Preventing Bed Bugs While Traveling

Preventing Bed Bugs While Traveling

The first thought that usually comes to mind when we think about vacations is the fun and relaxation, we will enjoy during our time away. There’s also the excitement of discovering new places or the anticipation of revisiting ‘old haunts.’

We often need to remember that a lot of planning and preparation goes into getting ready for a trip. Plus, there’s a sense of apprehension that something may go awry. It could be a missed flight, train, or unwanted guests like bed bugs in your luggage or hotel mattress.

If you’ve been worrying about little creepy crawlies hampering your fun, keep reading to find out how to prevent bed bugs while travelling.

What Are Bed Bugs, And How Do They Spread?

Before we go into all the details of preventing a bug infestation, you’ll need to know how to identify them. These notorious creatures are tiny and flightless, about the size of an apple seed. They are primarily active at night and found in mattresses, furniture, cracks, or crevices of walls. They are a reddish-brown colour and oval in shape and crawl very rapidly.

The most common way these creatures spread is through infected things and places. Since these insects do not transfer from person to person, they will most likely hitch a ride on clothing items, luggage, or used furniture.

How To Identify A Bug Infestation

If you suspect that you have visits from an invisible friend that’s causing you all sorts of discomfort, check for these signs:

• Red stains on the mattresses, pillows, and sheets.
• Tiny bug eggs or empty shells.
• Dark spots are most likely the excrement of the bugs on your sheets.
• A nasty or musty odour around the infected area.
• Yellow shells or exoskeletons of the bugs.
• Tiny red bite marks on your arms or legs and other body parts are incredibly itchy.

Tips To Avoid Bed Bugs

Packing And Unpacking

Unlike materials made from fabric, luggage with hard cases is less prone to bed bugs since they cannot burrow into them. Also, keeping toiletries, shoes, and undergarments well sealed in proper bags at all times will reduce the chance of bed bugs.

Before unpacking your luggage or settling at the hotel, make sure you do a thorough inspection of the room. Wait to put your luggage or clothes on the bed as soon as you enter the room.

Hotel Policies

You can ask the hotel about their bed bug prevention programs and if they have a pest control company inspect their rooms regularly. A good hotel will be happy to provide the details.

Inspection Of The Room

No matter how luxurious the hotel is, you should always inspect your room first. There may not be a bed bug issue, but it’s always good to ensure everything is okay before settling into your room.

After Care

Once you’ve returned from all your adventures, ensure you check your luggage in a safe area away from your home furniture and living area. The clothes, even the unused ones, should be washed and dry cleaned before you store them away.

Effective Bed Bug Treatments

If these little pests have somehow managed to get into your luggage and clothes, here are some great ways to obtain rid of them:

• Heat Treatment for your clothes in case you’ve encountered them and want to ensure they are free from the bugs.
• Steam cleaning your items will also help with killing off the bugs.
• Pack infected items in a plastic bag so the bugs do not spread to other things.
• Alert the proper authorities, like hotel management or landlords, so the issue is resolved immediately.