How to Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home from Work: A Practical Guide

Bed bugs—just hearing the name might make your skin itch. While we often think of them hiding out in hotel rooms or dodgy second-hand furniture, bed bugs can turn up in unexpected places, including your workplace. Whether it’s an office, retail space, or shared working environment, bed bugs can sneak in, hitch a ride on your clothes or bags, and before you know it, they’re in your home.

At Thermopest, we’ve seen just how easily bed bugs can spread, especially from places you’d least expect. But the good news? There are plenty of ways to avoid bringing these pests home with you. Let’s walk through some practical tips to keep your home bed bug-free, even if they’re lurking at work.

How Bed Bugs Spread at Work

You might wonder, “How on earth would bed bugs end up in my office?” It’s more common than you think. Bed bugs are brilliant hitchhikers. They latch onto clothing, bags, or other belongings and happily travel with you.

Common Sources of Bed Bugs at Work

• Office furniture: Sofas, chairs, and carpets in waiting areas or lounges can easily harbour bed bugs.
• Co-workers: If a colleague unknowingly has bed bugs at home, they could bring them to work via their bags or clothing.
• Shared spaces: High-traffic areas like break rooms, meeting rooms, and even shared desks can be hotspots for bed bugs.

It’s not that your workplace is dirty; bed bugs are equal opportunity pests. They can show up in any environment where people (and their belongings) gather.

Signs of Bed Bugs in the Workplace

Recognising the signs of bed bugs early is key to preventing them from making their way into your home. But what should you be looking for?

Visual Clues

• Small black spots: These could be faecal droppings left behind by bed bugs. Look for them on chairs, under cushions, or on fabric-covered office furniture.
• Shed skins: As bed bugs grow, they shed their skins. These pale, translucent shells are often left in the nooks of furniture.
• Live bugs: They’re tiny (about the size of an apple seed), reddish-brown, and usually hide in seams and cracks.

Bites and Skin Reactions

Have you noticed red, itchy welts on your skin after a day at work? Bed bugs typically bite in clusters or lines. While bites aren’t always noticeable straight away, if you’re waking up with bites after being at work, it might be time to investigate.

Reporting Bed Bugs at Work

If you suspect bed bugs in your office, it’s crucial to let someone know—whether it’s your manager, HR, or the office maintenance team. The sooner they’re addressed, the better the chances of stopping them in their tracks.

Practical Steps to Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home

Now that we know how bed bugs can spread at work, let’s focus on how you can avoid bringing them home.

1. Store Personal Items in Sealed Bags

One of the easiest ways to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride home is to keep your personal belongings safe. Use airtight bags or sealed containers for your coat, handbag, or backpack while you’re at work. This creates a barrier that bed bugs can’t penetrate.

2. Keep Your Things Off the Floor

It might seem harmless to place your bag on the floor next to your desk, but bed bugs can crawl into it without you realising. Instead, keep your bag elevated on your desk or use a hook if one’s available.

3. Inspect Your Workspace Regularly

If your office has shared furniture or carpeting, do a quick check now and then. Look for the signs of bed bugs we mentioned earlier. And don’t just check your desk—inspect any chairs or soft furnishings you use during the day.

4. Change Clothes After Work

When you get home, don’t sit down on your bed or sofa straight away. It’s a good idea to change out of your work clothes immediately and toss them in the wash in a high-heat setting. Bed bugs can’t survive temperatures above 60°C, so this ensures they won’t hang around.

5. Use Bed Bug Repellent on Bags and Clothing

There are natural bed bug repellents, such as sprays made from essential oils like lavender or tea tree, that you can apply to your bag or coat. It’s a simple, non-toxic way to keep bed bugs away from your items.

Preventing Bed Bugs in the Workplace

While protecting yourself is important, there are things that management can do to prevent bed bugs in the office, too. Here’s what your workplace can consider:

1. Regular Office Inspections

Pest control inspections should be part of routine office maintenance. Regular checks, especially in high-risk areas like break rooms and waiting areas, can help catch any issues early.

2. Keep the Office Clutter-Free

Bed bugs love clutter because it gives them more places to hide. Reducing clutter in common areas and desks can go a long way in making your workspace less attractive to these pests.

3. Educate Employees

Not everyone is aware of how bed bugs spread. By educating your team on the risks and the steps they can take (like the ones in this article), you create a proactive defence against bed bugs in the office.

What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs at Work

So, what should you do if you’ve spotted signs of bed bugs at work or suspect you might have picked one up?

1. Isolate Your Items

If you think bed bugs have crawled onto your bag or coat, don’t bring them into your home. Isolate these items in a sealed plastic bag until you can wash or inspect them properly.

2. Report the Issue to Management

Don’t keep quiet. If you suspect bed bugs, report it to your workplace management. They must address the issue quickly to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the office—or worse, to other homes.

3. Treat Your Home If Necessary

If you think bed bugs have made it back with you, inspect your home immediately. Check your bed, sofa, and other furniture for signs of bed bugs. If you spot anything suspicious, it’s better to treat the problem early before it spreads further.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, bed bugs might still find a way into your home. If that happens, don’t panic—but don’t wait either. While DIY treatments can help in some cases, bed bugs are tricky to eliminate without professional help.

At Thermopest, we specialise in bed bug treatments that get to the root of the problem. If you suspect bed bugs have followed you home from work, give us a call. We can inspect, treat, and help make sure those pests don’t return.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Bed Bugs Out of Your Home

No one wants to deal with bed bugs, but with the right steps, you can prevent them from hitching a ride from work. From storing your belongings carefully to staying vigilant with regular inspections, there’s plenty you can do to protect yourself and your home.

If you’re ever unsure or think bed bugs have made their way into your house, don’t hesitate to reach out to Thermopest. We’re here to help you keep your home pest-free, so you can rest easy without worrying about bed bugs.