​​Bed Bugs In Electronics

  • Written By Dan Edwards on December 18, 2017
    Last Updated: December 30, 2020

Bed bugs are tiny, irritating pests that can fit themselves into the smallest of places. Their compact size doesn’t leave many spaces that are completely bed bug proof. If you’re wondering what to about bed bugs getting into your electrical devices then read on to find out more.


Do Bed Bugs Hide in Electronics?

If an infestation grows big enough and the bed bugs feel they need a more secure hiding location close to their food supply then yes, they will choose electronics to do exactly that.

The problem with bed bugs hiding within most electronics is that you’ll usually have no idea they’re actually there unless you’re lucky enough to see one crawl in/out, or if the device begins to malfunction.

How to Get Bed Bugs out of Electronics

Bed bugs wouldn’t generally choose to crawl inside electrical devices, unless a severe infestation means they have nowhere else to go. The heat of a device doesn’t attract them, as it is not a food source – it would merely seem like a safe hiding place.

When it comes to treating any electronic device for bed bugs, extra care must be taken. Electrical equipment is likely to be damaged with conventional treatments, because it is so sensitive to heat, dust and moisture. This means that your go-to bed bug powders and sprays are, unfortunately, redundant for this task.

Other tried-and-tested methods, like freezing the bugs to death, or washing them away, are also eliminated, for obvious reasons. However, there are some alternative solutions to successfully treating bed bugs in your electronics.

Bed bugs will not want to spend a great deal of time inside your electronic device. They are likely to be drawn out to feed eventually. If you are taking measures to treat infested areas, however, the bugs may be sheltered from the poison in their hideout.

CC Image courtesy of louento.pix

A direct treatment can be carried out to help get bed bugs out of electronics. Place a bed bug chemical strip, such as the Nuvan ProStrip, inside a large, airtight bag, with the device, and then seal it. Leave the device sealed for up to a week for the most effective results. This period of time should give the chemical enough time to take effect.

However, as with the use of all chemical pesticides, take care. The chemicals which are used in some of these strips are harmful to humans, and should not be touched with bare hands, or ingested. Ensure you follow the directions on the packaging carefully. If you begin to feel unwell, contact your doctor immediately.

At the end of the period, remove your device from the bag, with care. Dispose of the bag carefully, along with the chemical strip and dead bugs. Wearing gloves for protection, clean your device thoroughly after treatment; this is particularly important if you touch it frequently. Make sure there is no trace of the chemical left on the device before handling it normally again.

How to Protect Electronics From Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are not typically attracted to electronic devices. They prefer to be in areas where they can feed. However, if you do discover some unwelcome visitors inside your electronic devices, rest assured all is not lost.

Bed bugs may be found in devices close to areas of infestations. You are most likely to find these critters hiding in the devices you keep near the bed. Laptops that you may have used on the bed, or alarm clocks, for example.

The best method of protection against bed bugs is prevention. Keep on top of the locations in your house where bed bugs are likely to feed and mate. If you’re taking measures to kill these bed bugs, they are less likely to get into your electronics.

Given these small creatures have the ability to fit into most places, caution is key. Overspill from crowded feeding and nesting grounds will seek new areas to hide in, so keep electronic devices a reasonable distance away. Wait until you know the problem is completely resolved before you start to leave electronics around the area again.

Finally, once the bigger problem has been dealt with, your efforts should help prevent the bed bugs from getting into electricals. These critters will need to look elsewhere for a hiding place while searching for a new host to help them thrive.