Don’t Let Bed Bugs Ruin Your Travel Plans

Whether you’re headed to the beach or an amusement park, traveling is one of the most exciting parts of life. But A1 Exterminators, a local pest control company, warns of the possibility of running into unwanted travel companions – in the form of bed bugs.

“Bed bugs are active all year long, but we often notice a spike in bed bug calls each summer/fall just like the research found,” said Gary Weisberg, Owner. “With more foot traffic during the warmer months, bed bugs have greater opportunities to hitchhike into our homes. Plus, the temperatures and humidity in certain areas make bed bugs more active, meaning they will want to feed and breed more often than usual.”

The 2018 Bugs Without Borders survey also revealed that 75% of pest control professionals have encountered bed bug infestations in various types of hotels. These pests typically hide in bed frames and couches but can also be found in bedside lamps and dressers. A1 Exterminators recommends the following tips to prevent a bed bug encounter when traveling:

• At hotels, pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, for telltale stains or spots.
• 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 easily 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.
• Consider placing 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.
• 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.

“We don’t want to discourage anyone from traveling this year, but we want to advise that vacationers use caution,” added Weisberg. “If you do happen to see any bed bugs in the hotel room, it’s crucial that you report it to hotel staff and switch rooms immediately.”