While most insects that wander into a vehicle are harmless, discovering a bed bug crawling among your seats is a different matter. Bed bugs are not native to cars, yet they can travel there on luggage, clothing, or other personal items and hide in upholstery for weeks.

How Bed Bugs End Up in Your Car

These pests are most commonly picked up in hotels, motels, or other lodging facilities. When you bring contaminated luggage or clothing into your vehicle, the bugs may use the car as a temporary shelter while they search for a new host environment.

Can They Survive Inside a Vehicle?

Adult bed bugs can live without a blood meal for two to three months, and in rare cases up to a year. Temperature is a critical factor: they die when exposed to temperatures below 46°F (8°C) or above 113°F (45°C). Therefore, a car parked outdoors in winter or extreme summer heat will usually become inhospitable to them.

Signs of an Infestation

Look for small, rust‑colored spots on fabric, shed skins, or the bugs themselves. Because vehicles are smaller than homes, an infestation can go unnoticed for some time, so regular inspections—especially after trips—are advisable.

Effective Ways to Eliminate Bed Bugs from Your Vehicle

• Diatomaceous Earth: This fine, non‑chemical powder creates microscopic abrasions on the insects’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration. Apply it to upholstery, then vacuum thoroughly before driving.
• Heat Treatment: Bed bugs cannot survive prolonged exposure above 113°F. Parking in direct sunlight on a hot day or using a portable heater can help, though professional heat‑treatment equipment is most reliable.
• Fumigation: An insecticide fogger placed inside the sealed vehicle can kill both bugs and eggs. After use, ventilate the interior and vacuum any residue.

Prevention Tips

The best defense is to avoid bringing bugs into the car in the first place. Before loading luggage, inspect hotel rooms, cruise cabins, and rental homes for signs of bed bugs. Keep suspect items out of the vehicle or seal them in plastic bags until they can be cleaned or treated.

By staying vigilant and using these proven methods, homeowners can keep their cars free of bed bugs and protect their families from unwanted pests.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.