McCloud Answers
Some of our staff are worried about carrying bed bugs home. Do bed bugs stay on people?
No, bed bugs do not actually live on people, as they cannot survive on them. They are typically active for only a few minutes at a time while feeding on a person. It is a common misconception that bed bugs live on the human body because they are known to be hitchhikers that can travel from place to place.
It is because of this hitchhiking that they frequently move between environments by clinging to clothing, uniforms, and personal belongings such as bags or laundry carts. In a commercial environment, this is the primary way infestations spread from one room or department to another, and why outbreaks can happen quickly. For staff, the risk is not the insect staying on their person, but rather hiding in the folds of a coat or the seams of a backpack.
To manage this risk, facilities should implement clear sanitation protocols to minimize contact with potentially infested surfaces, such as:
- Providing lockers or designated areas for personal items
- Educating teams on how to inspect work gear
- Encouraging the use of high-heat laundering for uniforms
While bed bugs do not stay on people, their ability to move via textiles makes proactive monitoring and professional pest management essential for any high-traffic facility.
Professional Bed Bug Management
We understand that bed bug infestations can cause worry for all involved. If you think you might need help with professional bed bug management, our team is here to assist.
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