In November 2023, a photo of a suspected bed bug on an Airport Express seat went viral online; the following month, bed bugs were genuinely found on a Hong Kong–Macau cross-border bus, with passengers bitten. Although the MTR later reported nothing was found after deep cleaning, these incidents are a reminder: crowded public transport can indeed be a bed bug transmission route. No need to panic — but learning self-protection steps is genuinely useful.
Before boarding: A 30-second seat check
Before sitting down, shine your phone flashlight on seat joints and crevices for tiny black dots (fecal spots) or brown insects; check the upholstery for suspicious blood spots or dark stains; choose hard plastic seats over fabric ones when possible and avoid worn or stained seats.
Riding habits: Reduce contact
Don’t put bags on the floor — use the luggage rack; hold your backpack on your lap; don’t stuff your coat into seat gaps — hold it or fold it on your lap; stay awake, especially on long-distance buses.
After alighting: The crucial 10 minutes at home
At your doorway (don’t go into the bedroom), inspect your jacket, trouser legs, shoes, and bag seams; take off questionable clothes and wash them in 60°C hot water immediately; don’t put your suitcase on the bed — inspect it at the door first; shower and change into fresh clothes.
What if you spot a bed bug on board?
Don’t spray insecticide yourself in an enclosed vehicle; take a photo to document it; tell the driver or station staff when you alight so they can arrange cleaning; follow the home steps above to thoroughly check your clothes and luggage.
Real incidents (2023)
November 2023: a viral photo showed a suspected bed bug on an Airport Express seat; the MTR deep-cleaned the train and ultimately found nothing. 12 December 2023: bed bugs were found on a Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge shuttle bus with passengers bitten; the bus company disinfected its entire fleet.
References
The Straits Times: Bed bugs found on cross-border shuttle bus (Dec 2023)
SCMP: MTR deep cleaning incident (Nov 2023)
Centre for Health Protection: Bedbugs health information
Further Reading
DIY Bed Bug Removal Guide: 6 Steps