The sight of discarded mattresses on the street can be unsettling, especially if you’re concerned about bed bugs. This raises a valid question, especially for those living in townhouses: Can Bed Bugs Travel From Townhouse To Townhouse? The short answer is yes, but it’s more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no.” Let’s explore the possibilities and what you can do to protect your home.
The Bed Bug Journey: How Far Will They Go?
Bed bugs are notorious for their ability to travel in search of a blood meal. They are known to crawl considerable distances and squeeze through incredibly small spaces, even thinner than a credit card. This makes the prospect of them migrating between townhouses a legitimate concern.
On the one hand, their determination to find food might suggest they’d easily navigate the walls separating townhouses. On the other hand, if a readily available food source exists within their current dwelling, would they risk a difficult journey through a wall for an uncertain meal next door?
Discarded mattress leaning against a building
Expert Opinions: Is Lateral Movement Common?
To get a clearer understanding, I consulted with pest control experts Gil Bloom of Standard Pest Control and Timothy Wong, director of M&M Environmental. Both experts agreed that while rare, bed bug transmission between adjacent townhouses is possible.
Bloom explained that theoretically, firewalls between townhouses should minimize migration. However, he has heard of instances involving mice and even one case involving bed bugs making the journey. He clarified that these cases didn’t necessarily involve the pests traveling directly through walls.
Wong also emphasized the difficulty of bed bugs crossing through the thick, independent walls that typically separate townhouses.
Shared Spaces: The Real Culprit
Wong pointed out that transmission is more likely when townhouses share a basement. Older townhouses, especially those once under common ownership, may have shared mechanical components like water, sewer, boiler, or electrical systems within the basement. These shared spaces provide easy pathways for bed bugs to travel between buildings.
Shared basement mechanical components
Porous Walls and Other Entry Points
Entomologist Jeffrey White of Cooper Pest Solutions and BedBug Central echoed the sentiment that such transfers are possible.
White explained that the construction and integrity of firewalls play a crucial role. He noted a lower transfer rate between units separated by firewalls compared to apartments within the same building. He also highlighted that older buildings tend to be more porous and have more cracks, providing more access points for bed bugs. Even in well-maintained buildings, occasional cracks can exist.
Prevention and Precautions
Even if the likelihood of bed bugs traveling through walls is low, preventative measures are still recommended. Inspecting surrounding units around an infested space is a good practice.
Bloom suggests proactive measures like applying diatomaceous earth (DE) or Cimexa in adjoining wall voids as a preventative strategy.
Diatomaceous earth application
Conclusion: Stay Vigilant
While it’s not the most common scenario, bed bugs can travel from townhouse to townhouse, especially through shared basements or in older, more porous buildings. Vigilance, regular inspections, and preventative measures are key to protecting your home from these unwanted guests. Don’t hesitate to consult with a pest control professional if you suspect an infestation.
