If you have ever gone on a fun summer road trip and returned with bed bugs, you know the pain of dealing with the infestation that happens after. Bed bugs can be difficult to get rid of, and these pests are so easy to pick up when you go to unfamiliar places. Whether you are staying in a hotel or couch surfing, here are four tips to leave the pests behind.
1. Don’t put your things on the floor.
If you are staying in a hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or some other place where many guests stay frequently, it’s likely that these pests are present on some scale. Keep your luggage off the floor if you can by placing it on the dresser or a luggage rack. It will help prevent pests from crawling into your luggage from the carpeting. And as a bonus tip, try to bring your things in a hard shells suitcase. The Cloth is very easy for bugs to burrow through.
2. Do some research about the location.
If you are staying in a place that has reviews, do a quick search through the reviews for any mention of this kind of pest. Unless the location has some strong evidence that they’ve dealt with the infestation, any mention of a bug usually means they still have them. You can usually just Google the name of the facility plus the search term “bed bug” and you’ll find any mentions of this problem across all review sites.
3. Don’t settle in until you’ve inspected thoroughly.
No matter where you are staying, this tip can help you avoid getting bugs on you. Pull back the covers and inspect the sheets or surface. Look for small spots that look red or brown. Look for the same thing under the mattress, under the cushions on the couch, behind the furniture, on the fabric curtains, and so on. If you see small brown dots, especially in a group, it’s a sign that there are bugs.
4. Inspect yourself again before you go home.
Before you walk into your home, consider going through your luggage and checking it carefully for the same signs. You can also drop your belongings off at the dry cleaner before going home, or stop by the Laundromat. Put all your clothing and fabrics in the dryer on the highest heat to kill the pests.
Contact us at Viking Pest if you are struggling with this pest in the New York area.
