Traveling and seeing the world can be great, but if you are not careful, you could bring back a bunch of unwanted visitors. Bed bugs used to be the denizens of fleabag hotels and other questionable accommodations, but lately they have been showing up in 5-star hotel rooms, top-shelf resorts and other unexpected places.
Bed bugs are a special pest control problem, largely because they are so hard to get rid of. If you end up with some of these hitchhikers in your suitcase, you could spend the next couple of months trying to send them packing.
Prevention is the Best Defense
Getting rid of bed bugs is a real challenge, so the best defense is always a good offense. Preventing those tiny hitchhikers from coming home with you is the best way to avoid problems down the road.
You should never assume that the hotel you are staying out does not have a bed bug problem. No matter how much the hotel costs or who runs the hotel chain, these tiny pests could be hiding out in plain sight. The owners of the hotel may not even know they are there, but you should take steps to avoid them all the same.
Tips to Prevent Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are everywhere, and you need a proactive approach to avoid them when you travel. You do not need to stay home or give up the travel you love to avoid bed bugs – you just need to follow a few simple tips.
Start by examining your bedding carefully before you lay down or start unpacking your suitcase. Pull back the covers, check the mattress and look under the bed. If you see anything scurry, call housekeeping right away for a thorough cleaning or a new room.
If you do change rooms, ask the hotel staff to move you to a room far away from the original one. Moving to an adjacent room may not be enough to stop the bed bugs, so get as far away as you can.
When you check out, be sure to examine everything you will be traveling with for signs of an infestation. Bed bugs can make their way into your empty suitcase, and even into your clothes. Check everything carefully as you pack, and look for signs of trouble.
When you get home, leave your suitcases and other travel supplies outside for a day or two before bringing them in your home. Give everything you bring in one final inspection before bringing it inside, and watch for the telltale signs of bed bugs even after you are back home.
Bed bugs are a growing problem, and an all too common pest control challenge. Getting rid of these tiny hitchhikers can be tough, so do yourself a favor and make sure you do not bring any visitors home from your trip.
