It’s almost time for spring break, which is many people’s favorite time to relax, refresh, and make new memories with friends and family. While you plan your itinerary, make sure you prepare not to bring home any unwanted souvenirs, otherwise known as bed bugs. We usually think of these tiny insects as an at-home pest problem, but bed bugs are actually expert hitchhikers, and most people pick them up during travel. With so many people traveling during spring break, these are the perfect conditions for bed bugs to spread. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to avoid bringing them home.
Pack Smart
Avoiding bed bugs starts before you leave the house. Since bed bugs hitch a ride on people’s clothes and luggage, packing smart is the first step in preventing an infestation. Opt for hard-shell luggage, as this gives bed bugs fewer cracks and seams to hide. If you’re using soft luggage, try placing your clothes in plastic bags for added protection. Don’t forget to slip a small flashlight into your suitcase, as it will come in handy when inspecting your hotel room once you arrive.
Stay Mindful in Public Areas
Being the expert travelers that they are, bed bugs aren’t just a hotel room problem. Unfortunately, they can be found anywhere, especially where there are lots of travelers. Airports, train stations and bus stations are often hotspots for these tiny pests, as they hop on people’s clothing and luggage. Avoid setting your bags down on the floor, on upholstered surfaces or near other people’s luggage. Do a quick check of your seat before sitting down to make sure no bed bugs are there that can hop onto your clothes.
Inspect Your Hotel Room Before Settling In
Before you carry in your luggage or start unpacking, take a few minutes to inspect your hotel room for signs of bed bugs, like dark spots, shed skins or live insects. Pull back the sheets and use your flashlight to examine the mattress seams, headboard and boxspring. Check side tables near the bed and upholstered furniture in the room, as well. Taking a few extra minutes to ensure your accommodations are bed bug-free can save you hours of frustration dealing with an infestation when you get home.
Be Smart About Where You Store Your Luggage
When we arrive at hotel rooms, we usually set our suitcases down in the first open area we see. But where you store your luggage makes a huge difference when it comes to avoiding bed bugs. You should always keep your bags off the floor and away from the bed, preferably on a hard surface that’s a foot or two away from the walls. This helps prevent bed bugs from climbing up and jumping onto your luggage. It’s also good practice to keep your luggage zipped and your items sealed in their plastic bags when you’re not using them. Avoid unpacking your items into dressers or other furniture pieces in the room, as well.
Take Precautions When You Get Home
Even with all of the precautions you took before and during travel, there are still a few to take after you get home. Before bringing your suitcases inside, thoroughly inspect them for signs of bed bugs, checking seams, pockets and zippers. Once you’ve finished your inspection, head straight to the laundry room. Wash and dry all of your clothes on the highest heat settings, as heat is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs if there are any. Before storing your suitcases away, take a couple of minutes to vacuum them out, emptying the vacuum canister outside immediately afterward.
Don’t Let Bed Bugs Crash Your Spring Break Travel Plans
Traveling for spring break should be full of fun and laughs, not pests. With the right precautions, you can avoid bringing bed bugs home. However, despite your best efforts, these tiny pests are extremely sneaky and well-versed when it comes to travel. If you suspect a bed bug infestation has started in your home, it’s important to act quickly, as these pests are known for spreading fast and being difficult to get rid of.
At AAA Pest Control, we take a comprehensive approach to bed bug control. Starting with a thorough inspection, our expert technicians use the latest tools and industry methods to evaluate the extent of the infestation and determine the best course of action. Then we use family- and pet-safe treatments to eliminate the problem, guide you on how to prevent future infestations and provide follow-up support. Reach out to AAA Pest Control for same-day professional bed bug control services, including heat treatments, by contacting us online.