Bedbug in public places

It is very unlikely, though not impossible

It is very unlikely, though not impossible, that a bed bug infestation will develop in an office, classroom, or another non-residential environment, such as a department store.

However, these sites can serve as transfer hubs for bed bugs to hitchhike a ride into your home. Management, staff, students and workers all have roles to play in reducing the spread of bed bugs.

Steps You Can Take

Reduce clutter. Clutter is an ideal habitat for bed bugs at home, school, or office will provide fewer places for the bed bugs to hide and fewer opportunities to hitchhike to your home.
If there is a known problem with bed bugs, keep your belongings stowed separately in the office or school; consider storing your belongings in a plastic bin.
Be vigilant in break rooms, storage areas (coat closets or cubbies), offices or lounges with upholstered furniture, or areas where people may rest.
Establish a monitoring program
- Multiple sightings in the same area could indicate an infestation or multiple reintroductions from someone’s home.
Know what to do if you find a bedbug.
Discourage panic and the stigma associated with bed bugs. These are counterproductive and can make treatment more difficult.
Vacuum daily to pick up any stray bugs before they settle in.

Find a Bedbug

Don't Panic

Inform management and facility staff who have the lead in any control efforts.
Only treat an actual infestation with breeding bed bugs. Remember, a single bed bug is not an infestation.
- Hire a pest professional using *integrated pest management techniques (*dry steam is a practical, natural bed bug treatment).
- You can minimize the exposure of workers or students by applying pesticides on a Friday evening or when a building is vacant.

Alert everyone who works in the building to take additional precautions to protect their homes.

Bed Bug Anxiety?

Treating bedbugs is complex and can take weeks to months, depending on the extent of the infestation. Your likelihood of success depends on many factors, including how many bed bugs you have, how much clutter is available for hiding places, whether your neighbours have bed bugs, and whether all residents of a house in the building will participate.