How to Avoid Bed Bugs When Traveling this Holiday Season

‘Tis the season of travel. Between now and Christmas people will be traveling all over the world to visit loved ones and enjoy the holiday season. Just because it is cold outside, doesn’t mean you can let your guard down against one pest, bed bugs. With heightened travel, you need to be aware now more than ever of bed bugs infestations. Eagle Pest Services is here to help you avoid bed bug infestations this holiday season.

How to Identify Bed Bugs

The biggest thing you can do to prevent a bed bug infestation is by knowing how to identify them. You need to know what they look like and where they like to hide. Here are some bed bug facts:

• Bed bugs are small oval insects that range in color from brown to red. They feed off human and animal blood to survive.
• Bed bugs are nocturnal and will be most active at night while you are sleeping. They often hide in dark crevices during the daylight hours.
• Although you most commonly find bed bug infestations in mattresses, they can survive anywhere in your home. Your furniture, clothes, carpeting; none of these places are safe.
• Bed bugs do not transmit any diseases to humans even though they feed off their blood. Their bite isn’t a threat, but can be extremely irritating.
• In order to keep an eye out for bed bugs, you should be looking for fecal matter, and skin casings in the cracks and crevices of your bed and other upholstered furniture.

How to Prepare for Bed Bug Free Travel & Hotel Stays

You will want to make sure you have everything packed in your suitcase that you will need to ensure you don’t have a bed bug infestation on your hands once you are done traveling. You should bring a flashlight to give the room you will be staying in a thorough inspection. It is also wise to pack your belongings in plastic, bed bug proof bags that will keep your belongings safe while you travel. Don’t ever store your suitcase on the floor. If you can store it on a luggage rack while staying in hotels, that is ideal.

Check Your Luggage for Bed Bugs Before Unpacking

When you arrive home from your travels, it is a good idea to thoroughly check your belongings before bringing them into your house. You will want to get out a flashlight and check your suitcase closely to rule out any unwanted hitchhikers. You should wash your clothes as hot as possible upon arrival, and dry them on the hottest setting as well to be sure your clothes are clean and not infested with bed bugs.

How Do You Know You Have a Bed Bug Infestation?

The biggest sign of bed bugs will be the irritating bites that you will surely notice on your skin. They are extremely itchy and you won’t be able to miss them. Also, you will want to watch for any visual signs of an infestation as well. If for any reason you think you might have a bed bug infestation, call Eagle Pest Services today to have your home inspected and treated for bed bugs if needed. You don’t want the problem to get out of control before you seek out help. Call today!