Travel A Lot? Prevent Stowaway Bedbugs In Your Luggage
While bites from bedbugs aren't inherently dangerous, they are annoying since they can ruin a good sleep and cause itchy, swollen bumps. If you travel a lot, it's more likely that you will come across bedbugs at some point. Here are some tips to help you avoid bringing these pests back home with you.
Use a Luggage Rack
Some people lay out their suitcases on the bed when they are packing and unpacking. However, this is an easy way for pests to get onto your bedding. Invest in a fold-out luggage rack and set your suitcases on it when you are packing for your trips. Some luggage racks are portable, but if you need to use one on the road, there are many hotels that can provide one for you.
Book the Right Hotel
Bedbugs are a nuisance because even if a hotel room looks clean, they could still be thriving in hard-to-see spots. While it's a good idea to look at photos of your hotel room, look at websites that have bedbug databases. These databases list hotels where bedbugs have been spotted in the past.
If you are traveling outside of North America, you may want to download an app on your phone to check out hotels abroad and to get the most up-to-date information.
Take Note of Where Your Belongings Are Lying
Keep in mind that bedbugs don't just hide out in bedsheets. They can be in carpets and upholstered furniture. If you are bringing computer bags, purses, clothes, etc. on your trip, then these items need to stay off the floors. If you need to set these items down for a moment, make sure they are set on tables or draped over wooden chairs. If you want to be hypervigilant, you may want to bring your belongings in plastic pouches that can be sealed shut.
Throw Everything in the Wash
When you return from your trip, you may be tempted to dump all of your clothes into a hamper. Instead, put all your clothes into the washer and then the dryer. High heat from the dryer can kill eggs and all life stages of bedbugs.
Choose the Right Colors for Your Bedding and Luggage
CNN reported a study that found that bedbugs are actually attracted to certain colors. They really like black and dark red, but they aren't as interested in yellow or white. If you want to deter bedbugs from laying eggs in your luggage, you may want to invest in suitcases with lighter, brighter tones.
Contact an Exterminator at the First Sign of Trouble
Even if you are careful, bedbugs may still come back home with you. If you see bumps on your skin, be sure to get some hydrocortisone cream to help ease your symptoms. Be sure to strip your bedding and disinfect your sheets. You'll want to contact a bedbug exterminator as soon as you can so that the bed bugs don't have a chance to lay eggs and cause an infestation.
The exterminator will inspect your room and other places with signs of bedbugs. For instance, he or she may notice dark spots on carpets, which can be a sign of bedbug bleeding or excrement.
Once rooms are inspected, the exterminator will choose the appropriate solution. For instance, many exterminators can spray a chemical that will rapidly freeze any bugs and eggs. The pests can then be vacuumed up. To prevent future issues, your exterminator could also install a mattress encasement. These encasements have fabric that is treated to prevent allergens and pests. It's safe for humans, but it will deter bedbugs and other pests, like dust mites.
Don't let bedbegs be an annoyance on your travels. Contact an exterminator in your area today for more information on eradicating bedbugs.
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