10 Tips to Avoid Bed Bugs While Traveling
1) Bed bugs can hitch a ride on your luggage.
Pack collapsible luggage that can be stuffed into the dryer.
Heat kills them.
You'll want to run the dryer for 30 minutes to get rid of any unwanted guests on your suitcase.
2) Beware of where you set your luggage.
While there haven't been reports of bed bugs on airplanes, people have spotted these critters at airports near baggage claims.
Be mindful of where you set your luggage.
3) Don't set your purse, laptop bag, and other carry-on items on the ground at the airport, as these luggage areas and waiting areas are suspect to having them.
You don't want them boarding the airplane with you and passing them along to other passengers.
This applies to blankets and sweatshirts too, which people like to wear as they travel on cold planes.
4) Bring your flashlight with you when you travel so you can thoroughly inspect your hotel room upon arriving.
If you really want to be safe, try a magnifying glass too.
5) When you first arrive, don't set your suitcase on the floor, place it in the closet, or put it on your bed.
Place it on a chair to lessen the likelihood that it will contract them.
Keep your suitcase on the chair throughout your trip.
The same applies to your purse and other luggage.
6) Using your flashlight that you've packed, thoroughly inspect your hotel room once you arrive.
You'll want to shine the flashlight on your comforter (they like to hide along the seams), chairs, curtains, and the floor.
Don't forget your headboard and night stand.
Check behind them.
Check underneath everything.
Check mattresses too, and along the box springs.
7) Check rental cars and taxi cabs that you step into.
Granted with taxi cabs, you don't have much time to inspect them, but given the number of people sitting in those vehicles every day, there are chances bugs can be there.
Don't sit in vehicles that aren't clean.
When it comes to a rental car, you have more time to inspect the vehicle and can even vacuum it when you pick it up.
When it gets hot outside, before sure to check your trunk and under your spare tire - their favorite hiding places.
8) Any clothing items that you wear more than once, such as sweatshirts, you should wash in hot water and dry them to avoid transporting them.
9) Once you get home, you should immediately wash all clothes and luggage in hot water and put it in the dryer for 30 minutes.
In the dryer, place on high heat - 130-165 degrees, which is about what it will take to kill these critters.
10) If you suspect you've brought bed bugs home with you, contact a pest control professional who specializes in extermination.
Pack collapsible luggage that can be stuffed into the dryer.
Heat kills them.
You'll want to run the dryer for 30 minutes to get rid of any unwanted guests on your suitcase.
2) Beware of where you set your luggage.
While there haven't been reports of bed bugs on airplanes, people have spotted these critters at airports near baggage claims.
Be mindful of where you set your luggage.
3) Don't set your purse, laptop bag, and other carry-on items on the ground at the airport, as these luggage areas and waiting areas are suspect to having them.
You don't want them boarding the airplane with you and passing them along to other passengers.
This applies to blankets and sweatshirts too, which people like to wear as they travel on cold planes.
4) Bring your flashlight with you when you travel so you can thoroughly inspect your hotel room upon arriving.
If you really want to be safe, try a magnifying glass too.
5) When you first arrive, don't set your suitcase on the floor, place it in the closet, or put it on your bed.
Place it on a chair to lessen the likelihood that it will contract them.
Keep your suitcase on the chair throughout your trip.
The same applies to your purse and other luggage.
6) Using your flashlight that you've packed, thoroughly inspect your hotel room once you arrive.
You'll want to shine the flashlight on your comforter (they like to hide along the seams), chairs, curtains, and the floor.
Don't forget your headboard and night stand.
Check behind them.
Check underneath everything.
Check mattresses too, and along the box springs.
7) Check rental cars and taxi cabs that you step into.
Granted with taxi cabs, you don't have much time to inspect them, but given the number of people sitting in those vehicles every day, there are chances bugs can be there.
Don't sit in vehicles that aren't clean.
When it comes to a rental car, you have more time to inspect the vehicle and can even vacuum it when you pick it up.
When it gets hot outside, before sure to check your trunk and under your spare tire - their favorite hiding places.
8) Any clothing items that you wear more than once, such as sweatshirts, you should wash in hot water and dry them to avoid transporting them.
9) Once you get home, you should immediately wash all clothes and luggage in hot water and put it in the dryer for 30 minutes.
In the dryer, place on high heat - 130-165 degrees, which is about what it will take to kill these critters.
10) If you suspect you've brought bed bugs home with you, contact a pest control professional who specializes in extermination.
