Who in Flushing NY doesn’t love traveling? You get to stay in a new place, escape from extreme weather, see new sights, experience different cultures, and adventure or relax to your heart’s content. Most vacationers bring home souvenirs for themselves or friends and family, and the last type of souvenir anyone wants is bed bugs.
How to Identify Bed Bugs
The first step in prevention is knowing how to identify the problem. No matter the amount of money spent, when you’re traveling you risk exposure to these nasty pests who have a preference for human blood and a propensity for infesting vacation accommodations. Here are some ways you can identify them:
- Eggs, nymphs, and adult bed bugs are all visible to the naked eye
- Reddish-brown in color
- Eat only human and sometimes mammal blood
- Live in groups near where humans sleep or rest for extended periods
- Bites often go undetected until they start to itch, can appear in a row/line, and may cause an allergic reaction
- Nocturnal
- Can live for a year – or longer! – without a meal
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
Staying in a bed that’s not your own can be difficult enough, without the added anxiety of these bloodsucking hitchhikers. There are a few measures you can take to protect yourself and your property:
- Luggage choice: If possible, use a hard surface luggage option over a fabric one – this provides fewer access points. Go with light-colored luggage over black to better spot potential bed bugs.
- Luggage storage: When you first enter the room, place your luggage in the bathroom (this is the least likely place bed bugs will be). After inspecting, keep luggage off the ground and away from potential contamination by keeping it in the bathroom, on a hard surface, or on the luggage rack provided by most hotels.
- Inspect the Bed and Furniture: Lift the sheets and inspect along the seams at the corners of the mattress and bedframe, especially at the head, and along the seams of any upholstered furniture. They live in clusters and leave behind rust-colored spots. If possible, turn the lights off, use a flashlight, and wear gloves.
- Bring a Bag: A large plastic garbage bag, to be specific. You can use this bag to keep your luggage in during your stay, or while traveling on long-distance buses.
- Use Heat: When you return home, pop all fabrics in the dryer on high for 30 minutes to kill any unwanted guests, then wash in a hot cycle for sanitization. Just washing is not as effective as drying first.
Your Partners in Pest Control
With Magic Exterminating you can rest easy knowing our team of highly trained experts is dedicated to your satisfaction. Your local leaders in pest control services since 1960, we know how to get pests out and keep them out. If you suspect you may be dealing with a bed bug infestation, or are seeking preventative solutions, don’t hesitate to call today!
