Bed Bugs & Travel

Bed bugs are a menace that can be carried back home after traveling. These small bugs can hide in clothing or on suitcases and backpacks, which can cause an infestation in your home. Taking steps to prevent carrying bed bugs back home is the best way to handle traveling in regions where bed bugs have hit hardest.

What To Do

If you are staying in a hotel, you may be at risk for transmitting bed bugs. In January of 2013, ABC News released a list of the cities where bed bugs are most prevalent. In New York, bed bugs are common, as are New Jersey bed bugs. The cities listed include Chicago, Phoenix, Syracuse, and Detroit, in addition to many other cities across the nation. Whether you travel for work or pleasure, being able to prevent bed bugs from coming back home with you is important.

Bed Bug Prevention

While bed bugs are very common throughout the United States, there are some steps that you can take to prevent infestation at home. For example, take along plastic bags to store clothing in so that you can move the clothes directly from the suitcase to the washer after reaching your destination. It is a good idea to wash both clean and dirty clothes in hot, soapy water to eliminate the risk of bed bugs.

Your suitcase can also carry pests into your home. Check your bags with a flashlight before leaving the hotel to identify larger bugs that may be hiding in cracks and crevices. Using a duffel bag that is washable is a good option for short trips. If you do need a suitcase, you can place the bag in a large trash sack that can be tightly tied after reaching home. Freezing temperatures and heat can both effectively kill bed bugs.

Before You Travel

There are several resources that you can use to minimize the risk of bed bugs while traveling. For instance, you can call the hotel where you will be staying to ask about the policies concerning bed bugs. Most hotels in cities with high bed bug numbers use preventative tools such as bed bug proof mattress covers. There are several websites that list hotels where bed bugs have been particularly noticeable. You can check out your hotel before making a reservation to ensure you come home free of pests.

Guests and Bed Bugs

Guests traveling to your home can bring an unexpected surprise when bed bugs are traveling with them. The holiday season is a particularly busy time of year when you may have many guests in your home. Having the Go Green Bed Bug Dogs over for a quick inspection after guests return home is a simple way to avoid an infestation. You may also want to talk about bed bugs and how they are transmitted to family and friends. Talking is a great way to share what you know and can help guests avoid bed bugs in their own home.

A professional bed bug exterminater is your best option if you do notice bed bugs at home. Go Green Bed Bug Dogs is an eco-friendly option that allows you to get rid of bed bugs without harsh chemicals.