Traveling is a delightful escape for anyone, offering new experiences, adventures, and cherished memories. However, there’s one souvenir no traveler wants to bring back from their journey – bed bugs. Residents of California are no exception, and the experts on bed bug control are here to help guide you through how to identify and check for these unwelcome pests so your vacation isn’t ruined.
Identifying Bed Bugs
These bloodsucking hitchhikers are easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for. Eggs, nymphs, and adult bed bugs are all visible to the naked eye. They are found in the most affordable and the most expensive of accommodations, so don’t underestimate the potential for their presence. Here’s what to look for:
- Mahogany in color
- Can live for a year or longer without a meal
- Feed exclusively on human and mammal blood
- Live in clusters where humans like to rest for long periods
- Nocturnal
- Leave behind rust-colored spots
- Bite is painless but causes itchy welts and sometimes allergic reaction
Prevention Measures
Staying in a bed that’s not your own can already be challenging, and the last thing you want is the added stress of dealing with these nasty little pests. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to safeguard both yourself and your belongings:
- Luggage Choice: Opt for hard surface luggage instead of fabric options. This reduces access points for bed bugs. Additionally, consider light-colored luggage over dark colors, as it’s easier to spot potential bed bugs on lighter surfaces.
- Luggage Storage: When you enter your room, place your luggage in the bathroom – the least likely place for bed bugs to hide. After a quick inspection, keep your luggage on a hard surface, or off the ground and away from potential contamination. Most hotels provide luggage racks for this exact purpose.
- Inspect the Bed and Furniture: Lift the sheets and carefully inspect the seams, especially at the corners of the mattress and bedframe, particularly around the head area. Also, check the seams of any upholstered furniture in the room. Bed bugs often gather in clusters and leave behind rust-colored spots. Turn the lights off, use a flashlight, and wear gloves if possible.
- Bring a Bag: Pack a large plastic garbage bag to keep your luggage in during your stay or while traveling on long-distance buses. This simple measure can help prevent hitchhiking bed bugs.
- Use Heat: When you return home, put all fabric items in the dryer on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes. This will effectively kill any potential bed bugs. Then, wash your clothes in a hot cycle for further sanitization. Drying first is crucial, as washing alone may not eliminate all pests.
Professional Extermination for Peaceful Sleep
With innovative solutions and top-of-the-line technology, the highly trained experts at O’Connor Pest Control are dedicated to ensuring complete and ongoing eradication of any pest issue you may be experiencing. If you suspect you may have a bed bug infestation or are seeking preventative pest control, don’t hesitate to call us today!