If you’ve noticed itchy bites, small reddish-brown stains, or unusual black spots in your car, you might be asking yourself, “Can bed bugs live in my car?”
The unfortunate answer is yes. These resilient pests can hitchhike into your vehicle and take up residence, but the good news is that you can evict them with the right approach.
Key Takeaways
- Bed bugs get into cars by hiding on clothes, bags, secondhand stuff, or after being in infested places.
- Signs of bed bugs in cars are black spots, blood stains, shed skins, live bugs, or itchy bites.
- Removing bed bugs means vacuuming, using steam, heat, or powder, or calling a pest control professional.
- Keeping bed bugs out means checking items, avoiding clutter, inspecting your car, and storing stuff in sealed bags.
HOW DO BED BUGS GET INTO CARS?
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. They can latch onto your clothing, bags, or other personal items in an infested area and make their way into your vehicle.
Some common scenarios include:
- Picking up bed bugs from an infested hotel or public place.
- Transporting secondhand items, such as furniture or bags, that are infested.
- Coming into contact with an infested person.
These blood-sucking pests are highly adaptable and can live in cars for an extended period, especially in warmer climates like Louisiana’s. They prefer temperatures between 70°F and 90°F but can survive in a wider range.
While they can’t live indefinitely without a blood meal, they can go for weeks or even months between feedings.
SIGNS OF BED BUGS IN YOUR CAR
Bed bugs are small, about the size of an apple seed, and reddish-brown.
While they typically thrive in mattresses and furniture, the confined spaces of a car’s interior can also make cozy hiding places.
Here are some key signs to watch for:
- Black Spots or Droppings: Tiny, dark spots on car seats, floor mats, or upholstery could be bed bug excrement.
- Blood Stains: Look for small reddish-brown smears, especially on fabric seats.
- Shed Skins or Exoskeletons: As bed bugs grow, they leave behind translucent shells.
- Live Bed Bugs: Inspect crevices, under car seats, and in nooks for these pests.
- Bed Bug Bites on Your Skin: Red, itchy welts that often appear in clusters may indicate you have unwanted passengers.
HOW TO GET RID OF BED BUGS IN YOUR CAR
Clearing your car of bed bugs requires thorough cleaning, targeted treatments, and often professional assistance. Here’s how to tackle the problem:
1. Vacuum Thoroughly
Use a HEPA vacuum to clean every crevice, including under seats, between cushions, and in floor mats. Immediately empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside your home.
2. Steam Cleaning
Use a steam cleaner to treat car seats, carpets, and upholstery. Bed bugs can’t survive high temperatures, and steam at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will kill them on contact.
3. Use Heat Treatment
Park your car in direct sunlight on a hot day with the windows rolled up. This can raise the internal temperature enough to kill bed bugs.
For a more controlled approach, professional heat treatments can ensure temperatures are evenly distributed and effective.
4. Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in cracks and crevices. This natural powder dehydrates bed bugs, effectively killing them.
5. Encasing and Washing
Use washable seat covers or plastic bags to cover seats and upholstery during bed bug treatment. Wash any removable fabric covers in hot water and dry them on high heat.
6. Professional Extermination
If DIY methods don’t work, contact a pest control company. Professionals can provide car bed bug-specific treatments, including heat- and chemical-free options.
TIPS TO PREVENT BED BUGS IN YOUR CAR
Once you’ve eliminated bed bugs, take these steps to keep your car pest-free:
- Inspect Secondhand Items: Avoid bringing potentially infested items into your car without checking them thoroughly.
- Limit Clutter: Bed bugs thrive in clutter, so keep your car tidy.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically check your car for signs of bed bugs, especially if you’ve been in high-risk areas.
- Protect Your Belongings: Store bags or personal items in sealed plastic containers when in public spaces.
IS IT TIME TO CALL THE PROFESSIONALS?
While preventive treatments can help, bed bugs are notoriously tough to eliminate completely.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we specialize in effective, safe pest control solutions tailored to the unique challenges of Southern Louisiana. Our experts can inspect, treat, and help ensure your car and home remain pest-free.
If you suspect a bed bug problem, contact us today for fast, reliable service designed to give you peace of mind.