Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed exclusively on the blood of humans and animals. Roughly the size and shape of an apple seed when fully grown, these pests are known for infesting sleeping areas but can be found in any upholstered item. A common concern is whether a brief interaction, like sitting on a public or shared couch, is enough to bring an infestation home. This article addresses the risks and necessary precautions related to bed bug transmission from upholstered furniture.
The Likelihood of Transmission
It is possible to acquire bed bugs from sitting on an infested couch, but the primary method is not through a bite while you are awake. Bed bugs are generally nocturnal and are not prone to staying on a human host after feeding, unlike fleas or ticks. Transmission occurs because the insects are passive travelers that “hitch a ride” on personal belongings, a process known as phoresis.
These pests are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale and our body heat, but they prefer to hide in nearby harborages rather than stay on a moving person. If a bed bug is disturbed, it may crawl onto an item resting on the furniture, such as a backpack, coat, or purse. A brief exposure, like sitting on a couch, carries a lower risk than prolonged contact, such as sleeping or resting for an extended period. The risk increases if personal items are placed directly into the seams or crevices of an infested piece of furniture.
Signs of Infestation in Furniture
To gauge the risk of exposure, inspect the furniture before sitting down to look for evidence of an infestation. Bed bugs congregate in harborage areas like the seams, piping, zippers, and underneath the cushions of upholstered items.
Signs of infestation include:
- Small, dark reddish-brown or black spots, which are dried fecal matter (excrement).
- Shed exoskeletons, which are the pale, translucent casings left behind as the insects grow and molt.
- Visible adult bed bugs (flat and reddish-brown) or tiny, pearly white eggs glued in clusters within crevices.
- Rust-colored stains on the fabric, which indicate a bug was recently crushed.
Immediate Steps After Potential Exposure
If you suspect you have sat on an infested couch, immediate actions can prevent the pests from establishing themselves in your home. Before entering your living space, remove any outer layer of clothing, such as a jacket or sweater, in a garage or entryway. Place contaminated items, including clothing and bags, into a tightly sealed plastic bag for transport directly to the laundry area.
The most effective method for killing all life stages of the bed bug is sustained high heat. Washable items should be laundered in hot water and immediately placed into a clothes dryer on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. The high temperature in the dryer kills the insects and their eggs, not the washing cycle. Items that cannot be washed, such as shoes or certain bags, should be run through a hot dryer cycle if the material allows, or sealed in a bag for several months.