Whether it’s a family vacation or a business trip, there’s nothing quite like traveling! A few days away from home is always a nice change of pace, and a great way to “recharge the batteries.” Unfortunately, traveling puts you at greater risk for a bed bug infestation in your home. One of the most well-known bed bug myths is that you’ll only find them in dirty, run-down places, but the truth is that bed bugs prefer places where large amounts of people sleep, and you’re just as likely to find them in an upscale hotel as you are in a seedy roadside inn.

Bed bugs are small parasitic creatures approximately 1/4″ in size that feed on the blood of humans and pets. They don’t carry any known diseases, but they can definitely leave you with a bunch of itchy bites to deal with. Our team at The Bug Man, Inc. knows a lot about bed bug inspection and treatment, and we’re here when you need us. The good news is that most infestations are avoidable with a few general precautions:

Inspect bed linens as soon as you check in-You should always have a “trust, but verify” policy with hotels when it comes to cleanliness. Pull back the bed linens and look for bloodstains. But don’t stop there! Untuck the corners, and look at the mattress and mattress pad as well. Be sure to carry a good flashlight with you to that you can perform a thorough inspection. If you detect bed bug activity, you should notify management immediately, and request another room.

Don’t set luggage or purses on the floor-Bed bugs love to stow away in luggage, and when you set anything on the floor, that’s as good as an invitation. Most of the time, if the hotel room has a bedspread, it gets pulled off and tossed on the floor. Sheets are washed and changed daily, but you’d be amazed at how infrequently that the bedspreads and blankets are laundered.

Inspect your luggage after traveling-As you unpack your luggage, take a good look in the corners and other nooks and crannies. It’s not hard to think like a bed bug. It’s also a good idea to wash all of the clothing in the suitcases in the hottest water that you’re comfortable using.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a service appointment, contact us online, or at 501-663-9464.