Jessica Clark
Taking a few simple steps can help to reduce the chance of bringing bed bugs home from your summer travels. Here are a few basic tips to help you avoid bringing home unwanted critters from your summer travels:
1. Take steps to inspect your living space.
Once you arrive at your hotel, motel, hostel, AirBnB, condo, or wherever you might be staying, take a few minutes to inspect the beds and surrounding areas for any signs of bed bugs. Check the bed you sleep in—pull back the sheets and take a look at the mattress near the headboard. Pack a small, strong flashlight to help you see into crevices and behind the headboard if possible.
2. Learn to identify bed bugs.
In a survey conducted by University of Kentucky entomologists, fewer than one in three could people could correctly identify an adult bed bug. Take a quick look around the internet, and you will find a number of resources which show the size and appearance of bed bugs—flat, wingless, teardrop-shaped critters with tan/brown/reddish-brown coloring, about the size of an apple seed.
3. Watch where you store your luggage.
Store your suitcase on a hard surface, such as a dresser or table, which bed bugs are unlikely to be able to reach (bed bugs cannot jump or fly). Avoid unpacking your clothing or spreading items around the room, if you're only staying for a short time.
4. Use bed bug interceptors for detection and protection at home.
Avoid living in fear when you return home from your travels. Using bed bug interceptors, you can sleep easy knowing that you will have passive, around-the-clock detection and protection.
