Can Bed Bugs Walk Up Walls?
WouterThe first question you may have is, “Can bed bugs walk up walls?” The answer depends on the type of wall you have. Brickwork, for instance, is the easiest material for bed bugs to climb. The gaps between the bricks are perfect for their tiny claws to grab onto. Plaster, meanwhile, feels more like a rock face to a bug. It’s best to use a smooth surface like linoleum or tiling to avoid their access to the wall.
In order to effectively combat the infestation, use a vacuum with a nozzle feature or a HEPA filter. Be sure to empty the vacuum outside the home, replace the filters if necessary, and be vigilant about the presence of the bugs. You can also use diatomaceous earth or other insecticide to repel the insects.
Bed bugs cannot walk up glass, but they can climb solid surfaces, such as wooden frames. While they don’t use handholds, they have numerous small hooks on their feet, which they use to propel themselves upward. A wall is much easier for them to climb than a smooth surface, which would discourage them from doing so.
In order to eliminate the infestation, you should wash every piece of bedding you’ve brought into your home. You should also inspect secondhand items for fecal spots. Don’t give up thrift stores and consignment stores, but you should take some precautions. You shouldn’t burn your bedding, but you should run it through the wash, and then put it in a plastic trash bag.
