I found one bed bug. Does that mean there are more?

by Debra L.
(Pinellas Park, FL)

If you find one bed bug, does that mean there are more, or could it have been brought in by a neighbor? Several residents here, including me, had bed bugs and were treated with heat. It's been fine until I found one on my pillow this morning.

Editor Response

Hi Debra,

Not necessarily, but take it seriously. A single bug can be carried in from a neighbor's unit or on belongings, but early infestations are easy to miss, and careful visual checks find only about half of light infestations. Save the bug in a small vial of rubbing alcohol so the company can confirm it, tell your landlord and the company that did the heat treatment, and ask whether follow-up is included. Put interceptor cups under the bed legs and check them weekly; they're one of the best ways to catch a light infestation. Check the mattress seams, box spring, bed frame and headboard closely. Our guide to the signs of bed bugs shows what to look for.