Summer Travel Season Without Bed Bugs

By on Tuesday, May 24, 2016

State pest management association offers tips for preventing spread of bed bugs

As North Carolinians kick off the summer travel season, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) today reminded travelers to be vigilant in the prevention of bed bugs.

“Bed bugs can be found anywhere including hotels, rental properties and summer camps and can easily be transferred from vacation properties into your home. Preventing bed bugs in your home takes only a few simple steps,” said Clint Miller, NCPMA board member. “Before you put your bags down in your vacation property, take a few minutes to inspect the place for bed bugs. Those few minutes can prevent future infestations and can save a lot of money and stress.”

Bed bugs are small insects that hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment.  They are often found in mattresses and upholstered furniture as well as behind baseboards, wallpaper and in furniture crevices. They can easily spread from room to room within a single building.

To prevent bed bugs, use the following tips from NCPMA:

Inspect

  • Before sleeping in a bed at a hotel, rental property, camp or dorm, check the mattress, bed sheets, and headboard for tell-tale blood spots or signs of bed bugs.
  • If signs of bed bugs are spotted, alert the hotel or rental property staff.  Each hotel or rental property should have a Bed Bug Management Plan in place to assist you as the problem is addressed.
  • Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation, summer camp or dorm and throw away the vacuum bag or clean the canister. Wash all clothing from the suitcases in hot water.

Prepare

  • Consider bringing a large plastic trash bag in which to store your suitcase during stays at hotels, rental properties, dorms or camps.
  • Carry a flashlight with you to inspect mattresses and furniture in your vacation property.
  • Read “Bed Bugs: Your Guide to Prevention, Detection & Treatment,” a NCPMA booklet available through our member companies.

Call

  • Seek professional pest management to address an infestation. Trying to treat a problem without a professional can make the problem worse and more costly.