Lights, Camera, Action: Combating Bed Bugs in a Busy Movie Theater
In 2024, moviegoers in the United States and Canada bought over 762 million tickets to watch films on the big screen or Imax and unfortunately, some brought more than popcorn through the doors.
Theaters, like other entertainment venues where there is food and beverages and the waste generated from it, are at risk of traditional pests including rodents, flies and cockroaches, but bed bugs usually don’t make the watch list, and they certainly don’t receive favorable reviews.
But when a popular 375-seat theater that was a Sprague Pest Solutions client on a monthly preventive pest control program called about a possible bed bug issue, it was lights, camera, action to verify the extent of the threat and identify a solution.
The theater manager initially mentioned to Portland, OR Route Manager Todd Fowler that several customers reported suspected bites after attending a movie but did not indicate it was an urgent situation. That, however, changed quickly when additional moviegoers attending showings in the same theater, seated in the same rows, reported similar issues with bites.
When Fowler arrived for a scheduled service visit, the manager informed him of new reports. During his initial inspection, he immediately spotted a bed bug crawling on a seat in the middle section confirming an infestation hiding in plain sight.
“Treating for bed bugs in movie theaters is not an everyday task,” says Fowler. “But Sprague is known for its creativity to come up with solutions for even the most unique pest problems, no matter where they occur.”
The Challenge: A Unique Pest in a Unique Setting
Bed bugs are not a common pest in theaters, but when they appear they present unique challenges. Theaters offer ideal conditions: a steady supply of blood hosts, dark hiding spots, and high traffic from the general public.
In this case, the infestation had likely developed slowly over time, growing quietly thanks to minimal disturbance and a constant supply of blood meals from guests.
Another twist to the story was that the theater had installed seats that were donated from another theater. While a direct line could not be drawn between the donated seats and the infestation, it is important to note that bed bugs usually feed every 5 to 10 days but can survive several weeks without feeding.
Fowler’s inspection revealed the extent of the problem: nearly 50 of the 375 seats showed signs of infestation, primarily in the middle and front of the theater. Complicating matters further, the building was older and had a history of other pest pressures, including rodents, Indian meal moths (Plodia interpunctella), and general sanitation issues typical of entertainment venues that serve and store food.
“It’s important to remember that bed bugs don’t discriminate,” says Fowler. “This wasn’t a result of poor hygiene or sanitation. It was the perfect storm of conditions that allowed a few bugs to quickly become a bigger issue.”
The Solution: A Targeted, Thorough Response
Fowler began the treatment program with a thorough inspection, examining every single seat and identifying the hot spots. Over the course of three service visits, which were timed in the early morning to avoid disrupting the theater’s evening showtimes, Fowler vacuumed all cracks and crevices in the affected seats to remove live bed bugs.
Next, a residual aerosol was applied targeting areas that wouldn’t come into direct contact with guests, including where the fabric met the plastic seat backs and the metal base of the cushions. In hard-to-reach locations, such as the underside of the seat bases, he applied insecticidal dust for long-term protection.
Although monitoring, a key component to and pest control program, was not possible due to concerns over patrons seeing monitoring units, Sprague’s targeted and thorough treatments and follow-up inspections allowed them to verify successful results without compromising guest experience.
The Results: No More Sightings, No More Complaints
Since the treatments were completed, the theater has not received any additional complaints, nor have there been sightings of bed bugs. Multiple follow-up inspections conducted by Fowler have confirmed that the infestation is under control. Sprague’s multi-prong and discreet response allowed the theater to continue operating without shutting down and more importantly, without damaging its reputation.
The episode served as a powerful reminder of how quickly a small pest problem can escalate, and why partnering with a pest control professional to resolve the issue is essential.
Key Takeaways for Theater and Venue Managers
For owners and managers of entertainment venues, bed bugs may not be an everyday concern, but they should be on your radar. Bed bugs are skilled hitchhikers, easily traveling in bags, backpacks, purses, or clothing, and are drawn to the very things theaters provide – a food source, warmth, and hiding spaces.
They are also an often misidentified pest and breakdowns in not knowing what signs to look for or not communicating potential bed bug sightings can lead to costly problems for commercial properties.
“Detailing and deep-cleaning seating areas at least twice a year is critical,” says Fowler. “It won’t completely prevent bed bugs, but it will help identify and limit any issues before they explode. Regular inspections and working with a trusted pest control service provider make all the difference.”
In addition to bed bugs, theater environments attract other pests from rodents and carpet beetles (Genus Anthrenus) to flies and stored-product pests like Indian meal moths near concession stands or food storage areas. Sanitation, food storage protocols, and employee training are all essential parts of an effective pest management strategy.
Fowler adds, “Theater owners and managers need to encourage their employees to report anything suspicious when it comes to pests. DIY fixes might seem quick, but they often backfire. Communication with your pest control service provider is key.”
Why Bed Bugs Thrive in Commercial Properties
Bed bugs are showing up in more commercial spaces and for good reason. From office settings and retail stores to hospitals and public transportation, including airline seats, bed bugs are found in very unusual locations, and their adaptability and stealth make them tough to detect and even harder to eliminate.
- Adaptability and Mobility – Bed bugs are very mobile, capable of traveling on clothing, luggage, or personal items. Once introduced, they can survive in a wide variety of environments from hotel rooms and office cubicles to bus seats and break rooms.
- Rapid Reproduction – A single female bed bug can lay several eggs a day if she is able to get a bloodmeal. Left untreated, a small population can quickly escalate into widespread infestation.
- High Foot Traffic – Busy commercial locations like restaurants, theaters, airports, and offices see constant movement. This increases the chances of bed bugs being introduced, and reintroduced, regularly.
- Human Behavior – Long periods spent in shared seating areas, like coffee shops or lounges, provide bed bugs with plenty of time to transfer between guests and their belongings.
- Cryptic Hiding Spots – Bed bugs are experts in concealment. They tuck themselves into cracks, crevices, outlet covers, furniture joints, even behind wallpaper making early detection a challenge.
- Constant Movement – Furniture and fixtures are regularly shifted for cleaning or maintenance, giving bed bugs new places to hide and spread within the building.
- Lack of Awareness – Without proper training, staff may overlook the early signs of a bed bug issue or mistake them for another pest. Misidentification often leads to delays in making accurate identification and designing and implementing a treatment program.
The key to controlling bed bugs in commercial settings is early detection, staff education, and a strategic partnership with a trusted pest management provider like Sprague.