Bed Bugs Make No Reservations

Bed bugs are rapidly developing into an epidemic and as many experts have stated, the situation will get worse before it gets better.

Bed bugs are increasingly becoming a problem within residences of all kinds. Even the best resorts and hotels can be susceptible to major infestations that are spread via infected clothing and luggage.

“Simply put, you can never predict where they will turn up,” says Pete Jameson, Managing Director of Dynamic Pest Control.

Pete urges travellers to arm themselves with facts about bed bugs and become aware of what they can do to protect themselves and their belongings.

What is a bed bug?

A bed bug is a small rusty-red or mahogany coloured, oval-shaped insect that feeds on the blood of humans and animals.

They live in the folds and crevices of mattresses, bedding, clothing, and carpets, and can also be found inside backpacks, purses, box springs, furniture, electronic equipment, and other hidden, dark crevices.

How to spot bed bugs

Bed bugs usually leave red, itchy bite marks on the skin and may become severely inflamed. The pests can sometimes be spotted hiding in cracks and crevices during the day and may leave molted skins, faeces and old eggshells in harbourage areas. There may also be a sweet, sticky smell.

How to avoid bed bugs when travelling

For those who are concerned about bed bugs, there are things one can do to minimise the risk of an infestation. Pete offers these tips before jumping into bed:

• Check to make sure the luggage rack is free of pests.
• Keep luggage on luggage racks and off the bed or floor.
• Upon arrival, examine mattresses and seams. Peel back bed linens, examine seams, and check the mattress tag.
• Look thoroughly in and around bed frames. Remove the headboard, if possible, and look for tiny black spots, light brown skins or live bugs.
• Check along cracks and peeling paint in the wall and picture frames.
• Check inside cracks of wooden furniture, especially antiques.
• Scrutinize bedside tables. Look for signs of bed bugs in the drawers and along the wall.
• If bed bugs are detected, inform management and request another hotel. Guests should conduct the same inspection until they have a room that is bed bug-free.
• Inspect every item when packing to leave.
• Launder clothing and cloth items in hot water then dry on high heat to eliminate bed bugs. Seal laundered items inside a plastic bag to prohibit bed bugs from traveling.

Article provided by Dynamic Pest Control