Itch- and Hitch-Free Travels: Protecting Your Family Against Bed Bugs On Vacation
Bed bugs made headlines in the last year for going on a world tour, or at least for making notable pit stops in countries like South Korea, France and other European countries. However, the small critters, measuring about the size of an apple seed, have been a global concern for as long as two decades.
The only real way to stop them from creeping up on our lives is through vigilant prevention and consistent inspection, or in other words, due diligence. But things get tricky when travellers inadvertently give bed bugs a free ride from one country to another, often without realising they’ve become a victim in the process.
To keep you and your family from becoming unwitting hosts, this article explores how to comprehensively protect yourselves when sleeping in a bed that’s not your own.
Bed Bugs Are Not a Cleanliness Issue
First things first — bed bugs are not only found in cluttered and unclean spaces. These insects are drawn to humans, not dirt, and thus do not discriminate when it comes to the condition of your residence.
From swanky five-star hotels renowned for their immaculate cleanliness to houses we pass by every day, bed bugs can be found pretty much everywhere. This survey by The Sleep Doctor reveals that 20 percent of bed bug sightings occurred within the walls of five-star hotels. What they look for isn’t filth and grime, but our blood and the warmth and carbon dioxide we emit.
The seams and tags of mattresses, couches, bags, clothes and shoes serve as convenient lodging and transport for bed bugs, which come out of hiding to feed.
Classic Signs of Bed Bugs
There are several indicators of bed bugs to watch for while travelling. You can identify them even before they bite, although it’s often the characteristic itching and bumps that prompt people to sound the alarm. Look out for:
- A sweet and musty odour
- Small and pale eggs or eggshells
- Dots that appear brown or black (droppings)
- Small bloodstains on the infested item
- Sightings of oval-shaped and reddish-brown bugs, about the size of an apple seed
- Groups of small, itchy bites on your skin
Steps to Avoid Bed Bugs Before Your Trip
Below, we detail three simple precautionary measures you can take to minimise your chances of falling victim to bed bugs during your trip.
Protect Your Luggage and Items
The prevalence of bed bugs has given rise to special luggage liners designed to safeguard your belongings from their infestation. These covers are made of materials that completely block out bed bugs from entering your luggage. For an additional layer of protection, store your clothes and shoes in sealed bags.
Research Your Accommodations
Reviews can give away to bed bug intrusions even before you set foot into the room. Select hotels and public transport with positive reviews where sanitation is concerned. Remember, even a seemingly hygienic place can harbour these pests.
Pack Light and Smart
The fewer items you bring, the fewer potential hiding spots bed bugs will have to take cover in. This translates to less time spent inspecting your belongings on the road. It can also be helpful to pack clothes that can withstand hot water, as bed bugs can be removed by submerging items in water above 60 degrees Celsius.
Spotting for Bed Bugs While Travelling
One of the most important things to do throughout your trip to effectively protect yourself against bed bugs is to keep a watchful eye. This section highlights strategies to detect and curb them even when they are concealed.
Inspect with a Flashlight
Bed bugs are small insects that stay out of sight in cracks and crevices. Without a flashlight, it can be dark and make them difficult to spot. Some experts suggest that bright light may also startle bed bugs and prompt them to move. Check for their presence in your bed and seat, especially if it is upholstered.
Use Bed Bug Control Products
The efficacy of insect repellents on bed bugs is debatable, but there are bed bug sprays created to target the intrusive insects specifically. Diatomaceous earth is also known to adhere to the bodies of bed bugs and cause them to dehydrate and die.
Place Your Luggage in the Bathtub
Bed bugs get around by crawling, and they cannot jump or fly. Placing infested items on a slippery surface confines them as they struggle to climb on smooth materials. Therefore, setting your luggage in a place like the bathtub can prevent them from spreading until you deal with them.
Keeping Bed Bugs Out When Returning Home
The fight against bed bugs does not end when you reach home. Many travellers unknowingly bring home these pests that have hitched a ride on their clothing and belongings during their journey.
Unpack Outside or Away From the Bedroom
Protect your living space, especially your bedroom, at all costs. Unpack your luggage outside or in a bright and clean place so you can spot any bed bugs and prevent them from transferring to your surroundings.
Clean and Wash Immediately
Wash all clothing and baggage as soon as possible. To completely eradicate bed bugs, use hot water of at least 60 degrees Celsius and soak the items for up to one and a half hours. Additionally, dry them on high heat. Don’t delay doing your laundry as this increases the risk of a few bed bugs turning into a full-blown infestation in your home.
Monitor for Signs of Stragglers
Never be complacent, even if you believe you’ve covered all your bases! Remain vigilant for signs of bed bugs, whether it’s sightings or droppings, stains and shed skins. It’s completely possible that one or two tiny, stubborn critters might have been missed. Early detection can still save you from a major bed bug problem.
How to Handle Bed Bugs as Unwelcome Souvenirs
Perhaps it’s been a while since you returned from your last trip, or you’ve encountered a sizable infestation before you had a chance to react. Even if the measures outlined here offer no chance of salvation, not all hope is lost. Professional pest control can help exterminate bed bugs once and for all, no matter the size and severity of the infestation.
At Star Bugs, we are experts at getting rid of pests of all kinds, including the bed bugs that might have snuck up on you when you least expected them during your vacation. Using eco-friendly and effective treatments, we eliminate every sign of bed bugs and ensure they have no reason to revisit you — even if they became a constant and unwanted companion during your past travels.
For more information on bed bugs, reach out to Star Bugs now.