Bed bugs? In your lease car? It's more likely than you think

Here's what to do if bed bugs have taken camp in your car

Nobody wants to think about bed bugs. But here's the thing - these tiny hitchhikers can hide pretty much anywhere, including your lease car.

Now, before you panic, bed bugs have been around forever. They're not exactly new. But most of us aren't used to dealing with them anymore, which is why spotting the signs early matters.

We all know bed bugs can appear in your bed, it's in the name. But did you know they can also set up camp in your car?

The good news? Getting rid of them isn't as scary as it sounds.

We've pulled together everything you need to know about spotting an infestation and dealing with it fast, so you can enjoy your lease car without any unwanted passengers.

It’s not all about hygiene

First things first – bed bug infestations have nothing to do with how clean you or your car are.

When most people think of bed bugs, they picture dirty spaces and poor hygiene. But that's a myth. These pests don't care whether you're spotless or scruffy, they're just looking for their next meal.

Bed bugs can hide absolutely anywhere. Furniture, electrical outlets, even inside walls. They typically hitchhike on clothes or luggage to find new homes, which means you could pick them up pretty much anywhere people gather.

Hotels, airplanes, public transport – any place where lots of people sit are potential hotspots. The problem? You won't always know you've picked up an unwanted passenger until it's too late.

Sometimes it's not even about where you've been, but who's around you. If neighbours in your building are dealing with an infestation, there's a chance the bugs will spread to your property too. When bed bugs can't find food, they'll search out a new host – and shared air ducts make handy highways for them to travel.

So how do they get inside your car?

Simple. All it takes is one tiny bug hitching a ride on your luggage or a passenger's clothes. It's got nothing to do with how often you hoover your car or wipe down the dashboard.

If you do find yourself dealing with bed bugs, don't waste time on shame or secrecy. It's no reflection on you whatsoever; you've just been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Fun fact: Bed bugs existed long before beds did.

What are the signs of an infestation?

It can take a while to spot the signs of an infestation. They often start small and grow over time.

You might also be one of the estimated 20% of people who have no visible reaction to bed bug bites, which makes things trickier.

At home, you'd check your mattress for telltale signs – those little black specks or tiny blood spots. But how do you check for bed bugs in your car?

Start with a thorough search of your vehicle. Bed bugs might only come out at night, but the good news is there are fewer hiding spots in a car than in a house.

Focus on the sneaky areas: cracks and crevices between seat cushions, under the seats, and in the carpet. Don't forget to check any fabric surfaces and the boot if you've been transporting luggage.

You might uncover a spider or two (especially in autumn), but hopefully your car will be in the clear.

And if you do find bed bugs lurking in your motor? Check your home too; they've likely hitched a ride between the two.

What do you do if you find a bed bug infestation?

Bed bugs only come out at night to feed when you’re soundly sleeping. Good news is, cars aren’t ideal for them to grow and multiply. After all, we spend a lot less time behind the wheel at night than we do in our beds.

That means tackling an infestation in your car should be more straightforward than dealing with one at home.

Your treatment options:

Steam treatment (most effective)

This is your best bet for quick results. Bed bugs and their eggs can't survive temperatures above 52°C, so an industrial steamer does the job nicely.

Blast hot steam into every crack, crevice, and fabric surface in your car. You'll need to keep at it for at least 30 minutes, though three hours is ideal. As long as you've got high heat output and good steam pressure, it's a relatively cheap and chemical-free solution.

Diatomaceous earth (preventative + treatment)

This natural powder dries out insects over time and can reach those awkward hiding spots.

Scatter it liberally over your seats, upholstery, and carpet, then leave it to work its magic.

The best part? It doesn't lose effectiveness over time, so it kills existing bugs and helps prevent them coming back. You can leave it down for as long as you need.

Vacuuming (supporting method)

Regular, thorough vacuuming works surprisingly well on small car infestations – much better than it does in a house.

Don't rely on this alone, but use it alongside other treatments. And whatever you do, don't use that vacuum inside your home afterwards.

Chemical pesticides (last resort)

Pesticides will eliminate bed bugs, but they're not ideal if you need to use your car daily. They can take 48+ hours to work, and you'll need to air your vehicle thoroughly afterwards to get rid of toxic fumes.

The final step

Repeat whichever treatment you choose until you can get back in your car without the urge to set it on fire. Then consider getting it professionally valeted.

You know, just to be safe.

It’s not just bed bugs that can infest your car

Insects are always looking for a safe place to make their home, and they will choose literally anywhere (this writer once had to deal with ants setting up shop in her lawnmower).

While it’s not a common issue, we’ve had reports from a few customers of insect infestations over the years.

Usually, it’s down to factors such as the car being dormant for a while, windows being left open, or the upholstery inside attracting certain kinds of bug to lay eggs in it.

However, there are things you can do to prevent any unwanted pests from building a home in your vehicle: 

• If travelling: Don’t leave your luggage on or near the bed and check it thoroughly before loading into your car
• Don’t leave your car dormant for days on end: A stationary car is one that’s inviting pests to test it out as a breeding ground
• Pay attention to where you park: Trees, shrubs and greenery can all harbour pests
• Close off any entry points: In other words, no matter how hot the weather, don’t leave your windows rolled down. Checking window seals regularly is also a good idea and consider closing off any outside access to air vents in a bug-heavy season
• Check your items: If you or your pets have spent a lot of time outside, you could easily pick up a little stowaway. So, look at your picnic blanket closely before you bundle it in the boot
• Keep your cabin clean: Family life doesn’t always make it easy, but a clean interior is an excellent pest preventative. Clear out crumbs and sugary spills as soon as you can
• Natural deterrents: Bugs don’t like some scents and will keep clear of them. Think citrus (lemon, lemongrass), mint (peppermint, spearmint), lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, and rosemary. You can mix them into a homemade cleaning solution and use it on the cabin’s hard surfaces
• Regular cleaning and checks: Regularly cleaning surfaces, carpets and upholstery will allow you to spot any critters 

Keep your lease car bug-free

Dealing with bed bugs in your car isn't fun, but it's definitely not impossible. The key is catching them early and acting fast.

Remember: an infestation isn't a reflection of you or how you maintain your vehicle. These hitchhikers don't discriminate – they're just looking for their next meal ticket.

But with the right approach (and maybe a good steamer), you'll have your lease car back to its bug-free best in no time.