How NOT to Get Bed Bugs While Traveling

How NOT to Get Bed Bugs While Traveling

Here in the foothills and mountains of North Carolina and Virginia, we have everything a person needs. We have the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as the rolling hills of wine country in the Yadkin River Valley. 

Our weather is mild in the winter and warm in the summer. There are exciting cities and charming small towns throughout the area. Many people that leave find themselves drawn to return and once again call this special home.

Nevertheless, absence, however brief, can make the heart grow fonder. Traveling from your home in the Carolinas and Virginia is a great way to see the world while appreciating what we have in our beautiful area. 

Whether you have to travel as a function of your career or like to get away with your family, there are some inherent dangers to seeing the rest of the country and world. 

While you can bring home gifts that commemorate your time away, you don't want to bring home everything with which you come in contact. Unfortunately, bed bugs are hitchhikers looking for rides to their next destination. 

 

They are not especially picky when it comes to finding a host for their adventures. They will simply hop in your suitcase or pocket and head right back to our area. If you want to avoid getting bed bugs while you travel, this article is for you.

Defining Bed Bugs

We have defined bed bugs in a previous post:

“Bed bugs are tiny, oval-shaped insects, about the size of an average apple seed. To live, they feed on the blood of animals and people. You can identify them by their flat bodies and reddish-brown coloring. If you or your family are bitten by bedbugs, some of the potential effects include skin rashes, infections, and allergic reactions.”

While bed bugs are not considered especially dangerous in and of themselves, they are certainly a nuisance. The potential for allergic reactions or infections adds a level of disgust to the fact that they are pests that literally live inside the bed where you sleep. 

They are difficult to see and breed quickly, so getting rid of them is especially challenging. The best thing you can do is avoid them. 

A bed bug infestation is most likely going to begin with you or your family traveling. They will catch a ride in your clothes or luggage and then threaten to take over your home. 

Here are a few ways to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride with you:

1) Search Your Hotel or Lodging

It may not be the first thing you want to do when you arrive at the hotel after a long day of traveling; however, before you settle in, check the room or house for signs of bedbugs. If you see tiny droppings, red marks on sheets or comforters, or the tiny bugs themselves, you need to get a room transfer immediately. 

2) Do Not Unpack Until You Have Inspected Everything

If you unpack before you have inspected thoroughly for bed bugs, you are inviting them to latch onto your clothing and climb into your luggage. 

Make sure you and your family wait until the room or building has been inspected before unpacking begins.

3) Avoid Putting Your Clothing Directly on the Bed

Even if you are fairly certain there is no obvious evidence of bed bugs; it is still a good idea to avoid putting any clothing or luggage directly on beds and furniture. 

4) Cover Your Luggage 

Sometimes, you want to know you have extra protection against bed bugs. You might consider covering your bags with plastic to provide an additional barrier against these tiny hitchhikers. 

5) Vacuum Your Suitcase Upon Returning Home

When you return from a long trip, the last thing you want to do is plug in the vacuum cleaner. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to vacuum your luggage after traveling. Make sure you throw away the bag outside of your home. 

6) Wash All Clothes in Hot Water 

We all want to believe our laundry can wait until the day after we return from traveling. However, washing clothes is one of the most important things you can do to prevent a bed bug infestation. 

7) Watch for Signs of Bedbugs at Home

In the days following your trip, keep an eye out for the signs of bed bugs. Check all sheets and clothing for even a single sign of bed bugs.

What to Do if You Have Bed Bugs

Sometimes, bed bugs can be difficult or almost impossible to avoid. If you get them, don’t panic; call the team here at Rid-A-Bug. We have the experience and expertise to thoroughly eradicate bed bugs from your home

If you see the first sign of infestation, do not wait for it to get worse. They will not go away on their own. Contact Rid-A-Bug immediately for fast and efficient extermination.