How to Deal with Bed Buds When Travel

Bed bugs are a major source of nuisance whether encountered at home or while traveling. The most usual way these pests get spread from one place to another is by hopping on to your luggage. We do not want you to start cursing yourself for realizing that you have been inadvertently spreading the pests all over the places you have traveled to, or worse, allowing the bed bugs a free ride to your home. 

#1 Detect the Signs Early

Acknowledging the presence of a bed bug infestation is the first step towards their eradication. Bite marks from bed bugs can be recognized by their reddish-brown color. The fact that they are always in clusters or lines separates them easily from mosquito bites which are more random. Only the parts of the body which are left uncovered by clothing such as arms, legs, neck, face, etc., are usually targeted by the bugs. Be sure to check for a characteristically musty smell or any signs of their eggs, feces, or blood stains on your clothes and sheets.

#2 Look Before you leave

Prevention is better than cure- the saying stands true in the case of tackling bed bugs as well. Be sure to thoroughly wash all your clothing in a high-temperature setting before packing them up. Look for any previously mentioned signs on your apparel and other stuff that you may want to carry such as electricals, books, pillows, towels, etc. Bed bugs are often found hiding in sideboards, furniture, wall hangings, and mainly the mattresses. Even if you have the cleanest and one of the best mattresses for your bed, it is important to cover them up with an encasement that prevents against such pests, dust, and other allergens. Find more @ insidebedroom.com

#3 Pick your Bags Wisely

Picking the right kind of bags and suitcases is crucial to ensure maximum protection against the pests. You may want to pick suitcases that have a hardcover because fabric suitcases are notorious for harboring the bed bugs in their creases. Make sure that the bags are properly closed or zipped and that they do not have any cracks or holes from where the bugs can crawl in. Avoid carrying bags that have a dark exterior or interior as bed bugs love to hide in dark spots and you may find it hard to detect their signs.

#4 Expose them to Heat

Bed bugs and their eggs cannot generally survive in temperature levels above 118°F. Therefore, exposing the bugs to a relatively high temperature while washing is a great way of exterminating them. For the items that aren’t fit to be washed, you may want to try the highest possible setting in the dryer or have them steam cleaned. Ironing your clothes before and after wearing them is also a good way to prevent them from clinging to your clothes.

#5 Check Hotel Reviews

Just because you have booked an expensive stay doesn’t mean that your room will surely be free from bed bug infestation. This is exactly why you should be looking for any such reviews that mention the presence of bed bugs in a room before booking. Once inside your room, look for the signs before going ahead with the unpacking. If you however end up being in a room with bed bugs, the first thing you should do is let the hoteliers know about it so that you may receive a full refund or at least be accommodated into another room without possible bed bugs infestation.

#6 Use Plastic Bags

Plastic bags are excellent agents for isolating your traveling stuff which is why it’s always a good idea to carry them along. All the used clothes that cannot be washed should be put into separate plastic bags before reaching home. If possible, cover up your luggage with plastic encasements to prevent the infestation from outside throughout the journey. Large black trash bags can be used to seal up your luggage and placed under the sun to provide natural heat treatment. Make sure to remove any electricals or other items that may be spoiled by the high temperature.

#7 Chemical Sprays

The use of chemicals is always a last resort because of their possible side-effects but it is recommended when the infestation seems to be getting out of hand. There are several insecticides sold commercially in the market which claim to kill off the bugs. Before using them, you may want to check if they contain any possible allergens or chemicals that are harmful to your health. When in doubt, never hesitate to reach out to a professional.

Bottom line:

Regularly checking your immediate surroundings for signs of bed bugs is almost as important as setting up a good bedroom environment for your sleep. Bed bug bites are not lethal, but they are bad for your sleep, especially when you're traveling because you do not want to find yourself inadequately rested. We hope that by following these easy steps you will be able to travel comfortably without the constant bother of bed bugs.