The bed bug population has been steadily growing due to frequent travel and an increased resilience to insecticides. This is one of the main reasons why bed bugs are so difficult to treat; they cannot be eliminated solely with pesticides. To add even more bad news to this topic, bed bugs are not just a house-related problem. No matter where you travel, bed bugs can be found anywhere. One of the easiest ways for bed bugs to infiltrate an O’Fallon home is for the residents to unknowingly bring them back from a vacation. Bed bugs do not solely invade unkempt places, so even nice hotels and vacation rentals can potentially have a bed bug problem. 

That being said, it is completely possible to avoid picking up bed bugs while on vacation. It is not necessary to allow worries of these pests to ruin your trip; just keep these basic tips in mind and be vigilant against any bed bugs making a surprise appearance:

• Once you make it to your hotel room, place your bags in a well-lit area of the room, such as near the window or the bathroom. There are fewer places for bed bugs to hide in these areas. If it is possible, you should always keep your clothes in your luggage instead of using the drawers since bed bugs can also hide here.
• Make sure to scan the room for actual bed bugs before you settle in. They are flat, reddish-brown, and usually 1/4 of an inch long. It is more likely for you to see shells or dark stains than the actual bugs. The most important place to check are the beds, but it’s a good idea to check all of the furniture.
• If you are bitten by a bed bug, little red bumps will appear where the insect fed. The marks usually occur in straight lines around the same area, but there could also be rashes and irritation in other places. If you see these signs, keep in mind that you will have to wash and sanitize all of your belongings once you get home.
• When bed bugs travel, they are usually found in the seams of luggage or clothing. Make sure to give these objects an inspection before bringing them back into your home. It is a good idea to leave them outside until you know they are clean.
• If you suspect that these bed bugs have been in contact with any clothing, you should separate them and put them in sealed bags. Any fabric-based items, like clothes and blankets, that can be dried should be put in the dryer for about 30 minutes.

If you do discover that you have accidentally returned with bed bugs as a souvenir, do not panic. Pointe Pest Control is always here to help! Our O’Fallon team of bed bug experts work diligently to ensure that every bed bug is eliminated.