Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

by Sarah McClure

Are you ready to travel, explore the world and have a fabulous vacation? Before you do, it's important to educate yourself and ensure your travels are pest-free! One pest that can ruin any travel adventure is the bed bug. Bed bugs are tiny insects that feed on human and animal blood and can catch a ride in your luggage or clothing when you travel.

Bed bugs are known for their bites that cause uncomfortable itching and redness. They are able to quickly reproduce and invade homes and hotels. Because they are so small (about the size of an apple seed), bed bugs can hide almost anywhere that gives them access to their food source – you and your pets. Bed bugs can be found in tiny cracks and crevices, which makes it very easy for them to travel and very difficult to eradicate without the help of professional and chemical services.

One of the first things I do upon entering a resort room or cruise stateroom is to search for signs of bed bugs diligently. I always set my luggage on a smooth hard surface, like tile or wood, never on the carpet or bed. Then I use a flashlight to check the seams and folds of the mattress, inspecting the rest of the bedding and headboard. This means that I pull the sheets out and get close to the mattress. I also scan the furniture, carpet and curtains for signs of an infestation.

According to the EPA, you should be looking for the following:

• Rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets or mattresses caused by bed bugs being crushed.

• Dark spots (about this size: •), which are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would.

• Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale-yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.

• Live bed bugs.

Unfortunately, bed bugs can be found in brand new ships and hotels, and they can be found in the most luxurious and clean resorts. It is important to check every hotel room and every stateroom you visit. If you do find bed bugs or signs of them, it is critical that you vacate the room immediately and take immediate action to prevent them from spreading further. You will need to contact Guest Services and request a different room, preferably one that is in a different hall, section or floor. Make sure you have inspected the clothing you are wearing and any luggage you may have brought into the room.

Other suggestions for avoiding bed bugs are:

• Use plastic bags or protective covers for your suitcases.

• Keep dirty laundry in sealed plastic bags, separate from clean clothes.

• Continuously check your belongings for red spots or live bugs. If you see signs of bed bugs, it is best to seal it in a plastic bag (and dispose of it, if you can) to prevent the bugs from spreading.

• When you return home, wash all clothing (dirty and clean) in hot water and dry on high heat. Any eggs or live bugs cannot survive the high temperatures.

• Vacuum your empty luggage and be sure to get into the corners and seams.

• Monitor your home and family for a while after returning home. Eggs can take 6-12 days to hatch, and adults can live up to a year.

• If you see signs of an infestation, contact a professional exterminator immediately.

Vacations are a time to create memories, take photos and bring home fun souvenirs that remind us of our adventures. Bed bugs are NOT the souvenir you want to bring home. You can protect yourself and your family from these unwanted pests by being proactive and aware. Now, sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite!