Top 5 Unexpected Locations Where You Can Encounter Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are notorious for invading homes and hotels, but many people don’t realize these pests can appear in places you wouldn’t expect. Knowing where bed bugs might hide helps you avoid bringing them home or spreading them further. This post reveals five surprising locations where bed bugs often show up, along with tips to spot and prevent infestations.

1. Public Transportation Seats

Buses, trains, and taxis carry thousands of passengers daily, making them prime spots for bed bugs to hitch a ride. These pests hide in seat seams, under cushions, and in cracks around armrests. Since people sit close together, bed bugs can easily move from one person’s clothing or belongings to the seats.

What to watch for:

• Small rusty or dark spots on fabric seats

• Itchy bites appearing after travel

• Bed bug shells or tiny eggs near seams

  
  

How to protect yourself:

• Avoid placing bags or coats directly on seats

• Inspect your clothing and luggage after using public transport

• Use a protective cover or barrier on seats if possible

  
  

2. Movie Theaters and Auditoriums

Movie theaters offer dark, quiet environments with upholstered seats, perfect for bed bugs to hide undetected. People often sit for long periods, giving bed bugs time to feed. Theaters with heavy foot traffic and infrequent deep cleaning are especially vulnerable.

Signs to check:

• Dark spots or blood stains on seat fabric

• Unexplained itchy bites after visiting a theater

• Small bugs or shed skins in seat crevices

  
  

Preventive steps:

• Avoid placing personal items on seats

• Inspect your clothes and bags after visits

• Report suspected infestations to theater management

  
  

3. Secondhand Furniture Stores

Used furniture can be a major source of bed bugs. Chairs, sofas, mattresses, and even wooden furniture may harbor these pests if not properly inspected or treated. Bed bugs can survive for months without feeding, so they often remain hidden in cracks and upholstery.

How to inspect secondhand furniture:

• Look closely at seams, cushions, and joints for bugs or stains

• Use a flashlight to check dark crevices

• Smell for a musty, sweet odor sometimes associated with infestations

  
  

Tips before buying:

• Ask the seller about pest control history

• Consider treating furniture with heat or insecticides before bringing it home

• Avoid items with visible damage or stains

  
  

4. Office Spaces and Shared Workstations

Bed bugs can spread in workplaces, especially in shared offices or hot-desking environments. They hide in chairs, desks, and personal belongings. Since people bring items from home and travel for work, bed bugs can move between locations unnoticed.

Common hiding spots:

• Chair cushions and seams

• Desk drawers and keyboard trays

• Personal bags and coat pockets

  
  

How to reduce risk:

• Keep workspaces clean and clutter-free

• Regularly inspect and vacuum chairs and desks

• Avoid leaving personal items on the floor or shared surfaces

  
  

5. Libraries and Study Areas

Libraries and study rooms attract many visitors who spend hours sitting quietly. Upholstered chairs, couches, and even book shelves can harbor bed bugs. These pests can cling to backpacks, jackets, and books, spreading between visitors.

What to look for:

• Small dark spots on furniture fabric

• Bites appearing after library visits

• Bed bug eggs or shed skins in hidden corners

  
  

Preventive measures:

• Place bags on hard surfaces rather than chairs or floors

• Inspect belongings after leaving

• Report any signs of infestation to library staff