What You Need to Know About Bed Bugs Right Now (Especially During Summer Travel)
We all count down the days until summer arrives. In the summertime, most people focus on the warmer weather, late nights, vacations, and more time with their family and friends. However, there is an unwanted traveler you should be extra cautious about this time of year: bed bugs.
Here’s the tea. While bed bugs are a year-round pest problem, they’re more noticeable in the summer because of an increase in travel. This time of year is full of people getting their vacations in before school starts back up. And while that’s certainly exciting, it’s important to be cautious when you book your stay. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter if you book a hotel or rent out an Airbnb, bed bugs can show up anywhere at any point.
Our team at U.S. Pest understands how stressful and overwhelming bed bugs can be. It’s important to know what signs to look for, understand how they spread, and what steps to take to prevent an infestation. Let us help you design the right plan for your home or business to keep the bed bugs under control this summer and beyond.
Why Bed Bugs are More Common in the Summertime
So, here’s the thing about bed bugs in the summer. Every vacation creates more opportunities for bed bugs to move from place to place. These insects are most likely found in places where people sleep or spend an extended period of time in. For example, you might encounter them in your hotel room, on a flight, or even on the public bus.
Now, are you ready for one of the biggest myths about bed bugs? One of the biggest misconceptions people often think about bed bugs is that they only appear in dirty places. While we all wish that was the case sometimes, it’s actually further from the truth. They don’t show up for clutter or poor hygiene. Instead, they appear because they feed on human blood. So of course, they can be found where people are.
The next time you’re staying at a hotel or beach resort, it’s always a good idea to stay one step ahead by knowing what to look for. Don’t let the bed bugs bite before your vacation even starts.
How Do Bed Bugs Even Get Into Your Home?
A lot of people might not realize this, but bed bugs are incredibly good at hiding. Unlike most bugs, they’re small, flat insects that can squeeze into tiny cracks and surfaces along the foundation of your home. Instead of crawling directly on a person, they attach themselves to your luggage or other belongings to feed when you least expect it. We recommend doing a thorough inspection of the following items before returning home from your trip: luggage, backpacks, purses, used furniture or mattresses, clothing, blankets and other personal items.
Let’s say you just get home from a beach trip, they sneak into your suitcase without you realizing it, and let it sit inside your home. Within days or weeks, the bed bugs start spreading all around your home, covering your furniture and other household belongings.
As you can see, summer travel prevention is so important this time of year. We want you to enjoy your vacation pest-free because you deserve it!
Signs You Might Have Bed Bugs
As we mentioned above, bed bugs are experts at staying hidden for longer periods of time. Many people don’t notice them right away, which allows the infestation to grow.
Pay attention to the following signs the next time you think bed bugs are nearby.
1. You Notice Small, Red Bites on Your Skin
Bed bug bites can appear as small red marks or itchy spots. Most people get them on their arms, shoulders, neck, or legs while sleeping. Although, the bites aren’t always confirmation that an infestation has taken place. Many reactions to bug bites can look similar, so that’s why professional inspections are the best way to know what’s hiding in your home.
2. Noticeable Spots of Blood are on Your Bedding
If you’re seeing small reddish or rust-colored stains on your bed sheets, pillowcases, or mattresses, there’s a pretty good chance you need professional help. Those markings tend to occur after a bed bug is crushed while someone is sleeping.
3. Dark Spots or Shed Skins are Found on the Furniture
Bed bugs leave behind evidence as they grow and expand their colony. For instance, small droppings, shed skins, and tiny egg sacs on mattresses or other pieces of furniture are all signs of bed bug activity.
4. A Musty Odor is Present in the Home
Not all bed bug infestations have strong odors. However, a larger infestation is more prone to create a stronger smell from bed bug secretions. It’s often more noticeable when the infestation has been present for a while.
How to Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Back Home With You
We know this news isn’t what you want to hear right before a trip you’ve been looking forward to. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce the chance of bringing bed bugs back home with you.
The first thing you should do before unpacking from a trip is inspect your luggage. Avoid placing your suitcase or other travel bags directly on your bed or couch. Instead, we recommend using hard surfaces so it’s easier to spot activity.
If you do end up finding bed bugs all over your belongings, follow these steps:
Step 1: Inspect luggage before bringing it inside.
Step 2: Wash ALL clothing in hot water, even the ones you didn’t wear.
Step 3: Dry your clothes on high heat.
Step 4: Vacuum luggage and other travel bags.
Step 5: Store suitcases away from your bedroom, such as a storage room.
As you can see, heat is one of the most effective ways to fight against bed bugs.
If All Else Fails, Call U.S. Pest Protection
All pests are frustrating. The sooner you identify a problem, the easier it is to prevent it from spreading all around your home.
Our team at U.S. Pest is committed to protecting our Middle Tennessee community with reliable pest control services and complete inspections. We value how important your home is to you and our mission is doing Whatever It Takes to keep you safe in your home again.
If you suspect any form of bed bug activity, don’t wait for it to grow and get worse. Schedule your free inspection and our team will go above and beyond to protect what matters most. At the end of the day, summer is about traveling and making memories, not having to worry about what could be coming home with you.
