Bed Bugs in The Car
When thinking about bed bugs, most people assume that these pests only invade beds as well as other indoor furniture. Unfortunately, bed bugs love an adventure and they like hitchhiking on any of your belongings, staying in various places – including your car. Can bed bugs really live in your car? Though this case is rare, it is possible.
Bed bugs can get inside your vehicle through luggage or clothing that you bring home from your recent travels. They may hitchhike their way into your car by latching onto your belongings and immediately seek a hiding spot once you place the items inside. Though they may only stay there until your next trip, some may find a warm hiding spot and settle in your car.
How to Look for Bed Bugs in Your Car
When trying to find bed bugs inside your car, look for the following:
- Blood stains on your upholstery
- Brownish to black coloured spots (Fecal spots)
- Dried exoskeletons
The next thing you should do is to know where to find them. Check for bed bugs in the following areas:
- Glove compartment
- Between seats
- Center console
You may notice red itchy bumps on any part of your body, proof that there are bed bugs inside your car. If you spot these bumps, it is likely that you have been bitten while taking a nap waiting for your wife, friend, or colleague inside the car.
Remember - if you find them in your car, there is a large chance that you have already carried them inside your house and they have started to settle in.
How to Get Rid Of Bed Bugs in Your Car
If you have confirmed that bed bugs are in your car, do the following to clear them off:
- Remove and wash all rugs, floor mats, seat covers and other upholstery inside your car. After washing, leave them out to dry in the sun.
- Vacuum the entire car. We recommend that you use our Ergo or Omega HEPA vacuums, which are powerful enough to capture bed bugs and provide an immediate containment for these pests.
- Steam clean all surfaces, as well as every nook and cranny. If you have a portable steam cleaner, you can do this process on your own. If not, you can call an expert to do it for you.
- Chemical methods. These are effective, but you have to be careful with the products that you are using. Make sure that you keep your children and pets away from the area after the treatment. A safer alternative is the use of diatomaceous earth. Simply shake some powder in certain parts of your car and any bed bugs that will come in contact with the powder will die.
Tips to Prevent Another Infestation
The following are a few things you can do to prevent another infestation:
- Clean and vacuum your vehicle regularly.
- Get rid of trash and other clutter inside your car.
- Prevent people coming from infested areas getting in your car or immediately clean up if you can’t prevent it from happening.
- Make a regular routine of washing floor mats and seat covers.
- Sprinkle some diatomaceous earth inside the car and leave it for a few minutes prior to vacuuming.
