Bed bugs in movie theaters: what you need to know

Movie theaters are often viewed as the perfect escape from reality – they offer the thrill of the big screen, the aroma of buttered popcorn, and the ‘slurp, slurp’ of that delicious Diet Coke. However, there is one tiny pest that can turn your magical escape into a reality nightmare.

Enter bed bugs.

Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers. These blood-sucking pests will hitch a ride on just about anyone – no clean person is off limits. They can make themselves at home in the most unsuspected places, including movie theaters. But don’t let bed bugs steal the show! Read on to learn more about how you can protect yourself from these biting pests while in the theater.   

How to check for bed bugs in a movie theater

Bed bugs thrive in places where people gather, and movie theaters, with their high turnover of customers, can become breeding grounds if precautions aren’t taken.

Before you even think about getting cozy in that movie theater seat, save your future-self some trouble and take a few minutes to inspect it for any signs of bed bugs. Bed bugs are skilled at hiding in cracks and crevices, so be meticulous in your examination.

 

Where bed bugs may be hiding

Movie theaters provide ideal hiding spots for bed bugs with their cozy seats and plush upholstery. Here are a few of the top places bed bugs may be hiding:

⦁Seats and upholstery: Bed bugs love hiding in seams and folds. Check the seams and folds of your seat, as well as under your seat cushion, for any signs of bed bugs. The introduction of reclining chairs in theaters can make the inspection a bit harder and has increased harborage areas.

⦁Cracks and crevices: Bed bugs can squeeze into tiny spaces. Look for them between seats, along walls, and in curtain folds. They also may be hiding in the corners around the floor of the theater.

 

Signs of bed bugs

As you’re examining your seat and the areas around you, here are the signs of bed bugs that you should be looking for:

⦁Visible bugs: Adult bed bugs are about the size of an apple seed, reddish-brown, and flat-bodied. If you spot any crawling insects, alert the movie theater staff immediately.
⦁Black, red, or brown stains: Black stains could represent bed bug droppings. Though not as common to spot, red or brown stains would indicate crushed bugs.
⦁Tiny eggs and/or eggshells: Bed bug eggs are tiny, pearly white ovals and are usually found in clusters. For reference, they are about half the size of a grain of rice.
⦁Shed skins: Adult bed bugs shed their skins, and their translucent exoskeletons are often left behind as the pests grow.

Since bed bugs are reddish-brown, and most theater seats are usually red or black and recline, it is important to be very thorough when looking for some of these signs, as they may be harder to detect.

 

Avoiding the spread of bed bugs in movie theaters

With all that said, there’s no need to avoid going to see a new movie because of bed bugs. However, there are a few things you can do so you can worry less about bed bugs and enjoy the show more peacefully.

⦁Choose your seat wisely and opt for seats away from walls and curtains where bed bugs are more likely to hide.
⦁Inspect your seat prior to sitting down.
⦁Avoid placing items on the floor and keep your personal items away from other theatergoers’ belongings to minimize the risk of bed bugs hitching a ride.
⦁Limit personal belongings brought into the theater, as this will reduce the number of places for the bugs to hide and hitchhike home with you.
⦁Inspect your belongings when you get home and wash and dry them on high heat to kill any potential bed bugs.
⦁Report any suspected infestations by notifying management immediately to prevent further spread.

By staying vigilant and following these simple steps, you can protect yourself from encountering bed bugs in a movie theater. For more information on bed bug prevention and extermination, contact your local Terminix branch today. Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities.