Now that it’s summer, you’ve probably already begun planning your fun travels. What most people don’t plan for is bed bugs. Many people believe that bed bugs are only a threat if you stay in low-end hotels, but this isn’t the case. Even luxury 5-star hotels can have bed bugs. That’s why it’s essential to take proactive measures to protect yourself against these persistent pests. Read on to learn about how to avoid bringing bed bugs home with you from your summer trip:
Pack With Purpose
Bed bugs usually find their way into people’s homes by traveling with them on their clothing and luggage. Being aware of this while packing can go a long way. Use hard-shelled luggage, as there are fewer places for bed bugs to grab onto and hide, and pack clothing and personal hygiene items in plastic bags to create an extra layer of protection. Prevention begins with purposeful packing!
Inspect Your Hotel Room
There’s an uptick in travel during the summer months, and hotel rooms see tons of people coming and going. This makes the presence of bed bugs much more of a risk. When you get to your hotel room, take a few minutes to inspect the room before you bring your stuff in. Look out for signs of bed bugs like blood spots on the bedding and shed skins or actual insects in the mattress seams. It’s also worth checking the furniture around the room for these signs, including nightstands, dressers and upholstered chairs or sofas.
Protect Your Luggage
Even if you don’t see any signs of bed bugs, they may still be present, making it important to protect your luggage by storing it in the right place. It’s best to keep luggage off the floor, on a hard surface away from the bed. If possible, use a luggage rack or table that can be moved away from the walls to prevent bed bugs from climbing up and hopping onto your suitcase. Avoid unpacking your clothing into dressers, as this increases the likelihood of bed bugs finding their way onto your clothes.
Be Aware of Public Spaces
When we think about bed bug prevention, we don’t often think about communal spaces and public transportation. But these places can be hotspots for bed bugs, with the volume of people using these facilities. Keep personal items, like purses and backpacks, off public floors and seating, as these are common places for bed bugs to hide. Before you sit down in a public space, check the seat for signs of bed bugs to avoid any from jumping onto your clothes.
Be Mindful When Returning Home
Even after you’ve taken all the proactive steps during your summer travel, don’t let your guard down right when you return home. Instead of bringing in your suitcase and leaving it by the door to unpack later, inspect it before you take it inside, and immediately wash all your clothes. Hot water settings and high drying heat are best for killing bed bugs and preventing the spread of an infestation to your home. After you’ve emptied your suitcase, vacuum it out, making sure to get in all the small creases and crevices, just in case bed bugs have settled in there.
If you’re dealing with a bed bug problem after summer travel, don’t worry—the Omaha bed bug control experts at Pro-Staff have over 20 years of experience in the pest control industry, and are armed with the knowledge and tools to eliminate bed bugs and keep them away. Learn more about our bed bug removal process or contact us online for a free inspection.
