Bedbugs have made a comeback all across the U.S. In fact, according to a recent poll conducted by the National Pest Management Association, 95% of the pest control companies surveyed reported a bedbug infestation within the last year -- up an astounding 70% from more than a decade ago.
There are many safeguard options to reduce the risks of an encounter while traveling. With proper identification, a thorough room inspection, and careful packing and unpacking, you can stop worrying about sleeping tight -- and letting the bedbugs bite.
What Do Bedbugs Look Like?
Bedbugs are small, brown, oval shaped bugs that live on the blood of humans or animals. Adult bedbugs are about the size of an appleseed but after feeding their bodies swell with a reddish color (blood).
Bed bugs do not have wings. However, they are able to move fast along walls, ceilings and floors. An adult female can lay hundreds of eggs in its lifetime, which if left untreated can result in a major infestation.
Pre Packing To Prevent Bedbugs When Traveling
A hard-shelled suitcase has fewer folds and seams where bedbugs like to hide. Pack your belongings in sealable plastic bags, and open only when you need to access the items. Bedbugs are about the width of a credit card, they can squeeze into really small hiding spots. If a crack will hold a credit card, it could hide a bed bug. The softer the space, the easier it is for them to crawl inside.
Before You Unpack
Most people bring their suitcase into the bedroom space / on the bed after traveling to unpack their belongings. A helpful tip is to keep your luggage in the bathroom on a luggage rack until you inspect the room for bedbugs.
Inspecting Your Hotel Room
Bedbugs like to bury themselves in cracks, crevices, and folds in spaces populated by humans. When you first arrive in your hotel room, pull back the covers of the bed and look under the linens, pillows, seams/corners of the mattress, frame, box spring and headboard (use a flashlight for better lighting).
The bed is not the only space bedbugs will hide in hotel rooms. Make sure to check under and around nightstands, lamps and in the folds of furniture and curtains.
What To Do If You Suspect An Outbreak Of Bedbugs When Traveling
If you see one pest, most likely there are more hanging around. Gather all of your belongings and get them out of the room immediately to deter them from attaching. Let hotel management know of the situation and they can find the best solution. When switching rooms - don't accept a room above, below, or right next to the infested room. It is common and easy for bedbugs to find a ride to neighboring spaces on housekeeping carts, friends, luggage etc.
Each hotel has a different protocol regarding pest control. Many hotels will distribute bedbug fact sheets, assure proper treatment of affected areas, offer alternative accommodations, and launder your clothes for free. Discuss these options with your hotel.
When You Get Home
Before bringing your suitcase into your home, inspect your luggage outdoors away from furniture (bedbugs have a harder time crawling up smooth surfaces and are easier to spot against light colors). Check pockets, crevices, and seams before you stow away your luggage / bags. Wash all of your clothes, even if you did not wear them and wash on a high heat setting and dry for at least 30 minutes to make sure you are rid of any extra friends trying to enter your home.
Accidentally Brought Home Bedbugs When Traveling? Call Super D Pest Control Today For Bedbug Removal Treatment.
Bed bugs have an unusually long lifespan and a rapid ability to reproduce. This makes elimination tough. While our treatment at Super D Pest Control is effective, it does require some effort on the part of the homeowner with the process. For a successful treatment to take place, a homeowner will need to prepare their home and furniture before our bed bug treatment can take place.
To ensure your bed bugs have been eliminated from your home, we will follow up with you 2-3 weeks later to perform another inspection and retreat if necessary. Provided all parties participate in the process, we are 100% confident in our ability to eradicate your bed bug problem and ensure they will remain gone for at least one year after treatment.
If you suspect a problem with bed bugs in your home or any pests, call Super D Pest Control today at (727) 433-5310 to solve the problem or contact us on our website here.