Bed bugs are the kind of pest no one wants to think about until they become a problem. Unlike mosquitoes or ants, which thrive in specific seasons, bed bugs don’t play by those rules. They’re indoor pests, hitchhiking from place to place, quietly setting up camp in your home, and making themselves comfortable all year long.
But does that mean there’s no such thing as a bed bug season? Not exactly. While bed bugs don’t have an actual seasonal cycle, certain times of the year see more infestations.
If you live in Western Washington, understanding when and why bed bug cases spike can help you stay ahead of a potential nightmare. Let’s break it down.
Is There a Bed Bug Season in Washington?
The short answer? Not really. Unlike pests that depend on the weather to survive, bed bugs live comfortably indoors, feeding on humans no matter what’s happening outside. That means they can infest homes, hotels, and businesses at any time of year.
That said, many pest control professionals—including us at Sentinel Pest Control—see an uptick in bed bug calls during certain months. Rather than following a seasonal cycle like ants or mosquitoes, bed bug activity is tied to human behavior. Increased travel, frequent moving, and shared living spaces create prime opportunities for these pests to spread. In Washington, we notice two key times of year when infestations spike:
- Summer (June–September): Warmer months bring more vacations, hotel stays, and overall movement. Being expert hitchhikers, bed bugs latch onto suitcases, clothing, and personal belongings, making their way from one location to another. If an infested guest stays in a hotel room, the next person who checks in could unknowingly bring them home in their luggage. Increased tourism and summer camps also contribute to their spread.
- Fall (August–October): College students heading back to dorms and rental housing can unknowingly transport bed bugs from home or pick them up in shared living spaces. Since bed bugs can travel through walls and shared ventilation, infestations can spread fast in multi-unit buildings. Second-hand furniture sales and rental turnovers during this time can also introduce infestations. Couches, mattresses, and even nightstands can harbor bed bugs. Always check for signs before bringing second-hand items into your home.
So, while bed bugs aren’t controlled by temperature or climate, their spread is closely linked to human activity. The more we move, the more they move with us. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant no matter the season.
Where Else Do Bed Bugs Come From?
Bed bugs don’t just live in beds. These tiny, blood-feeding pests can be found almost anywhere people spend time. Because they rely entirely on humans to move from place to place, they’re commonly picked up in high-traffic locations where people sit, sleep, or store their belongings. Some of the most common bed bug hotspots include:
- Public transportation: Buses, trains, airplanes, and even rideshares can harbor bed bugs. They crawl into seats, upholstery, and luggage storage areas.
- Movie theaters: With cushioned seats and plenty of people coming and going, movie theaters provide an ideal environment for bed bugs to spread.
- Offices and workplaces: Any place with shared seating, waiting areas, or break rooms can become a bed bug transfer point.
Once bed bugs hitch a ride into your home, they quickly find hiding places. They tuck themselves into cracks in furniture, behind baseboards, inside electrical outlets, and, of course, in beds. Because they are tiny, nocturnal, and excellent at staying out of sight, infestations often go unnoticed until they become severe.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Early detection is key to stopping a bed bug problem before it gets worse. If you suspect bed bugs, look for these telltale signs:
- Bite marks: Small, red, itchy welts that often appear in straight lines or clusters. They’re commonly found on exposed skin, such as the arms, legs, and neck.
- Blood stains on sheets: Small rust-colored spots on bedding caused by crushed bed bugs.
- Fecal spots: Tiny black or dark brown droppings on mattresses, sheets, walls, or furniture that resemble black pepper stains.
- Shed skins: As bed bugs grow, they molt and leave behind translucent exoskeletons near their hiding spots.
- Musty odor: A strong, unpleasant, slightly sweet smell can indicate a large infestation.
Because bed bugs are excellent at hiding, an infestation can grow significantly before it’s discovered. If you notice any of these signs, taking action immediately is important. Bed bugs multiply rapidly, and the longer they go untreated, the harder they are to eliminate.
Why You Need Professional Pest Control
Many people attempt to handle bed bugs independently, but DIY treatments rarely work. Bed bugs are resistant to many over-the-counter pesticides, and home remedies like essential oils or store-bought sprays only kill the bugs you can see. The ones hiding deep in furniture, walls, or floorboards will continue reproducing and spreading.
At Sentinel Pest Control, we use proven, science-backed treatments to eliminate bed bugs at every stage of life. Whether you’re looking for heat treatments, chemical solutions, or a combination of both, we have the right approach to get rid of bed bugs for good. Learn more about our bed bug treatments here!
Don’t Let Bed Bugs Take Over. Call Sentinel Pest Control Today!
While bed bugs don’t follow a strict seasonal pattern, they tend to spread more during increased travel and within shared living arrangements. If you’re dealing with an infestation, the worst thing you can do is wait. Bed bugs won’t leave on their own, and DIY methods simply aren’t enough to eliminate them.
Don’t lose another night’s sleep. Schedule your inspection today!