Check out our bed bug Travel Tips from the Pro’s at G&H.
A fact about bed bugs is they love to travel and they are very good at it. They have traveled all over the world, hitching rides on luggage and personal belongings. Just about any transportation you can think of bed bugs have been a passenger, taking planes, ships, trains, buses, rental cars, you name it. Bed bugs are not picky about who they travel with.
If you plan on traveling this summer, vacationing without bed bugs is the way to do it! Bed bugs can be picked up in hotel rooms and you may not know it till they’ve made themselves at home in your own bed. Bed bugs can be tricky in the way that some people will not have the typical reaction to a bed bug bit, allowing the situation to go unnoticed for a longer period.
While you’re getting ready for your trip, G&H suggests packing a small flashlight to help investigate your hotel bed and other areas around the room. Remember to start checking out the room as soon as you get there. You can start by not setting your luggage on the bed, instead set it on a hard surface such as the bathroom counter or even setting it in the bathtub while you check out the room.
What to look for while using your flashlight:
You’re looking for telltales signs of the rust colored spots, and bed bug fecal matter.
- Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, especially the corners
- While using your handy flashlight, we also suggest moving or lifting the mattress to check underneath as bedbugs sometimes will be under the mattress
- Check the head board (this is a common hiding area) and inside of drawers of dressers and nightstands
- Check anything upholstered like chairs and curtains
- Check the edges of the carpet for bed bugs, they can be anywhere in the room, but be sure to thoroughly inspect the carpet edges that are close to the bed
*If you see anything suspect, notify management and change rooms or establishments immediately!! If you change rooms, be sure that you do not move to a room adjacent and or directly above or below the suspected infested room. Bed bugs can easily catch rides on housekeeping carts, luggage, and even through wall sockets.
Remember that bed bugs are not picky and will hitchhike a ride with anyone. After returning home from your trip, inspect your suitcases before bringing them into your home. You can use a vacuum or a garment steam cleaner before putting the luggage up for storage. Using a high temperature steam cleaner will kill any bed bugs or eggs that may have stowed away with you. Don’t just put your clothes into a hamper; take them from the luggage directly to the washer (even clothes that may not have been worn). Wash all clothing in hot water. The longer you wait, the more time they will have to get established and doesn’t take long. An established bed bug infestation is likely to make the elimination process slower and possibly more costly.