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How do bed bug populations spread?

Last Updated: March 11, 2009

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They can be spread simply by hitching a ride on their human hosts and depositing themselves at a new location.

Used furniture: Bed bugs are often spread through used furniture. It is best to buy new furniture, but if you acquire used furniture, such as a bed or couch, carefully inspect it before bringing it into the apartment. Check the seams and stitching for bed bugs or blood spots. If you find bed bugs on furniture, do not purchase it!

Hotels and motels: The cleanliness of a motel or hotel is not always a true indication of whether there might be a bed bug problem. A guest who stayed in the room before you may have left some of these pests. Bed bugs are spread in luggage and clothing from a motel or hotel to other locations.

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