While public transit in Seattle is a resource used by millions of passengers every day, it also offers the optimal environment for hitchhikers hoping to catch a ride to new destinations. The pests have travelled to King County Metro buses, Sound Transit trains, and other public transport in the Emerald City.
Bed bugs care little whether they are in a luxury hotel, public bus, or your apartment because they are simply following the carbon dioxide and warmth that humans provide. Seattle's transit network is an excellent breeding ground for bed bugs due to the fabric seats, cramped quarters, and influx of travellers. However, if you think there is a bed bug issue, you must bring in a pest control expert from United Pest Solutions to effectively treat it.
How Public Transit Spreads Bed Bugs In Seattle
Seattle's public transport became a surprise route for bed bugs to spread across the city. A survey found that 18% reported seeing bed bugs in trains, buses, and taxis, up from 9% the year before.
With King County Metro operating more than 200 bus routes across Seattle and other cities, bed bugs have numerous chances to cross real estate lines between neighborhoods.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Bed Bugs Due to Public Transit?
Here are some effective approaches to take to protect yourself from public transit related bed bugs.
Choose Your Seats Wisely
Before you sit down on a King County Metro bus or Sound Transit train, look down at the place where you plan to sit or put your bag. Check fabric seats for minor blood stains, dark spots, or tiny rust colored bugs. Opt for hard plastic seats, since the smooth surfaces are more difficult for bed bugs to hide in.
Keep Personal Items Secure
Do not put your backpacks, purses, or jackets on the transit seats or floors. On your way to work, bed bugs can easily find their way into these belongings. Instead, keep bags on your lap, hang them on hooks, or use a hanger if one is available.
Inspect After Transit Use
Look at the clothes and stuff you bring home after you travel by public transport. Inspect seams, pockets, and zippers, as these are popular hiding spots for bed bugs. In the spring of 2024, Metro was averaging about 64% of its 2019 weekday ridership levels, but that still amounts to hundreds of thousands of people each day who are capable of carrying bed bugs across the city.
Tips to Avoid Bed Bugs Coming to Your Home:
Immediately remove clothes after using public transit – To kill any bed bugs you may have picked up while commuting, immediately wash those clothes in the washing machine using hot water (120°F or above).
Dry-clean or heat-treat non-washables – Coats, suits, and delicate fabrics should be put through a hot dryer for 30 minutes or dry cleaned
Plastic container for storage of bags and backpacks – Do not keep transit bags in bedrooms and living rooms until bags are gone over with a fine-tooth comb
Frequent vacuuming in possible entry areas – near doors, closets, storage for bags after transits
Make a transit quarantine zone – Have a space right by your entryway for things touched in public transportation before you wash them and assess them
However, if you find a bed bug infestation in your Seattle home, regardless, then you must call professionals to treat the problem altogether. Companies such as United Pest Solutions understand the special challenges Seattle's transit system creates for bed bug control. With knowledge of Seattle neighborhoods impacted most by the spread of bed bugs via transit, experienced technicians can tailor treatment plans to the location.
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