It’s the middle of summer, and you’re out for a night on the town with your friends. You take an Uber to get home, and when you wake up in the morning, you notice that you have bed bugs. Can bed bugs hitch a ride in an Uber? The answer is yes. Bed bugs can be found on public transportation, such as buses, taxis, and Ubers. But don’t worry, there are ways to reduce your risk of getting bed bugs from Uber.
What Exactly Are Bed Bugs? 
Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on human and animal blood. They’re brown or red in color and have flat bodies. When they feast on blood, they swell up like ticks. The bites look like tiny red dots, and they cause itchiness. If you have many bites on your body, it could be a bed bug infestation.
These insects hide during the day and come out at night to feed. They like warm temperatures, so they usually live in areas between 70°F and 80°F. Bed bugs don’t have wings, so they can’t fly or jump. Instead, they crawl from place to place.
Where Do Bed Bugs Live?
You can find bed bugs in hotels, motels, resorts, apartments, and homes where people sleep. They can hide in crevices between mattresses and walls, in furniture, and in bedding. They’re also found on public transportation, such as buses, taxis, and Ubers.
They’re not just found in the United States. Bed bugs are a global problem and have been reported in places, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Getting Bed Bugs From Uber?
You can do a few things to reduce your risk of getting bed bugs from Uber.
- Inspect the car for bed bugs before you get in: Look for bed bugs or their droppings around the car, especially in the seat seams and along the window edges. They like to hide in places like this. Don’t get in the car if you see any signs of bed bugs.
- Carry a flashlight: You can use your phone’s flashlight or buy a UV light that detects bed bugs and their droppings. Shine it around the car before getting in and check for them while riding inside the vehicle.
- Check for bed bugs when you get out: Look for bed bugs or their droppings on your clothing and body when you get out of the car. If you see any, take a shower and change your clothes as soon as possible.
- Sit in the middle of seats: Since you can’t avoid sitting on the seats, try to sit in the middle of them. This will reduce your contact with the fabric. They’re also more likely to hide in the seams of the seats.
- Wrap your luggage in plastic: When you’re traveling, wrap your luggage in plastic. This will help to keep bed bugs from getting on your clothes and belongings.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye out for bed bugs when you’re in public places. If you see any, tell a staff member or pest control so they can get rid of them.
- Make sure you’re not bringing bed bugs home with you: Check your luggage for bed bugs when you get back from your trip. If you find any, put them in a sealed bag and throw them away.
Having bed bugs is an itchy and frustrating experience. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of getting bed bugs from Uber. Contact a pest control company for immediate help if you think you have bed bugs. It’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible to prevent an infestation from spreading. Don’t wait for it to get worse.
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