How to Avoid Bed Bugs as You Travel & Stay in Hotels this Summer in Cherry Hill, NJ
One of the best parts of the summer months is having time off for traveling. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends as you experience new places together. One thing you need to be aware of during all of this traveling is a popular hitchhiker that’s looking for a blood meal. Bed bugs are a huge problem as traveling becomes easier and easier. Over the last decade bed bug infestations have literally exploded and become a huge problem for hotels. Ross Environmental Solutions is here to share some tips to help you avoid bed bugs this summer when staying in a hotel.
Stay at a Reputable Hotel to Prevent Bed Bugs When Travelling
When choosing somewhere to stay, you should be sure you are choosing a hotel that hasn’t had recent problems with be bugs. You should check the hotel bed bug registry for any recent reports of bed bug infestations. Keep in mind though, that even if a hotel is found on this registry, they have most likely solved the problem by then. It’s not a bad idea to call the hotel and double check before booking.
Upon Arrival in Hotel Room, Go Straight to the Bathroom
When you arrive at the hotel, you should head straight to the bathroom upon entering the room. The bathroom is the least likely place that you will find bed bugs since they aren’t in search of water like other pests and are quite lazy, preferring to stay near the bed and upholstered seating areas for an easy meal.
Check Your Bed & Bedding for Signs of Bed Bugs
Once you have your luggage safe in the bathroom, it’s time to thoroughly check your bed and bedding for any signs of recent bed bug activity. You will be looking for:
• Blood Stains – Because bed bugs feed on human and other mammal blood to survive, you can often see blood stains and smears in bedding if there have recently been bed bugs present.
• Bed Bug Exoskeletons – As bed bugs grow and develop they shed their exoskeletons to allow them to grow. You can often see bits and pieces left behind.
• Bed Bug Feces – Bed bug feces are black or dark brown in color and can be seen in bedding when they have recently been there.
• Bed Bug Odor – Some people report that bed bug infestations permeate a sweet, musty smell while others say the odor is more like coriander.
Don’t Store Luggage on the Floor to Minimize Chances of Bringing Bed Bugs Home
Most hotels provide luggage racks that you can store your luggage on rather than setting it on the floor. This will help keep any existing bed bugs out of your luggage and away from your clothes.
Check Hotel Furniture for Signs of Bed Bugs
Even though bed bugs are usually found on the bed, you need to check all the furniture for these blood sucking insects as well. Using a flashlight makes spotting these tiny bugs easier. You can also use a credit card to scrape the surface of furniture in an effort to find bugs or signs of them.
Bed Bug Canine Inspections & Elimination Program
If you have unfortunately found bed bugs in your hotel, it is important that the hotel is alerted to keep them from spreading. Whether you need residential bed bug services for your home or commercial bed bug services for your business; we can help. Ross Environmental Solutions offers canine bed bug inspections as well as custom comprehensive elimination programs to successfully rid your residence or workplace of bed bugs. We have the tools, training and experience necessary. Call us today!
