Going out of town for the holidays? Don’t forget that bed bugs could try to hitch a ride home with you! Bed bugs are commonly picked up on luggage, in hotels, and on various forms of public transportation, making the holiday travel season prime time for a bed bug infestation in your home.
Here are a few tips to prevent picking up bed bugs while you’re traveling.
Do your research before traveling.
It’s important to know where you are going, as well as about the area you are staying in. Are there any reviews for your hotel that mention a recent bed bug problem? You can also check with the hotel itself and ask them if they have been affected by bed bugs recently. If they are not aware of a problem, it might be a good idea to ask them how they keep their facilities clean and free of any pests like this one so that you don’t risk picking up some bed bugs or being bitten while sleeping there.
Keep luggage off the floor and in a closet or on the luggage rack.
When you get into your hotel room, always do a thorough inspection for bed bugs before unpacking. After walking into your room, place your luggage in the bathroom. Then, with a flashlight, thoroughly check along the mattress, box spring, and behind headboards, as well as in pictures frames (particularly wire ones), wall outlets, behind curtains, and on any additional chairs or room furniture, especially along the fabric seams. Be aware that bedbugs can crawl into suitcases through small openings such as gaps between zipper pulls and cracks along seams!
It may sound like overkill, but you’ll be glad when you make it home bed bug-free!
Invest in a mattress and suitcase protector.
A mattress and suitcase protector can be a lifesaver when you’re traveling. Mattress protectors are inexpensive, easy to use, and very effective in preventing bed bugs from biting through the fabric. Because they’re plastic, they’re also easy to clean if there’s any sort of spill or other mess on them.
Suitcase protectors are also worth investing in because they provide an extra layer of protection during travel. Without a suitcase protector, if your suitcase does get infested with bedbugs, then it won’t take long for those pesky critters to infest your home.
Wash and dry all laundry when you return home.
While in your hotel room, avoid leaving your clothes on the floor or stuffed in drawers. Bed bugs can hide in your luggage, so make sure to place your luggage away from the bed and hang up all clothing when you get home.
You should also wash and dry all clothing when you return home, including luggage, sheets, and towels. Use hot water and hot dryer settings for clothes that can be washed at high temperatures.
Knock Out Bed Bugs This Holiday Season
Despite the inherent threat of bed bug infestations while traveling, you can have a fun, peaceful holiday trip without bringing bed bugs into your home if you follow these tips.
For additional peace of mind from bed bugs, call (800) 244-PEST for a bed bug inspection from Knockout Pest Control.
