Bed bugs are wingless, tiny creatures that are found globally. They are usually located in your sleeping area. Bed bugs feed on blood. Although they don’t carry any disease, their bites can cause red bites and itchiness all over your body.
Some people don’t get a reaction from the bites of bed bugs. Others may experience an allergic reaction.
Bed bugs are often found in beds, mattresses, and other sleeping areas, but they can also be found in your car.
Can Bed Bugs Survive In a Car?
Can bed bugs survive in a car? This is arguably one of the most commonly asked questions. The straightforward answer to “can bed bugs survive in a car” is yes.
If bed bugs stick to your clothes or something else, you usually bring them into the car. Then they can easily get into your car as well. Bed bugs can’t crawl too far from your sleeping areas themselves. However, if you have somehow brought these to your car, then you may find them in your vehicle. Once bed bugs arrive in your car, they will likely survive there for a long time.
Bed bugs are usually blood suckers and feed on humans’ and other mammals’ blood. Even though bed bugs need food to survive, they can easily survive for longer without any proper feeding source. The younger nymphs usually survive for multiple days without food. On the other hand, adult bed bugs and older nymphs can also survive for up to 12 months without food.
Eventually, they will need food to grow into their next development stage and shed exoskeleton.
Can Bed Bugs Survive In a Car During Winter?
Any environment above 46 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for the bed bugs to survive. Are you residing in a cold environment? Then the chances of bed bugs surviving in your car are pretty less. Some bed bugs may have the potential to tolerate and survive even low temperatures. However, not all species are capable of this
Is the temperature of your car suitable for bed bugs to survive? The correct temperature can make it easier for them to stay in your car for longer. This longer stay will eventually result in bed bug infestation.
Can Bed Bugs Survive In a Car: Signs to Look At
Looking at the possible physical signs is the best way to tell if you have bed bugs in your car. These signs resemble what bed bug infestation looks like in your sleeping areas. Around your seat, the fabric is always one of the most important places to look for bed bugs in the car.
However, linings, small crevasses, and under-floor mats are other important areas to consider here. Moreover, here we have enlisted some of the most important signs you should focus on in this regard.
So, here we go:
Shed eggs and exoskeletons
When bed bugs’ immature stages grow, they usually leave some parts of themselves overdue. Immature bed bugs usually grow with every blood meal. During their growth period, they usually shed exoskeletons to adjust their larger size easily.
Although the shed sinks look just like bed bugs. However, these feature lighter colors and weight. Also, bed bugs’ eggs are much smaller than these tiny creatures. These are usually difficult to see. However, their presence is another key sign of bed bug infestation. Bed bugs’ eggs are white in color and usually available in groups.
Dark spots on the floor mats and seats
As bed bugs are bloodsuckers. So, red and brown spots are key indicators of their presence in the car. Fecal and liquid stains are other key signs to ensure the presence of bed bugs in your car. The fecal stains of bed bugs are different than bloodstains. So, if you experience black or dark brown stains off a period size under floor mats or on seats. Then this can indicate an infestation of bed bugs in your car.
The appearance of live bed bugs
Well, the size of mature bed bugs is about an apple seed. These are wingless, reddish-brown, and flat. However, these swell up after feeding blood and turn red. However, on the other hand, younger bed bugs have translucent colors and get darker gradually.
Always remember that these tiny creatures are nocturnal. Therefore, it is typically difficult to locate these, especially during the day.
Tips for Inspecting Bed Bugs In Your Car
Here are some key ways you can consider to inspect the presence of bed bugs in the car:
Remove all the clutter and trash from your car and clean it thoroughly. It is because these are the places in which bed bugs more often hide.
Consider practicing a thorough inspection of your car’s different areas visually. Don’t forget to look for darker and warmer areas. These areas often include above the seats, in the sealing panels, under the floor mats, around the dashboard, etc.
Have you found any signs of bed bugs present in the car? Then this is the time to know how to get rid of bed bugs in the best possible way.
Best Ways to Get Rid of Bed Bugs In Your Car
Are you worried about the presence of bed bugs in your car? Then here we have enlisted some of the best ways to eliminate them from your vehicle.
So, let’s have a look at these ways below:
- Firstly, you have to clean your vehicle appropriately. Remove all the possible parts of your vehicle, such as floor mats, seats’ upholstery, etc. Remove everything and clean your car interior thoroughly before placing these items back. This practice will greatly help you remove bed bugs from the car.
- Secondly, you can use heat to remove bed bugs from the car. Fortunately, bed bugs can’t tolerate higher temperatures. So, steam or heat can be the best way to get rid of bed bugs.
Final Verdict: Can bed Bugs Survive In a Car
So, here is everything you need to know about “can bed bugs survive in a car.” Ensure to check the signs of bed bug infestation. So, you can opt for the best bed bug treatment to remove these from your car.
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