Can Bed Bugs Fly? Basic Guidelines

Can Bed Bugs Fly Basic Guidelines
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Since bed bugs are common, it’s understandable to ask the question “Co bed bugs fly?” The unexpected reply is that they don’t.

Bed bugs can’t fly. So how do bed bugs travel so widely between locations if they can’t fly? The most appropriate explanation is that they are opportunistic hitchhikers.

The pests will scurry into luggage left on the floor or bed of an infested room or building, or they will attach themselves to people’s clothing. Another common method of their spread is by hiding inside used or rented furniture.

How Bed Bugs Move

Due to their rapid movement, bed bugs may appear to fly. They can’t fly because, in actuality, they lack wings. They move from one place to another by only crawling, not even jumping. Having six legs gives them the ability to crawl very quickly.

The spread of bed bugs is widespread. They can easily move through mail or laundry chutes, heating ducts, and hallways. They have been observed moving effortlessly through residential buildings.

Once upon a time, many years ago, bed bugs had wings. But since then, they have changed. They were found not to require wings any longer. They ran the risk of being seen and killed if they flew around. They are currently hiding and living covertly in your home.

They are nearby because they can’t fly. They spend the day in your bed. They can also scurry inside crevices in the ground and walls. Then, to feed on you, they emerge at night. You don’t need to be concerned about discovering bed bugs on your dog or cat because pets do not make good hosts for bed bugs.

Bed bugs are easily transported, which allows them to spread quickly from one location to another. You can find them in your car, on the school bus, in a taxi, or on a plane because they travel wherever people do.

Your clothing and jackets may become a target for bed bugs. Your child’s books may contain them. You must take extra precautions when traveling because they can hide in bags and purses. It’s simple to bring bed bugs home if you stay in a hotel that has them. Soft objects like blankets and towels can carry bed bugs as well. You might also bring bed bugs home if you purchase used furniture, so exercise caution.

Bed bugs are a problem that even people with disabilities cannot escape. These pests can conceal themselves in wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and other medical equipment. Since these bugs are so tiny—roughly the size of an apple seed—finding and getting rid of them is a difficult task.

Do They Have Wings?

They don’t have wings, bed bugs don’t. They can’t fly because they lack wings, which is another disadvantage. They do, however, have wing pads. Just behind the insect’s head are these two plates-like structures. It makes sense to assume they have wings if they have wing pads, right? Good question!

In actuality, these insects once had wings and were capable of flight. Sometimes referred to as vestigial wings, their wing pads. These insects simply stopped developing wings as their need for them diminished over time. They don’t have wings anymore because they are no longer necessary for survival.

Can Bed Bugs Fly Basic Guidelines
Can Bed Bugs Fly? Basic Guidelines

Do I Have Bed Bugs?

Do you suspect that you may have bed bugs? Here are some signs to look for:

  • You see bugs.An apple seed’s size and reddish-brown in color, bed bugs. They are roughly a credit card’s width.
  • You see evidence.Blood stains might be visible on your bed sheets. The floor or your bed may have droppings on it. You might see shells because they occasionally shed their skin.
  • Bites on your skin.Arms and shoulders are frequently the targets of bed bugs. These bites have an irregular line pattern, are red, and are itchy.
  • Strong smell.When present in large populations, bed bugs emit pheromones. They smell like wet towels and are musty.

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

Take immediate action if you suspect bed bugs are present. They can survive without food for a year and are difficult to kill. Every day, female bed bugs can produce eggs. The majority of bed bugs are resistant to over-the-counter pesticides, making it challenging to eradicate them on your own.

To permanently get rid of these pests, a comprehensive inspection and treatment are required. Regular upkeep may be necessary because bed bugs can reappear. To restore your ability to live and sleep peacefully, call a professional right away.

Read about Does Lysol Kill Bed Bugs?

What Flying Insect Looks Like a Bed Bug?

Drugstore beetles or biscuit beetles are often mistaken for bed bugs. Bed bugs and drugstore beetles are both brown and oval in shape. They also have antennae and six legs. The fact that drugstore beetles can fly, however, is one of the key distinctions when it comes to identification.

Another distinction is that, in contrast to bed bugs, drugstore beetles are drawn to light. Drugstore beetles are therefore easier to see than bed bugs. Identification may also be aided by the location where they were discovered. Bathrooms, kitchens, and offices are where drugstore beetles are most frequently found.

Can Bed Bugs Fly from Infected Furniture?

After accidentally introducing bed bugs from infested furniture or bedding, you may wonder, “Can bed bugs fly from other objects in my house?”


It’s common to worry that bed bugs will spread to your bedroom if you have them in your furniture (such as couches, chairs, or luggage). Nobody wants blood-sucking insects living inside their favorite pillow!


While bed bugs frequently travel great distances on their crawls in search of their next meal, they are unable to fly through your house or to other places. Thank goodness they can’t jump either, those little pests!


They don’t have wings either because bed bugs can’t fly. Bed bugs can still move around quickly, despite this.

  • January 9, 2023