Summer is a great time to take a break, whether it’s a vacation, a road trip, or a getaway with family or friends. But while you’re out making memories, the last thing you want is to bring bed bugs back home with you.
These tiny pests are sneaky. They can easily hitch a ride in your luggage or clothes without you even noticing. The good news is that with a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce your chances of taking them home.
What to Know About Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, flat, brown insects that feed on human blood, usually at night. They hide in places like mattresses, box springs, headboards, furniture, and cracks in walls. While they don’t spread disease, their bites can cause itching, irritation, and allergic reactions in some people.
It doesn’t matter how clean or expensive a place is. Bed bugs can show up anywhere, from budget motels to luxury hotels. They spread mainly through human movement, which is why travel increases the risk of encountering them.
How to Protect Yourself While Traveling
Do a Little Research Before Booking
Choose places with solid reviews and ask if they have a bed bug prevention plan. It’s okay to ask if rooms are inspected regularly or if they use things like mattress covers designed to block pests.
Check the Room First
When you arrive, don’t put your luggage on the bed. Use a flashlight to inspect the mattress seams, headboard, and nearby furniture for signs of bugs or small dark spots. If you see anything suspicious, request a different room that is not next to the one you were given.
Keep Your Things Protected
Keep clothes in your suitcase and store the suitcase on a luggage rack, away from the bed or walls. Keep bags zipped when not in use.
After You Get Home
Wash Clothes Right Away
Put all travel clothes in a plastic bag until you can wash them. Use hot water and a high-heat dryer setting to kill any bugs that may have come along for the ride.
Check Your Bags
Inspect your luggage thoroughly, especially the seams, zippers, and pockets. Do this in a well-lit area, ideally on a hard surface like a garage or bathroom floor, where bugs would be easier to spot.
Try White Sheets for a While
For a week or two after your trip, use white or light-colored bedding. It’s easier to notice any bed bug droppings or skin casings this way. If you spot anything unusual, act quickly.
Skip the DIY Sprays
Store-bought sprays might seem like a quick fix, but they often make the problem worse by causing bed bugs to hide deeper in walls or furniture. If you think you brought any home, call Abell before the problem gets out of hand.
Stay Aware and Travel Smart
Bed bugs are a hassle, but with a little extra care, you can avoid them entirely. Being cautious before, during, and after your trip goes a long way in keeping these pests from coming home with you.
Travel smart, stay alert, and enjoy a bed bug-free summer.
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