As the excitement of summer travel begins, one uninvited guest you definitely don’t want tagging along is the bed bug. These tiny pests are notorious hitchhikers and can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. Here are some crucial steps you can take to avoid bed bugs during your summer travels.
1. Do Your Homework
Before booking your accommodation, check for reports of bed bugs. Numerous online databases collect traveler reports of bed bugs, such as the Bed Bug Registry. It’s also a good idea to check recent reviews of your chosen hotel on popular travel review websites.
2. Inspect Your Accommodation
Upon arrival, don’t immediately unpack. First, inspect the room for signs of bed bugs. Pay special attention to the bed area – including mattresses, headboards, and box springs. Look for tiny dark stains (bed bug feces), shed skins, and the bugs themselves.
3. Keep Your Belongings Safe
Bed bugs are adept at hitching a ride on your luggage. To reduce the risk, keep your suitcase off the floor – use a luggage rack, preferably one that is metal, not wooden. It’s also wise to keep your clothing in sealed plastic bags inside your suitcase.
4. Careful with Laundry
After your trip, wash and dry your clothes on the highest heat setting that the fabric can safely withstand. Heat is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs. Even if you haven’t worn certain clothes but they traveled with you, it’s good practice to wash them too.
5. Inspect Your Luggage
Before bringing your luggage inside your home, thoroughly inspect it for any signs of bed bugs. If you have a serious concern about bed bugs in your luggage, you might choose to treat it with a portable heating unit designed for this purpose.
6. What To Do If You Encounter Bed Bugs
If you find bed bugs in your hotel room, notify the management immediately and request a different room that is not adjacent to or directly above or below the infested room. If you’ve brought them home, it’s often best to enlist the services of a professional pest control company.
Bed bugs are a concern, but they shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your summer travels. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of dealing with these pesky invaders and ensure that the only memories you bring back from your trip are good ones!
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