What’s worse than bringing a bed bug infestation home from vacation? How about having them crawling over from the neighbor’s place without you even knowing? If you’ve heard hints that your neighbors across the yard or down the hall are grappling with these pests, you’ve probably wondered “can bed bugs come from my neighbors?” Unfortunately, it is possible. However, there are lots of strategies for preventing bed bugs from paying you a visit, even if they’re already next door. So don’t despair!
The bed bug control experts at Plunkett’s have pulled together the best advice on what to do if your neighbor has bed bugs. Read on to learn all about the risk factors, how bed bugs spread, and what you can do to protect yourself, your space, and your family.
How Do Bed Bugs Spread?
If you’re worried because your neighbor has bed bugs, here’s a bit of good news. While bed bugs can spread in many ways, they generally won’t walk themselves from one building to another. So, if your home is detached from your neighbors and you don’t have any direct contact with them or their stuff, you’re unlikely to see any trouble.
However, if you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, duplex, or anywhere with shared walls, then your neighbor’s bed bugs are a bigger cause for concern. These insects can travel up to 100 feet in search of food, and they’re small enough to easily move through vents, electrical sockets, and other tiny gaps.
Even though you can get bed bugs from neighbors, it’s still far from the most common way these critters spread. A bed bug infestation more commonly comes from:
- Traveling
- Bringing home used furniture.
Instead of spending your energy wondering if bed bugs can travel through apartment walls, your time is better spent reviewing these habits for preventing bed bugs, including:
- Keeping your worn clothes, bags, electronics, etc. off your bed.
- Checking your bags after unpacking them and before putting them away.
- Thoroughly checking sheets, mattresses and box springs during regular cleaning.
Bed Bug Prevention in Apartment Buildings
So, the unit next to yours has bed bugs and general tips about prevention habits are no longer enough to ease your anxiety. In that case, you can try to tackle the problem more proactively with these simple strategies
Seal Cracks and Crevices
First, look for any cracks or gaps around outlets, pipes, vents, etc. You can seal these easily and without causing damage with simple masking or painter’s tape. You can also close any adjoining vents or ducts.
Avoid Neighboring Units Until A Pro is Called
Next, make sure you avoid entering your neighbor’s home or accepting anything from them until they’ve had their bed bug problem addressed by a professional. DIY or at-home remedies can be unreliable, so even if they say it’s taken care of, confirm that they’ve had a qualified pest control expert step in.
You can also call a bed bug pest control expert to inspect your own space. Experienced exterminators can usually tell not only if you have the start of an infestation in your space, but also whether you’re at a serious risk for one in the first place. They can also provide you with personalized advice on what to watch for and potential infiltration points.
Keep a Flashlight Close
Bed bugs will hide in any dark, hidden spaces, often holding completely still. So, if you’re going to search for them before they come out at night, a flashlight is necessary. Illuminating inside your closets and drawers, under furniture, and between cushions will help you be sure you aren’t missing anything.
Leave the Bed Bugs to the Professionals
If you’re living within Plunkett’s service area and you’re worried about how to prevent bed bugs moving in from your neighbors, we’ve got you covered. Contact our expert bed bug control specialists today, and we’ll help you feel fully at ease in your home again in no time.
