Bed bugs are a problem all over the world. It doesn’t matter if you live in a hot & humid or cold country; you can find bed bugs anywhere. They’re small and capable of hiding in any crack or crevice, and it’s nearly impossible to get rid of them completely.
The first step in getting rid of these pests should be to identify where they’re living. That means inspecting your furniture and other places that they’re likely to be hiding. Check behind picture frames, in between bookshelves, and under the edges of carpets.
If you find bed bugs, it’s essential to start by throwing away your clothes infested with eggs and adults because these items could spread the infestation around. Then you should clean everything thoroughly with a proper bug killer.
5 Precautions you need to take on Travel
You can take preventive measures while you are at home. You can keep your room and surroundings clean, check regularly and use bed bug killer sprays. But, what about when you are traveling? You are staying in a new place that you do not have any control over.
There are five things you need to do when you are staying in a hotel on your travels. These will help you prevent bed bug infestation.
1. Check for Signs of Bed Bugs on Hotel Room Mattresses Before You Unpack
When you check into your hotel room, do not unpack your luggage immediately. Check the room mattress and corner of the room. If you can find blood stains or any sign of bed bugs, immediately inform the front desk. Our advice is to change the hotel and take a refund if needed.
2. Look Under the Sheets for Bed Bugs
The best place for bed bugs to hide is under the bedsheets. If your hotel room is infested with bed bugs, then this is the place you will find them. Look thoroughly if anything suspicious is found, inform the hotel front desk.
If necessary, remove the linens and pillow cover to check for bed bug infestation. Often you will need a small flashlight to check them. Bed bugs are tiny little bugs, and it might be challenging to identify them with naked eyes in a room light environment. But, if you use a bright light, you should be able to see most adult bed bugs, nymphs, and eggs.
3. Leave Your Clothes and Belongings in Plastic Bags
Intelligent travelers do not unpack their suitcases unless it is necessary. Only take out the clothes and shorts you are going to wear. Keep the rest of them sealed in your backpack or luggage. This habit will surely minimize the infestation.
Use plastic bags to store your clothes on the locker shelf. It is the cheapest way to avoid bed bugs getting in your clothes.
Also, you can use smart packing cubes for travel. There are several good choices with water and dustproof capability. This will be a lifesaver in time.
4. Minimize the furniture uses in your hotel room
Clutter of furniture in your hotel room is the best place for bed bugs to hibernate. It’s sad but true that you should avoid using hotel furniture when you can. Do not put your wallets or other items in the bedside drawer, do not use the sofa inside to sleep on, or put your clothes inside the closet without a plastic bag.
These tips might seem very unusual, but bugs mostly hibernate in those places.
5. Inspect your own home after every trip, wash clothes and clean suitcase and backpacks
You should check your clothes and suitcase after you return from your trip. Bed bugs do not fly or walk to your home. They travel by hitching rides in your shoes, bag & clothes. In case bed bugs traveled along with you, they will infest your whole house in a very short time.
So, after returning home, clean everything you had with you during the trip and after a week check your house for any infestation.
Prevention is better than cure, but it doesn’t always work. Bed bugs are attracted to warmth, blood, and carbon-di-oxide. According to the EPA, bed bugs are not attracted to dirt and grime.
So if you think that you are staying in a 5-star hotel and there are very few chances of getting bed bugs, you are wrong! They can be found even in a clean environment, and you would infest your home if you do not stay careful.
Simple Tips to Keep Bedbugs Away from Your Travel Bag
Here are a few tips that might help you keep your travel bag from being infested by bed bugs.
- Check your hotel room for bed bugs before unpacking your bag.
- Avoid packing any items that you don’t need to bring on your trip.
- Keep your luggage off the floor, especially in hotels and hostels.
- Prevent clutter and keep clothes in dressers; use a packing cube instead.
- Wash clothes when you return home if they have been stored in the suitcase for over a week.
- Launder or dry clean items such as sheets, pillowcases, and pajamas used on the trip.
- Store clothes in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags once they are packed away.
- Clean out lint traps on the washing machine.
Best way to get rid of bed bugs
You have taken all the precautions and necessary measures to not to infested by bed bugs. But still, it can happen. Then what to do?
A few products (chemical solutions) available in the market work great if adequately implemented.
Here are some of the bed bug killers you can use.
01. Harris bed bug killer
Are you tired of worrying about bed bugs? Harris Bed Bug Killer is the answer to your worries. This revolutionary product is tough on bugs and kind to the fabric. It is odorless and will not stain your clothes and linens. This reliable product needs no waiting time so that you can enjoy a better night’s sleep in just minutes.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified the Harris Bed Bug Killer to use indoors for residential purposes. Just use the included sprayer, and you’ll be able to treat areas where bed bugs are hiding effectively.
02. Bed Bug Killer by EcoRaider
EcoRaid is specifically designed to combat bed bug infestations. It kills bed bugs on contact and provides an extended dry residual for up to two weeks after application. The dry residual is still 97% effective in eliminating bed bugs!
EcoRaider outperforms most top-grade professional products. It is a botanical insecticide with a speedy extermination process, and it’s safe for people, pets, and small animals.
03. Raid’s Bed Bug Foaming Spray
Raid’s Bed Bug Foaming Spray kills bed bugs on contact, and the residual effect lasts up to 4 weeks. It expands in the area where most spray can’t reach and is easy to see. You can use it on mattresses, upholstered furniture, and carpet. There will be no stains.
You might need to check each product label before applying it to your house. There is a specific time and amount to use. If applied properly, these chemicals will bring back your good night’s sleep.
So, what’s your think about bed bugs? How are you dealing with them?
Tips: The American Academy of Dermatology advises that if you experience bedbug bites, you should wash the bite area with soap and water and apply topical corticosteroid cream on it. Also, do not itch the area as this can lead to infection.
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