Why Bed Bugs are a Holiday Threat
Bed bug infestations can occur any time of year, though they’re most active during the summer when families often enjoy a break from school. Surprisingly, infestations often spike over the holidays. That’s because bed bugs hitch a ride on people and their belongings, and during the holiday season, people are on the move more than ever. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, rental property, or even a guest room, it’s easy to bring bed bugs home with you unknowingly.
Holiday Travel Tips to Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home
Use the following tips if you’re traveling this season to reduce the likelihood of bringing bed bugs home with you.
Know What to Pack
- Use hard-sided luggage when you travel.
- Put your clothing in sealed plastic bags inside your suitcase.
- Pack a flashlight (your phone’s flashlight will work, too) to help with bed bug inspections.
Be Careful While You’re Away
When you arrive at your destination, keep your luggage outside while you inspect the room.
Check bedding, mattresses, box springs, headboards, upholstered furniture, floor edges, cracks, and even behind picture frames or curtains.
Look for:
- Live bed bugs
- Bed bug eggs
- Shed skins
- Reddish stains on bedding
- Tan or brown streaks, ink-like spots (i.e., fecal matter)
If you don’t find any signs, bring your luggage inside, but keep it elevated on a hard surface.
If you do spot bed bugs, alert management immediately and request alternative accommodations that are well away from the infested area.
Before heading home, inspect your clothing and belongings to ensure you’re not bringing any unwanted guests with you.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down When You Get Home
- Inspect your luggage and its contents outside for any signs of bed bugs.
- Even if nothing is visible, wash and dry all clothing on a hot cycle before storing it.
- Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly before putting it away.
- Keep an eye out for bed bug activity by conducting regular inspections at home.
When to Contact Four Seasons Pest Control
Bed bug infestations aren’t always easy to spot. A few bugs may go unnoticed at first, but over time, they can reproduce and the problem can grow. That’s why routine inspections, especially after travel or hosting guests, are so important.
Regular inspections for several weeks after travel help catch infestations early, when they’re typically confined to one area and easier to eliminate.
As soon as you notice any signs of bed bugs or even suspect their presence, contact Four Seasons Pest Control. DIY methods rarely eliminate bed bugs, but our Rest Tonight™ Bed Bug Treatments are designed to work quickly and effectively.
Here’s how we help:
- Thorough inspection: With over 25 years of experience, we know exactly where and what to look for to identify infestations.
- Treatment Preparation: If bed bugs are present, we provide a checklist to help you prepare your home for treatment.
- Comprehensive Treatment: Our approach targets bed bugs at all stages of development to prevent a return of the infestation.
- Follow-up services: We ensure the problem is fully resolved.
Worrying about bed bugs doesn’t mean you need to change your holiday travel plans. Being informed and prepared is the best defense against potential threats. If you have any questions or concerns, Four Seasons Pest Control is ready to assist property owners in our service areas of Virginia and North Carolina, including Danville, Rocky Mount, Reidsville, and Yanceyville.
