We love going to new places and having adventures, but there’s one thing about travelling that can be pretty scary: the chance of getting bed bugs. These tiny pests are known to hitchhike on bags, clothes, and even people. This makes hotels and other places to stay a likely place for them to spread. Here are some important steps to take when travelling to avoid bed bugs so you don’t bring them home with you.
Do your homework:
Before you book a room, take the time to read reviews and find out if the hotel has ever had problems with pests. People often talk honestly about their experiences with bed bugs at different places on websites and travel groups. This can help you make a smart choice and choose a place to stay that has a good reputation.
Smart Packing:
Choose hard-shell suitcases and bags with smooth sides to pack your things in. Bed bugs have a hard time sticking to these things, unlike cotton bags, which have lots of places for them to hide. Also, think about using luggage liners or plastic bags to keep pests from getting into your clothes and other things.
Look around your room:
When you get to your hotel room, look it over carefully before you unpack. Start by putting your bags in the bathroom, which is a place where bed bugs are less likely to be. Then, look for signs of these bugs, like reddish-brown spots or small black dots, on the mattress, sheets, and headboard. Bed bugs like to hide in cracks and seams, so don’t forget to look there.
Get Your Baggage Up:
If you can, put your bags on a suitcase rack to keep them off the floor. Bed bugs like to move up, so keeping your stuff off the ground makes it less likely that they will get into your bag.
Use covers to protect:
You might want to bring your own cushion covers and pillow cases that protect against bed bugs. These covers make a barrier between you and the bedding. This makes it less likely that you’ll get bitten by bed bugs and stops any hitchhikers from getting into your bags.
Don’t open things:
Use sealed plastic bags or packing cubes to store your clothes and other things. This will not only help you keep your things in order, but it will also protect you from bed bugs in a different way.
Don’t buy furniture you don’t need:
Don’t put your things on the hotel room’s cushioned furniture. Instead, choose desks or tables that do not have cushions. These are places where bed bugs are less likely to hide.
Be careful when you buy souvenirs:
Be careful when shopping for gifts not to bring things into your home without first checking them out. Bed bugs can travel with you on clothes, bags, and other things you buy on your trip.
Check Your Things Before You Come Back:
Before you leave your room, look over everything you brought with you, including your clothes, shoes, and gifts. This will help make sure that you don’t bring bed bugs home with you by accident.
Wash and vacuum when you get back:
When you get back home, wash your clothes in hot water and give your bags a good vacuuming. This will kill any bed bugs that might have come along for the ride.
In the end, avoiding bed bugs while travelling requires being careful, being ready, and packing smart. By taking these important steps, you can lower the chance of running into bed bugs on your travels and keep these unwanted pests away from your home. Have a good trip!
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