How to Avoid Bedbugs When Travelling
For 50 years, the only mention most people heard of bedbugs was to not let them bite when going to sleep, said as a joke. Lately, though, the pests have been making a return. While no one is sure why the bugs are becoming more of a problem, some experts theorize that it has to do with the increased travel of humans over large distances. While no one is suggesting that people cut out roaming, there are some tips travellers should keep in mind to protect their possessions and prevent bringing home some unwanted guests.
Know the enemy
One of the first steps in preventing an infestation of bedbugs from returning home in the luggage is to know the difference between them and other bugs. Bedbugs suck the blood of humans and animals by biting them. The bites often cause the host to become itchy, though they usually feel no pain. Characteristics of bedbugs include:
*Adults have flat, oval-shaped bodies
*Reddish brown color
*Long antennae with the first two sections of it being angled
*Juvenile bugs have the same body shape but are yellowish in color
It is also important to know what traces bedbugs leave behind. Infestations can cause a foul, moldy smell and the bugs often leave behind fecal stains that are a bright red.
Avoid the pests
Now that the enemy is known, it’s time to consider ways to avoid coming into contact with it when travelling.
*Check online reviews – Visit online travel websites for user reviews written by fellow travellers. If there has been a remote possibility of a problem it will appear and that particular accommodation can be avoided.
*Search the room – When first checking into a hotel room or other destination, avoid setting luggage on the bed or the floor. Keep it raised, possibly using a table or dresser, and search the rooms for signs of the pests. If nothing is available to keep luggage raised, sit it on the bathroom floor. White tiles and open space prevent the bed bugs from having a place to hide. When inspecting the room, be sure to pull back the bed linen and look in the seams of sheets and even the mattress. Inspect any cracks in the wall and in the baseboards.
*Protection on the move – While some travellers may take all the necessary precautions, others may not, which can open up the possibility of bed ugs migrating from their luggage to someone else’s. To avoid this, travellers are recommended to wrap their luggage in a large plastic bag if it will be transported with other bags on an airplane or a bus.
*Back home – When arriving back home, instantly throw all clothes into the washing machine and vacuum the luggage just to be on the safe side.
Bedbugs were nearly eradicated 50 years ago but have proven to be very resilient. With a little forethought and some prevention, travellers can still have a good time without worrying about bringing home any unwanted guests.
Karen Barnes writes for Bedbugs.org, where you can find more helpful suggestions for protecting yourself from these pests. There are bedbug bite pictures to help you determine if you’ve been bitten, and advice on how to get rid of an infestation.
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