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Bed bug tips for travelers

October 11, 2010

Melissa Hamel

Use our traveling tips to help avoid bed bugs in hotels and othe lodgings

Bed bugs… Just the thought of these biting insects is enough to make a person worry and with bed bug infestations popping up across the nation and right here in Colorado we thought it appropriate to offer a few tips to help travelers avoid bringing bed bugs home from their next trip.

Leave your own pillows and blankets at home.
Do not put your suitcase on places where bed bugs are likely to congregate. This includes on or near the bed, on any upholstered furniture or even the floor.
Use luggage stands to hold your suitcases and keep them closed at all times.
Bring along a small, bright flashlight to help inspect for bed bugs.
Inspect the bed by pulling back the bed linens and checking the mattress. Keep your eye out for live bugs, dark fecal spots and blood stains.
Check on and around the headboard carefully as well as areas where carpet meets wall. Signs of bed bugs will include molted or shed skin, fecal matter and possibly bed bug eggs.
Look inside and underneath nightstands and other furniture in the hotel room.
If you see any signs of bed bugs contact the hotel manager immediately and request a new room that is not adjacent to your current room.
Upon returning from your trip do not bring your luggage inside until you’ve thoroughly inspected it.
Wash all suspect clothing in the warmest temperature that is safe to the material and treat your luggage with an appropriately labeled insect repellent.

No matter where you stay whether in a budget motel or upscale lodgings make sure to inspect for bed bugs. These insects are likely to become a problem anywhere people live or congregate and not because of filthy conditions or sanitation issues. Often introduced on luggage or on guests, bed bugs are not easily spotted and can be a difficult pest problem to resolve if not addressed right away.

View our bed bug identification page to learn more about these blood-sucking bugs including what bed bugs look like and to see bed bug pictures. If you live or operate a business and would like information about EnviroPests’ bed bug treatments, please call 1-888-681-9440 or by filling out our contact us form. At EnviroPest we are Colorado’s cure for creepy crawly things and offer effective bed bug control in the Denver-metro area as well as the entire Front Range.