Editorial review: October 17, 2026 · Educational guide · Basics
In brief: Travel, used furniture and shared buildings are common routes. We focus on what you can verify and which steps are safe and realistic.
They hitchhike
Bed bugs can be carried in bags, suitcases, clothing, furniture and other items. They cannot fly or jump. A bug seen after a trip may have been brought in with belongings, but finding one does not establish exactly where it came from.
Used items need special attention
Inspect the seams and joints of secondhand furniture before bringing it home. Upholstered pieces and bed frames deserve particular care. Avoid taking discarded mattresses or sofas from the street.
Multi-unit housing
In apartments, bed bugs can move between units. Early reporting, coordinated inspection and appropriate treatment are important. Do not assume that treating one bedroom alone will address a building-wide problem.
Limiting movement at home
When an infestation is suspected, keep clean and potentially infested belongings separately bagged, reduce unnecessary movement between rooms, and follow any preparation instructions from your pest professional.
There is no stigma
Bed bugs occur in every type of accommodation. Their presence is not proof of poor housekeeping.