Vacation season is here! Whether you’re traveling across the state, country, or even world, it’s important to be mindful of one particular hitchhiking pest you may unknowingly pick up during your travels—the bed bug. We’re breaking down how to avoid bed bugs during to make sure you don’t end up with an unwanted bed bug infestation in your home once you’re back.
Think of all of the new places and modes of transportation you take on an average trip, whether that’s staying in a hotel, using rideshare services, or riding on public transportation. Despite their name, which might lead you to believe bed bugs are only found in beds, they can actually be found in all of the places we mentioned…and more.
Bed bugs congregate in areas where humans congregate, and some of the most common places you’ll encounter them are in hotel rooms and on public transportation. This is because bedbugs, as mentioned, are hitchhikers; essentially, they’ll latch on to clothes, shoes, suitcases, or other bags, then make their way into whatever place those items land. So, if you’re taking a bus while traveling, for example, and there happen to be bed bugs in the empty seat where you sit your luggage, the bed bug, hypothetically could latch onto your bag which you unknowingly introduce back into your home. Before you know it, you could be dealing with a bed bug infestation, seemingly out of nowhere.
Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?
Bed bugs are experts at hiding, which is part of the reason they spread so quickly…they’re often undetected until it’s too late. Some of the most common areas where you might see bed bugs are inside box springs, mattress seams, behind baseboards, inside electrical switch plates, in photo frames, in the cracks and crevices of walls, headboards, and couches.
How to Prevent a Bed Bug Infestation While Traveling
Getting bed bugs while traveling can be quite common due to their hitchhiking nature and their ability to hide in various places. Here’s how it typically happens:
- Staying in Infested Accommodations: Bed bugs are often found in hotels, hostels, motels, and even upscale accommodations. They can hide in mattresses, box springs, headboards, and other furniture. Even if a hotel looks clean and well-maintained, it doesn’t guarantee the absence of bed bugs.
- Using Public Transportation: Bed bugs can hitch a ride on your luggage or clothing when you use public transportation such as buses, trains, and planes. They can infest seats, upholstery, and carpets in these vehicles.
- Bringing Infested Items Home: If you stay in an infested accommodation or come into contact with bed bugs during your travels, they can latch onto your belongings. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily hide in luggage, bags, clothing, and even electronic devices.
- Visiting Public Spaces: Bed bugs can also be found in public spaces such as movie theaters, libraries, restaurants, and retail stores. If you come into contact with infested furniture or items in these places, you could unknowingly transport bed bugs back to your home.
To prevent bringing bed bugs home while traveling, it’s essential to:
- Thoroughly inspect your accommodation for signs of bed bugs before unpacking.
- Use hard-shelled luggage to reduce hiding places for bed bugs.
- Check your clothing and belongings for any signs of bed bugs before leaving a potentially infested area.
- Wash and dry your clothing on high heat after traveling to kill any bed bugs or eggs that may be present.
- Be cautious when using public transportation and avoid placing your belongings directly on upholstered seats or carpets.
- If you suspect you’ve been exposed to bed bugs during your travels, carefully inspect your belongings and consider seeking professional pest control services if an infestation is suspected.
Dealing with Bed Bugs? Call Eco Friendly Pest Control
If you think you may have a bed bug infestation, our team of trained technicians is here to help—give our team a call at 9029295500 for a bed bug inspection.
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