Tips For Travelers To Avoid Bringing Home Bed Bugs This Summer

Are you planning an end of the summer vacation but are concerned about bed bugs?  Reported cases of bed bugs are on the rise all across the country, but before you cancel your vacation plans, there are things you can do to protect yourself from bed bugs before, during and after you arrive home.  American Pest, a longtime Maryland pest control company, would like to offer travelers a few tips to help avoid bringing home more than souvenirs.  

Before You Leave Home

• Check reviews of the hotels you are looking to stay at.  Websites such as tripadvisor.com and bedbugregistry.com post regularly about bed bug infestations.

• Contact your hotel to determine if they use bed bug mattress and box spring encasements.

• Pack your luggage in bed bug free luggage liners.  

• Purchase a small flashlight (we’ll discuss this later), a bed bug proof laundry bag and bed bug proof travel pillow and pillow case.

• Review tips for avoiding bed bugs on airplanes, buses and other public transportation.

During Your Stay

• Before you enter your hotel room, inspect it!  This is why you brought along a small flashlight.  It will help you clearly and easily view every possible hiding place for bed bugs including: mattresses, box springs, headboards, drawers, upholstered furniture, where carpet meets the wall, in closets and behind pictures.  You are looking for live bed bugs, dead bed bugs, caste skins, fecal spots or dark blood spots.

• If you notice any signs of bed bug activity, contact hotel management and request a new room, well away from the current one or leave immediately.

• If you give the room the all-clear, keep your luggage on the racks provided, well away from the bed and do not unpack your clothes into bureau drawers.

• Store your shoes off the floor, in your luggage liner and don’t forget to put your dirty clothes in the bed bug proof laundry bag you brought along.

Arriving Home

• Before you get in your car or on the plane, train or bus to go home, do an inspection of your luggage.  If you notice any bed bugs, unfortunately, you should leave it behind.  

• If your belongs pass the initial inspection, you still should try and unpack outdoors when you arrive at home.

• Thoroughly vacuum your suitcases, backpacks and laundry bags.

• Wash and dry clothes, even if they are clean, in the hottest setting allowed for the fabric.

Although it does take a little diligence on your part, the effort you put in to thoroughly planning your vacation will pay off when you arrive home bed bug free!

For more information on avoiding bed bugs or if you suspect a bed bug problem, contact American Pest.