Bed bugs are a growing concern for Londoners, and with their rapid spread, myths about their behaviour abound. One common question we hear at ThermoPest is, “Can bed bugs fly?” In this comprehensive guide, we’ll debunk myths about bed bug movement, explain how these pests actually get around, and share expert tips for tackling infestations in London. Whether you’re dealing with bed bugs in your flat, house, or hotel, understanding their behaviour is key to effective control.
No, bed bugs cannot fly. Despite their small size and elusive nature, bed bugs lack functional wings. The wings they do have are vestigial—tiny, underdeveloped structures that serve no purpose for flight. So, if you’re wondering can bed bugs fly in London or anywhere else, the answer is a clear no. But don’t let this fool you—their inability to fly doesn’t make them any less mobile or difficult to eradicate.
Bed bugs are expert crawlers and hitchhikers, which explains their ability to spread quickly. Here’s how they get around:
Bed bugs move by crawling, often at a surprising speed for their size. They can scuttle across mattresses, furniture, walls, and even through tiny cracks in floors or skirting boards. This allows them to spread within a room or between neighbouring flats in London’s densely packed buildings.
Bed bugs are notorious for hitching rides on personal belongings. They cling to luggage, clothing, bags, or second-hand furniture, making their way into homes, hotels, or public transport. London’s busy lifestyle, with its constant travel and transient population, makes hitchhiking a primary way bed bugs invade new spaces.
In multi-unit buildings like London flats, bed bugs can move between units through shared walls, electrical conduits, or laundry rooms. They don’t need to fly to cause widespread problems in a building.
Besides the flying myth, several misconceptions about bed bug movement persist. Let’s set the record straight:
Unlike fleas, bed bugs cannot jump. They rely solely on crawling or hitching rides to move. If you see insects jumping in your home, you’re likely dealing with a different pest.
While mattresses are a favourite hiding spot, bed bugs can live anywhere humans spend time—furniture, curtains, electrical outlets, or even behind wallpaper. Their mobility allows them to colonise entire rooms or buildings.
Bed bugs are nocturnal and prefer to feed at night, but they can move during the day if disturbed or seeking a new hiding spot. Their movement is driven by opportunity, not just the time of day.
Knowing that bed bugs can’t fly but are highly mobile helps you take targeted action to prevent and treat infestations. For example, their hitchhiking habits highlight the importance of inspecting luggage or second-hand items. Their crawling ability underscores the need for thorough, professional treatments that reach every corner of an infested area.
For more on bed bug challenges in the capital, check out Pest.co.uk’s bed bug treatment page for London-specific advice.
Bed bugs do more than just invade your space—they can affect your well-being. Their bites cause itching, allergic reactions, or secondary infections in some cases, while the stress of an infestation can lead to anxiety and sleep disruption. For guidance on managing these effects, the NHS bed bug guide offers practical tips for treating bites and spotting infestations.
Preventing bed bugs from spreading requires vigilance and proactive measures. Here are ThermoPest’s top tips:
While DIY methods like vacuuming or sprays may kill some bed bugs, they rarely stop the spread of an infestation. Bed bugs’ ability to crawl and hide in tiny spaces makes comprehensive treatment a must. At ThermoPest, we use advanced heat treatments to eliminate bed bugs at all life stages, ensuring they can’t move to new areas.
For expert pest control solutions, visit Pest.co.uk to explore effective treatment options.
Our chemical-free approach is safe, eco-friendly, and designed for London’s urban environment.
So, can bed bugs fly? No, but their crawling and hitchhiking skills make them a formidable foe. By understanding how bed bugs move, you can take steps to prevent infestations and act quickly if they strike. ThermoPest’s expert heat treatments offer a reliable, fast solution to stop bed bugs in their tracks. Contact ThermoPest Bed Bug Treatment London today to book a consultation and keep your home bed bug-free.
