Finding bed bugs in your bed or furniture is unsettling for any Boise and Treasure Valley homeowner. These pests don’t mean a home, hotel, or business is “dirty” – bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can travel on luggage, clothing, and used items. While there is no way to guarantee you’ll never encounter them, understanding where people most commonly pick up bed bugs can help you reduce your risk and protect your household.

Below are five common places where Treasure Valley residents may be exposed to bed bugs, along with practical tips to help you stay ahead of them and what to do if they follow you home.

1. Secondhand Furniture & Resale Shops

Secondhand stores, thrift shops, yard sales, and online marketplace purchases are some of the most common ways bed bugs hitchhike into homes. Bed bugs and their eggs can survive in furniture seams, drawers, and upholstered items for weeks, even when no one is using them.

Inspect seams, tufts, and folds carefully before purchase.
Look for dark spotting, shed skins, or tiny cream-colored eggs.
If you’re unsure, avoid bringing the item inside and schedule a professional bed bug inspection.

2. Hotels & Short-Term Rentals

Hotels and short-term rentals are one of the most common transfer points for bed bugs because guests arrive from many different locations.

Keep luggage on racks or hard surfaces.
Inspect mattress seams and headboards before unpacking.
Wash and dry clothing on high heat when returning home to the Treasure Valley.

3. Laundromats & Shared Laundry Rooms

Bed bugs can move between baskets, carts, and folding tables in shared laundry spaces.

Use personal bins instead of shared carts.
Dry clothing on high heat whenever possible.
Store clean laundry in sealed bags until put away.

4. Public Transportation & Rideshares

High-use public seating can occasionally serve as a transfer point, especially for bags and outerwear.

Keep bags off fabric seats when possible.
Inspect backpacks and coats before placing them on beds or furniture.

5. Movie Theaters & Other Public Seating

Movie theaters, waiting rooms, and other upholstered public seating areas can occasionally harbor bed bugs in seams and cushions.

Avoid placing coats or bags on seats or floors.
Dry outerwear on high heat periodically as a preventive measure.

How to Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can be picked up almost anywhere people gather or travel. Reducing risk comes down to awareness and early action.

Inspect when traveling and keep luggage elevated.
Check secondhand items carefully before bringing them inside.
Vacuum regularly around beds, baseboards, and furniture.
Use mattress encasements to reduce hiding spots.
Act quickly if you see bites, spotting, or live bugs.

If you suspect bed bugs or want peace of mind before a problem spreads, start with a professional inspection. Our licensed technicians provide thorough evaluations and proven treatment options for homes across the Treasure Valley.

➡️ Learn more about our bed bug treatment services or contact Pestcom Pest Management to schedule an inspection.