“Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” is a popular saying that most people are familiar with. And for many travellers, waking up with itching, welt-like bites is a reality that is becoming more and more common. Hotels and motels are favourite hangouts for these pesky critters because of the constant flow of fresh victims to feast on. If you are worried that you might bring home more souvenirs than you planned, here are some easy tips to help protect you from these skilled hitchhikers.
Use the Internet
Before you book your stay, you can Google your hotel name for on-line travel reviews concerning complaints of bed bug infestations. They are tons of travel sites that allow travellers to review lodging and accommodations—which is good news for anyone wanting the latest stories on bed bug encounters. A quick internet search could save you a ton of troubles and cash down the road.
Keep Bugs Away From Your Luggage
When staying at a hotel, make sure to keep your belongings away from the bed and furniture. Instead, place your luggage—including any bags, purses, backpacks, or other personal items—on elevated luggage racks or in the bathroom where there are fewer places for bed bugs to hide. Moving the luggage rack away from the wall will help prevent bed bugs from gaining access to your belongings.
Inspect Your Hotel Room
Knowing what to look for is crucial for detecting bed bugs. As soon as you enter your hotel room, thoroughly inspect your surroundings. Bed bugs are flat, reddish-brown in colour, and are similar in appearance and size to an apple seed. These creepy critters are extremely elusive, so it is important to check for signs of a bed bug infestation. First, you are going to want to inspect your sheets for bug skins and rust-coloured spots of fecal matter. Then, use a flashlight to go over the mattress, bedding, box spring, walls and baseboards, furniture, and any other places bed bugs could be hiding. If you find bed bugs or any evidence of them, contact the front desk immediately.
Prevent Bed Bugs from Entering Your Home
Even just a couple of these pesky insects can produce a full-blown infestation. So it is vital to do a full inspection of your belongings outdoors in the garage before you bring your luggage into your home. If you live in an apartment or condominium, use your balcony, bathtub, or shower. You can also get rid of bed bugs that may have gotten into your clothes by immediately washing and drying them.
Proper detection and treatment of a bed bug infestation require the skill and experience that can only come from a professional pest control provider. At Solutions Pest Control, we have the equipment and the know-how to handle even the toughest bed bug problem.
For more information about all our Vancouver pest control services and the products Solutions Pest Control uses, contact us toll-free at 1-855-858-9776.