Can You Get Bed Bug From A Movie Theater?

Bed bugs are pesky little bugs that no one likes to deal with. They multiply at supersonic speeds, taking over your house and causing a fully fledged infestation in just a few days. They hide during the day and come out at night to feast on the blood of people sleeping in the infested areas. Furthermore, they are not only resilient and hard to kill but getting rid of these tiny biters can also take a toll on your wallet!

Bed bug

Keeping this in mind, it is best to prevent the bed bug infestation from breaking out in the first place. In order to keep bed bugs from infiltrating in your house, first, it is important to know the common sources of bed bug infestations. Where do these pesky insects come from anyway?

Well, you may already know that, in most cases, bed bugs get inside your house through luggage or when you purchase second-hand items like a mattress, furniture, etc. However, did you know that you can get bed bugs from a movie theater?

Yes! As shocking or revolting as it might be, it is possible to get bed bugs from a movie theater! In fact, in recent years, a number of movie theaters have come under fire due to viewer complaints about bed bugs. Today, bed bugs are found in the most unlikely places, like restaurants, movie theaters, and even retail stores!

The worst part about bed bugs in these places, especially in the movie theaters, is that they not only dine on your blood as you enjoy your movie but they can also hide inside your clothes or anything that you may be carrying. Hidden, they can sneak into your house and cause a messy infestation.

Thankfully, you can take measures to make sure you are never bothered by bed bugs in a movie theater again. Scroll down to read some amazing tips to avoid bed bugs in a movie theater to make sure you never carry any unwanted guests with you from the movies.

A movie theater

Tips to Avoid Movie Theater Bed Bugs

Experts believe that there are a number of ways to avoid running into bed bugs on your day out to the movie theater and bring them home. Here’s what you can do to avoid movie theater bed bugs.

1. Carry a Flashlight

Perhaps, the easiest way to avoid movie theater bed bugs is to carry a flashlight and check your seat for signs of bed bugs before settling in for the duration of the movie. Here’s what you’ll find if your seat at the movie theater is infested with bed bugs.

  • Discarded exoskeletons of bed bugs
  • Bed bug eggs
  • Tiny bloodstains on the seat
  • Dark brown spots on the seat
  • If the seats are highly infested, you may even see bed bugs hastily running around to hide
  • You may notice a foul odor resembling coriander or dirty laundry

Use your flashlight to check your seat. If you find any of these signs, it is best to avoid sitting in those seats.

2. Use an Insect Repellent

Insect repellents go a long way. Generally, it is possible to avoid bed bug bites by spraying yourself with a good quality insect repellent containing DEET before visiting the movie theater. Doing so will help make sure that bed bugs steer clear of your way. Also, it may prevent them from hiding in your stuff.

3. Dress in Light Colors

It is advisable to wear light colored clothes. This is important because while bed bugs can turn on their stealth mode when hiding in dark-colored clothes, it is usually easy to spot them against a light background, making it harder for them to hide in your clothes and sneak into your house. Also, if you can see them, you can keep them from biting you.

4. Dress Wisely

It is also advisable to wear long sleeved shirts and pants, exposing as little skin as possible. The less skin is exposed, the less are the chances of being bitten by bed bugs.

5. Carry Fewer Belongings   

Movie theater bed bugs are always looking for a way to get inside your house. However, you can decrease their chance of succeeding by carrying as fewer belongings as possible. Take with you only the most necessary things that you may need during the movies. Ditch at home whatever you can.

6. Carry Sheets

If you don’t want to risk at all, carry a white sheet with you and spread it on the seat before settling in for the movie. It might seem like a drastic measure, but keep in mind that prevention is always better. You don’t want these pesky insects inside your house at any cost! It is also a good option for those who are allergic to bed bug bites. If you or someone you know has a severe allergic reaction to bed bug bites, take a sheet with you to the theater to make sure that you are not bothered by movie theater bed bugs.

7. Disinfest!

Once you get back, don’t just toss your clothes and stuff around the house. This is important because if bed bugs are hiding in them, they are likely to spread within your house in just a few days. Therefore, take your time to disinfest them. You can use a know bed bug killer like bleach or alcohol or even use a bed bug heater to ensure no bed bug gets inside your house.

While bed bugs might be a problem in movie theaters, we can’t give up on watching our favorite movies altogether! Therefore, follow the above-mentioned tips to avoid bed bugs in a movie theater. In case, you find bed bugs in your seat, don’t hesitate to call someone from the management!

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