The most important travel tip, whether you are a frequent traveler or just ready to take that long desired vacation, is to make sure you know how to spot the signs of an active bed bug infestation. Bed bugs can be anywhere from hotels, tourist attractions, restaurants etc. to any form of transportation (Airplane, train, bus, boat, taxi etc.). They are hitchhikers and will quickly become a travel companion if presented with the opportunity.
Bed bugs are small, sneaky little insects that are experts at hiding and very hard to spot. If you don’t see the bugs crawling around, that does not mean they are not there. So, it is very important to at least know the basics about bed bugs and how to identify them. The last thing you will want is an unwanted souvenir from your trip.
Listed below you will find a few simple prevention techniques and travel tips to help you from bringing these pesky little insects back home with you. Please visit our Bed Bug FAQ’s page for additional information and to learn more on how to keep your family and home safe from a bed bug invasion.
1. Know the signs of a bed bug infestation.
- Rusty or reddish stains
- Dark spots, which are dried bed bug fecal matter
- Bed bug eggs and eggshells. Nymphs shed tiny, pale yellow skins (about 1mm) as they grow larger.
- Live bed bugs (Similar to an apple seed)
2. Know where to look for bed bugs. Bed bugs are very small and thin which makes it easy for them to hide in the tiniest of spots. If a credit card can squeeze into a crack or crevice, so can a bed bug. Use a bright flashlight, check these common spots for signs of bed bugs:
- Mattress and box spring seams
- Bedsheets
- Bed skirts
- Cracks in the headboard and bed frame
- Between the cushions and in the seams of upholstered furniture
- In the folds of curtains
- Luggage racks
- Baseboards
- Picture frames
- Electrical outlet plugs
- Behind loose wallpaper
BED BUG TRAVEL TIPS
Luggage & Packing
- Choose hard-cased luggage, if possible, as it is more difficult for bed bugs to hitch a ride on rigid materials than on fabric.
- Pack all clothing in resealable plastic bags inside your suitcase.
- Bring along a bright, portable flashlight to help inspect your room for signs of bed bugs.
Hotel Do’s and Don’ts
- If you see any signs of bed bugs, ask the hotel for another room. Make sure the new room does not share a wall with the last one.
- Hang clothes in the closet or keep them in sealed, plastic bags in your suitcase when not in use. Never place clothing in the dresser.
- Do not place luggage on the floor, bed, or upholstered furniture. Instead, put your luggage on an elevated, hard surface away from the bed, such as a tabletop.
- Be sure to inspect the luggage rack for signs of bed bugs before placing your suitcase on it.
Return Home Inspection
- Carefully inspect your luggage for bed bugs right when you get home, looking in all seams and pockets.
- Be sure to do the inspection in a bathroom or area of the home with hard-surface floors away from bedrooms.
- If you see signs of bed bugs, thoroughly vacuum your suitcase using the crevice tool and immediately empty and discard of the vacuum’s contents in a sealed plastic bag outside the home.
- Wash and dry all clothes from your trip on the highest heat setting the fabrics can withstand. Using the high temperature setting on the dryer for 30 -45 minutes will kill all stages of bed bugs, including their eggs.
- Store luggage away from your bedroom and never store suitcases under your bed.
Bed bugs are extremely difficult to fight on your own. If your home becomes infested or you suspect you may have a bed bug problem, call a professional bed bug exterminator immediately for help. Bed bug infestations will grow exponentially and quickly take over your home treated properly.
Call FL Bed Bug Experts now at 813-922-8475.
Call FL Bed Bug Experts now at 813-922-8475.
