Straight answers from a licensed New York exterminator and Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) — serving all five boroughs, in English and Spanish.
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Quick answer: Bed bugs are hitchhikers, not a sign of dirt or poor hygiene. They most often arrive on luggage and clothing after travel, in used furniture and mattresses, and by spreading between apartments in multi-unit buildings through wall voids, pipe risers, and shared spaces. They’re carried in by people and belongings — even spotless homes get them.
Where bed bugs actually come from
The single most important thing to understand: bed bugs feed on blood, not crumbs, so cleanliness doesn’t attract or repel them. They get into a home by being transported there. The common routes are:
- Travel: hotels, motels, hostels, cruise ships, and even rideshares — they climb into luggage, bags, and clothing and ride home with you.
- Used furniture and mattresses: secondhand beds, couches, and dressers (including curbside finds, common in NYC) can carry eggs and adults in their seams and joints.
- Apartment-to-apartment spread: in multi-unit buildings they move through wall voids, electrical and plumbing risers, baseboards, and shared hallways from a neighboring unit.
- Visitors and secondhand items: guests, bags, and borrowed or delivered goods can introduce them.
Why bed bugs are so common in New York City
NYC combines everything bed bugs need to spread: dense multi-unit housing, constant travel, heavy use of secondhand furniture, and shared walls. That’s why a problem in one apartment can become a building issue, and why landlords and tenants both have responsibilities under city law. (See our overview of landlord pest-control responsibilities in NYC.)
How to lower your risk
Inspect hotel mattress seams and keep luggage off the bed and floor when traveling; never bring in curbside furniture without a careful check; use a quality mattress and box-spring encasement; and act fast at the first sign rather than waiting. Early detection keeps treatment simpler and cheaper.
Think they came home with you? The sooner you confirm, the easier the fix. New York Exterminating’s NYC bed bug service is led by an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) and includes inspection, optional K-9 detection, and low-exposure treatment. Call (347) 210-4646. Want to confirm what you’re seeing? Check baby bed bugs, bed bug eggs, and bugs that look like bed bugs.
A Brooklyn-based, NYSDEC-registered company (Reg. #15140) led by Jorge Bedoya, an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE). For bed bugs, NYE provides discreet bed bug treatment (heat and targeted options) verified with a follow-up visit. ACE-led work comes with a client portal of service reports and photos, fully bilingual service, and no long-term contract.
Where Do Bed Bugs Come From — FAQ
Does having bed bugs mean my home is dirty?
No. Bed bugs feed on blood and are spread by transport, not by mess. Clean, high-end homes and hotels get them just as easily.
Can bed bugs come from a neighbor’s apartment?
Yes — in multi-unit buildings they travel through wall voids, risers, and shared spaces, which is why coordinated, building-aware treatment often matters in NYC.
Can you bring bed bugs home from travel?
Very commonly. They hide in luggage and clothing. Inspect hotel beds, keep bags elevated, and consider heat-treating or laundering clothes on hot when you return.
Is used furniture a common source?
Yes, especially secondhand mattresses, couches, and curbside furniture. Always inspect seams and joints thoroughly before bringing items inside.
