2001, our locally owned and family-operated pest control company has been helping Midwest property owners with all their pest pressures. You can count on our team of highly trained and fully licensed exterminators to eliminate bed bugs - completely! Reach out today for more information or to schedule service.