Do pets spread bed bugs?

No, pets do not typically spread bed bugs. Bed bugs are not like fleas or ticks and do not live on animals’ bodies or in their fur.

However, they may hide in pet bedding, crates, or other areas near where pets sleep if there’s an infestation in the home.

Bed bugs prefer human blood but will bite pets if humans are unavailable. They may infest places near pet sleeping areas, such as dog beds, plush toys, and crates. Pets themselves are unlikely to carry bed bugs between locations since the bugs don’t cling to animals as hosts.

Prevention tips:

• Wash pet bedding regularly in hot water and dry on high heat.
• Inspect pet sleeping areas for signs of bed bugs.
• If your home is treated for bed bugs, ensure the pest control method is safe for pets.