Introduction
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are most active at night and prefer to hide in dark, warm places such as mattresses, furniture, and carpets. Bed bugs can easily be brought home from hotels, motels, or other places where people stay overnight, making them a common problem for travelers.
It is important to take steps to prevent bed bugs when traveling. Common signs of bed bug infestation include small black spots on sheets, mattresses, and furniture, and black streaks along mattress seams. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take further steps to eliminate the infestation.
Research the Hotel’s Bed Bug History Before Booking a Room
The first step in preventing bed bugs when traveling is to research the hotel’s bed bug history before booking a room. Check online reviews and feedback from previous guests to see if anyone has reported any bed bug problems. You can also ask the hotel directly if they have had any bed bug problems in the past.
“Hotels should be transparent about their bed bug history,” says Dr. Michael Potter, entomologist and professor of urban entomology at the University of Kentucky. “Guests should feel confident that they know what they’re getting into before they book a room.”
Keep Luggage Off the Floor and Away from Beds and Furniture
When you arrive at the hotel, keep your luggage off the floor and away from beds and furniture. Place your luggage in the bathroom or another area away from the bed. It is also a good idea to invest in luggage that can be sealed shut so that bed bugs cannot get inside.
“Keeping luggage off the floor and away from beds and furniture is an important step in preventing bed bugs when traveling,” says Dr. Potter. “This will help prevent the spread of bed bugs from one room to another.”
Inspect Bedding, Mattresses, and Furniture for Signs of Bed Bugs
Before settling into your hotel room, inspect the bedding, mattresses, and furniture for signs of bed bugs. Look for small black spots on sheets, mattresses, and furniture. You should also examine mattress seams for black streaks, which could indicate the presence of bed bugs.
“It is important to inspect the room thoroughly before settling in,” says Dr. Potter. “If you spot any signs of bed bugs, take further steps to eliminate the infestation.”
Use Plastic Sealable Bags to Store Clothing and Other Items
Using plastic sealable bags is another way to prevent bed bugs when traveling. Place clothes and other items in sealable plastic bags and store them in an area away from the bed. This will help keep bed bugs away from your belongings.
“Using sealable plastic bags is an effective way to protect your clothing and other items from bed bugs,” says Dr. Potter. “It’s also a good idea to avoid storing luggage or other items on the bed.”
Vacuum Out Suitcases and Other Items Before Returning Home
Before returning home from your trip, vacuum out suitcases and other items. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag outside immediately after vacuuming to prevent the spread of bed bugs.
“Vacuuming is an important step in preventing bed bugs from spreading,” says Dr. Potter. “Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag outside immediately to ensure that no bed bugs remain.”
Dry Clean or Wash All Clothing in Hot Water When Returning Home
When returning home from your trip, it is important to dry clean or wash all clothing in hot water. Use hot water when washing and drying clothing to ensure that any bed bugs are killed.
“Washing and drying clothing in hot water is an effective way to kill bed bugs,” says Dr. Potter. “It’s also important to dry clean any items that cannot be washed in hot water.”
Conclusion
Bed bugs can easily be brought home from hotels, motels, or other places where people stay overnight. To prevent bed bugs when traveling, it is important to research the hotel’s bed bug history before booking a room, keep luggage off the floor and away from beds and furniture, inspect bedding, mattresses, and furniture for signs of bed bugs, use plastic sealable bags to store clothing and other items, vacuum out suitcases and other items before returning home, and dry clean or wash all clothing in hot water when returning home. If you spot any signs of bed bugs, take further steps to eliminate the infestation.
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