Posts Tagged "bed bug tips"

f you’re sleeping somewhere other than home, beware. Bedbug prevalence is on the rise, and hotels and motels are some of their favorite hangouts. These pesky critters can cause severe itching and welt-like bites, and it’s costly to get rid of them if they follow you home. What’s more, research suggests they can cause financial distress, anxiety, and social isolation. But no need to get depressed just yet. With these easy tips, you can cut your chances of critter trouble while on the road. 1. Head Straight for the Bathroom Before you check out your hotel room’s mini bar or oceanfront view, give it a thorough bedbug inspection — and until you’ve done that, stash your luggage in the loo. “Bedbugs are least likely to be found in the bathroom,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association. “They don’t like the tile floors and there aren’t as many hiding places. They like to be closer to where people may be sleeping.” 2. Inspect the Bed Here’s how to check for a bedbug infestation: Pull back the linens and check all the way around and under the mattress and behind the headboard. Look for blood stains or small black dots that look like mold or ground pepper, says Christine Johnson, Ph.D., a behavioral ecologist in the American Museum of Natural History’s Division of Invertebrate Zoology in New York City. Check for the critters too. Bedbugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed, and you may find them hiding in corners or seams of the bedding. If you see any suspicious signs, alert the hotel staff immediately. 3. Check The Room Next, broaden your bedbug search to the area immediately surrounding the bed: behind picture frames, under the telephone and alarm clock, and even in books, says Johnson. Studies have shown that most bedbugs are found in or within 15 feet of a bed, but some may still be further away. Check in the cushions and seams of any couches or soft chairs and in the closet before putting your clothes away. 4. Keep Luggage Off the Ground Leaving suitcases and bags on the floor — or on a second spare...