Can Bedbugs Spread Between Homes? – What Milton Keynes Residents Need to Know

Bedbugs are a growing problem in the UK, and many homeowners are now asking: Can bedbugs spread between homes? The answer is yes — and if you live in a flat, terraced house, or semi-detached property in Milton Keynes or surrounding towns like Bletchley, Newport Pagnell, Buckingham, Dunstable, Wolverton and more, this is something to take seriously.

How Bedbugs Travel from House to House

Bedbugs don’t fly or jump, but they can crawl short distances and easily hitch a ride on:

• Clothing and personal belongings
• Shared laundry baskets or storage areas
• Second-hand furniture or mattresses
• Through cracks in walls, floorboards or vents in terraced or block housing

In blocks of flats or HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), bedbugs can migrate between units via electrical sockets, floorboards and adjoining pipes. Even detached homes aren’t immune — visitors or neighbours may accidentally introduce them.

Shared Buildings = Higher Risk

Properties with multiple tenants, shared access, or communal areas face a greater risk. Once bedbugs are present in one unit, they can easily spread to neighbouring homes if not dealt with swiftly and professionally.

Why Bedbugs Are Hard to Control Alone

Many people try boiling bedding, vacuuming, or using over-the-counter sprays — but these methods often fail to eliminate the infestation at its root. Bedbugs hide deep in mattresses, behind skirting boards, and even inside electrical outlets. They can survive months without feeding, waiting until the environment is right to reappear.

Signs You May Have Bedbugs

• Bites in straight lines or clusters on arms, neck or legs
• Blood spots or black marks on sheets or mattresses
• Live bugs, shed skins, or a sweet, musty smell

What to Do if You Suspect Bedbugs

If you live in a block of flats or near others, it’s important to act quickly. Let your neighbours or landlord know, and call in professionals who can inspect multiple areas and deliver full treatment plans.

Bedbug Removal in Milton Keynes and Nearby Towns

Milton Keynes Pest Control specialises in discreet, effective bedbug treatment across Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Wolverton, Tring, Olney, Buckingham, Hazlemere and more. We offer heat and chemical treatments that eliminate bedbugs at all stages of their life cycle.

If bedbugs are spreading in your home or you’ve noticed signs after visiting friends or family — don’t wait. The sooner we treat the issue, the easier it is to contain and resolve.

Click here to contact us For a Confidential Inspection and Rapid Treatment.