A recent study conducted by the National Pest Management Association found that approximately 70% of pest control providers in North America report bed bug problems are increasing – with the greatest number of calls for bed bug work in the summer.
Bed bugs are pests that thrive all year long and can be found in movie theatres, libraries, hotel, used furniture and other commonly used areas. We are quickly approaching the holiday season and that means an increase in travels. Unfortunately, this also means that with more bedbugs in circulation, there is a greater chance you will bring them home with you.
How Do You Know You Have A Bed Bug Infestation?
Bed bugs can be found anywhere there is a regular food source. Since bed bugs feed on people, anywhere there are people there is a chance bed bugs will also infest. Luckily, bed bugs do not spread disease – however, they inflict itchy welts where they bite.
Another interesting fact about bed bugs is that not everyone has a reaction to bed bug bites. This makes detection even more difficult and increases the likelihood that someone will accidentally bring bed bugs home with them. Keeping in mind that bed bugs are excellent travelers, all you need to do is bring one bed bug home for them to be introduced into your home.
Prevent Bed Bugs When You Travel
With travel plans, it is important to know how you can prevent bed bugs in hotels or other areas where you may find yourself sleeping, such as camps or Airbnb properties.
Inspect Hotel Room for Bed Bugs
Store your luggage, and other personal items, on non-upholstered furniture and away from the bed. If you use the luggage rack, inspect it for bed bugs.
Pull back the corners of bedding when you arrive at your hotel. Check the mattress and box spring for bedbugs. Focus on seams and black marks on the mattress for signs of an infestation.
Inspect the nightstand for signs of bed bugs, or even bed bugs themselves.
What If You Suspect An Infestation?
Bed Bug Infestation
If you believe your room or your sleeping areas has bed bugs, it is important you immediately let the front desk management know. If you are staying at a camping location or using Airbnb, talk to the property manager. It is important you immediately remove your personal belongings and ask for a new room that is not a neighboring room, or located directly above or below the room with the bed bug infestation. Bed bugs can travel through ventilation, walls and even nooks and crevices.
When You Arrive Home
Dry in High Heat to Kill off Bed Bugs
Even after a successful summer vacation, there are steps you should take to ensure you are not introducing any pests into your home. Remember, many people do not have any reaction to bedbug bites – this means taking preventative steps.
- Before bringing your luggage inside, inspect your bags carefully – especially in the seams and edges.
- Before washing your clothes, place all your garments in the dryer on high heat for 15-20 minutes. Even if you never wore the clothes, the high heat will kill any bed bugs.
Summer vacation is a fun time of year that leads to laughter, adventures and life-long memories. Help keep your experience positive by being proactive to avoid bed bug infestations while you travel and when you get home.
FIND A REPUTABLE PEST CONTROL COMPANY
When dealing with a severe case of Bed Bug infestation, it is imperative you work with a reputable, local pest control company when dealing with Bed Bugs. Having an expert review your home and strategize the best ways to eradicate the infestation and take proactive steps to avoid future problems.
If you believe you may have been in contact with Bed Bugs, we’re here to help! AANTEX Pest Control offers a variety of free inspections and services the entire Bay Area. 1-800-471-5555
Call our Brentwood office at 925-240-5100 to schedule your pest control consult today.