A busy travel season is upon us – kids out of school and taking family trips for the holidays. At the same time, hotels have been infested with bed bugs – Across the U.S. we’ve seen bedbugs in upscale hotels, movie theaters, churches, hospitals, even clothing stores. I don’t want to post photos of the bodily damage these bloodsuckers can create – certainly not pleasant – but you can find those all over the internet.
Not to frighten you – but just be aware. You don’t want to be meal for these annoying pests while you sleep. The LA Times had a good article yesterday on how to protect yourself from the little varmints while traveling. You don’t want to mess with them, or bring them into your own home – they can live one year without feeding. Gross.
The National Pest Management Association recommends:
–Take along large plastic bags to hold suitcases during hotel stays. (While leaving them in your room.)
–Vacuum suitcases after returning from a trip. These guys like to travel too!
–Check bed sheets in hotel rooms or at home for telltale brown or red spots of dried excrement.
–Never bring second hand furniture, especially mattresses into a home unless they have been thoroughly examined.
–Inspect areas where pets sleep.
For more – www.pestworld.org and http://www.latimes.com/health/la-me-bedbugs-20101204,0,3362775.story
Wishing you bug-free travels…
