Who is at Risk of Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, spreading from place to place by latching onto luggage, clothing, furniture, and even people. While anyone can be affected, certain groups are at higher risk of encountering these pests.
1. Homeowners & Renters
One of the most common places bed bugs are found is in homes – particularly in bedrooms, sofas, and upholstered furniture. They hide in cracks and crevices, coming out at night to feed on human blood.
Signs of bed bugs in your home:
- Small red, itchy bites, often in clusters or a line
- Tiny dark faecal spots on bedding and mattresses
- Shed skins and eggs in mattress seams, bed frames, or skirting boards
- A musty odour in infested areas
For renters, dealing with bed bugs can be particularly stressful, as it may lead to disputes with landlords over responsibility for treatment. The best way to prevent an infestation from spreading is to act quickly – calling in professionals like First Pest Control is the safest and most effective solution.
2. Travelers & Hotel Guests
Hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs are hotspots for bed bug activity. Guests frequently come and go, bringing luggage that can transport bed bugs between locations. Even luxury hotels aren’t immune – bed bugs do not care about cleanliness, only access to blood meals.
How to protect yourself when travelling:
- Check the mattress seams and headboard for signs of bed bugs
- Keep luggage off the floor and away from the bed
- Wash and dry all clothes on high heat after returning home
- If you suspect bed bugs, contact First Pest Control immediately
If a hotel or Airbnb has bed bugs, it can result in bad reviews, lost bookings, and even legal claims. That’s why many businesses rely on First Pest Control for discreet and effective bed bug eradication.
3. Businesses & Hospitality Industry
Bed bugs are a serious threat to businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector. Hotels, B&Bs, student accommodations, and care homes are all at risk. A single bed bug sighting can lead to:
- Bad online reviews
- Reputation damage
- Financial loss from refunds or room closures
- Legal action from affected guests
At First Pest Control, we provide fast, discreet, and effective bed bug treatments to protect businesses from infestations. Our unmarked vehicles ensure complete privacy, so your reputation remains intact.
4. Care Homes & Vulnerable Individuals
Elderly residents in care homes are especially vulnerable to bed bug bites. Unlike younger individuals, they may:
- Have reduced skin sensitivity, making them unaware of bed bug bites
- Be bedridden, increasing exposure to bites
- Have weakened immune systems, making infections from bites more likely
Because bed bugs spread quickly in shared living spaces, early detection and professional pest control are essential. At First Pest Control, we work closely with care homes and healthcare providers to ensure safe, effective treatments with minimal disruption.
5. Public Transport & Offices
It’s not just homes and hotels at risk – offices, buses, trains, taxis, and cinemas can also harbour bed bugs. Employees may unknowingly bring bed bugs into the workplace on their clothing or bags, causing infestations in office furniture or break rooms.
Signs of bed bugs in offices or transport:
- Small bites appearing after using public seating
- Bed bug sightings on seats or carpets
- Unexplained itching or skin irritation
Regular pest inspections can help businesses stay ahead of infestations. First Pest Control provides custom treatment plans to help offices and transport operators keep their environments pest-free.
Why Do Bed Bugs Keep Coming Back?
