Look out for hitchhikers

We know that one of the biggest pest issues that home and business owners are worried about is bed bugs- and rightly so. Hotels, motels, resorts, etc. are susceptible to these tiny creatures, which is why it is vital to take precautions to keep you and your family bed bug free.

Especially if you’re planning on traveling!

Bed bugs are hitchhikers, meaning they will literally hitch a ride on your luggage and travel home with you. Here are some ways to prevent giving bed bugs a free ride:

• Leave luggage outside the room while you inspect the beds. Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams (particularly in the corners) for spots or stains. It’s important to notify management and leave the establishment as soon as possible.
• Inspect the sofa or chairs and also behind the headboard before unpacking. Change rooms immediately if pests are spotted.
• If you do need to change rooms, be sure that you do not move to a room adjacent and/or directly above/below the suspected infestation.  Bed bugs can hitchhike via housekeeping carts, luggage and even through wall sockets. If an infestation is spreading, it typically does so in the rooms closest to the origin.
• It may be beneficial to place your suitcase in a plastic trash bag or protective cover during the duration of your trip to ensure that bed bugs cannot take up residence there prior to departure.
• After your trip, inspect your suitcases before bringing them into the house. Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly before storing away. By using a garment hand steamer to steam your luggage, any bed bugs or eggs that may have hitched a ride home will die.
• Wash all of your clothes – even those that have not been worn – in hot water to ensure that any bed bugs that may have made it that far are not placed into your drawers/closet.

If you do find that you’ve brought home bed bugs, please contact us immediately for an inspection. 1 800 287 BUGS or fill out the form below.