How To Avoid Bed Bugs this Upcoming Vacation Season

Although it’s early in the year and vacation time is a few months away, spring is closer than it may seem, and you will soon be taking a trip to your favorite destination or embarking on a new adventure that just might become your favorite. Here at Four Seasons, we want to be a step ahead in helping everyone have a pest-free vacation that brings back fond memories in the years to come. This article aims to accomplish that by educating our customers on avoiding pests, especially the dreaded bed bug!

Vacation time often involves lengthy and crowded flights, bus rides through picturesque landscapes, and overnight accommodations in various settings, such as hotels, resorts, or charming AirBnBs. These experiences not only provide a change of scenery but also require patience as travelers navigate through bustling airports and crowded terminals. Interactions with fellow travelers and spending the night in new locations can be exciting, fun, and an overall wonderful experience. That is, until bed bugs get involved!

While not often known to hitch a ride on humans directly, bed bugs do rely on our presence for their optimal survival. Bed bugs are notorious for their tendency to conceal themselves on stationary objects near the areas where humans sleep. When people travel, they often set their belongings—such as suitcases, wallets, purses, shoes, and clothing—close to their sleeping spaces. This behavior increases the likelihood of these items becoming potential carriers for bed bugs, facilitating their transport from one location or individual to another. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for effective prevention and management of bed bug infestations during and after travel.

To avoid bringing bed bugs home this upcoming vacation season, consider these steps to reduce your chances of picking up an unwanted hitchhiker or reduce your chances of bringing it into your home in the event one does hitch a ride:

• Check online reviews for the place you will be staying.
• Avoid hotels and Airbnb’s with poor reviews.
• Ask about hotel policies regarding bed bugs and if the hotel or other accommodation uses regularly recurring pest control for bed bug control and prevention.
• Purchase sleek luggage that has minimal folds and tufts.
• Pack clothing in sealable plastic bags before placing it in luggage (several sizes are available at many stores.)
• Pack a small but bright flashlight to perform an inspection.
• Upon arrival, inspect bedding, beds, and other furniture in your room for signs of bed bugs.
• If bed bugs or other signs are present, contact hotel staff for a room change.
• Unpack all luggage for your stay and return suitcases to your vehicle or an elevated point furthest from your bed. Bathrooms are also a great place if there’s room.
• Place shoes, wallets, purses, jackets, and other personal items on the dresser or table if one is available.
• Do not use nightstands at all, if possible.
• Refrain from bringing your own bedding or pillows.
• Try to keep children’s toys, stuffed animals, and other similar items away from the bed.
• Inspect personal items and luggage before re-packing to leave.
• Upon arrival home, DO NOT bring luggage indoors.
• Launder all clothing from luggage.
• If possible, confine luggage to the garage or unused basement space indefinitely (until next use).
• If any bed bugs or evidence is found after your arrival home, contact Four Seasons Pest Solutions immediately.

These steps will aid in preventing unwanted visitors from making your home theirs. This vacation season, trust Four Seasons Pest Solutions to help you prevent pest invasion and eliminate any pests if you already have them.

Enjoy your vacations this spring, and hopefully, this small article will help you make some great, pest-free memories!