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Can bed bugs travel to your car?

Last week, my wife found a bed bug crawling on our son’s car seat. We hired an exterminator, and he found no evidence of any in our townhouse or the rest of the car. I’ve concluded that the bed bug likely crawled out to our car from our neighbor’s house (our neighbor is kind of—how can I put it?—slovenly). My wife thinks I’m crazy. But *can* bed bugs travel to your car?

avatar
Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Ugh—insects are so . . . creepy and bed bugs are especially nasty because once they’ve infested a place, it’s hard to get rid of them. Yes, bed bugs can certainly crawl out from a house and into a car, but frankly, it’s more likely that you brought it into the car yourself.
Before you react in horror, think back. Have you traveled recently? Stayed overnight somewhere other than your home? Bed bugs can crawl into duffle bags or other luggage and hitch a ride.
Another possibility is that the bed bug was inside a piece of furniture. If you go to a lot of yardsales—or even helped a friend move—it’s possible that’s how the bed bug found its way into the car.
I know you said the exterminator checked both your house and your car, but remain vigilant. Bed bug eggs usually take one to two weeks to hatch. Keep an eye out for any signs there might be more.
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