Many people travel near and far during the holiday season. While no one wants to imagine a bedbug infestation during their period of rest and celebration, hotels, hostels, and bed-and-breakfasts are unfortunately more prone to carrying these pests than other places due to the number of people cycling in and out of the building. To stay protected and enjoy your vacation, follow this convenient guide.

Avoiding Bedbugs This Holiday Season

Inspect Rooms Carefully

Before you get comfortable and unpack your luggage, take time to thoroughly examine the room or suite for bedbugs. Check the mattress, headboard, and luggage racks for any small, black insects. You may need to use a magnifying glass and flashlight for a better look—while bedbugs are visible to the naked eye most of the time, they are very difficult to spot.

You can also minimize potential risks by storing your luggage away from your bed, since they may otherwise leap into your bags and come home with you. Try to keep your bags off the floor as well, since the pests may be in the carpet fibers. If, upon arriving home, you suspect your room had bedbugs, wash all your clothing in very hot water. Store your luggage outdoors or in your garage if possible.

Know How to Find Them

Most of the time, people notice bedbugs after spotting their red, itchy bites on their body. Before they bite, however, you may be able to find the small, black bugs crawling around areas like headboards, bed frames, sheets, and the insides of drawers. You may also find reddish splotches on the bed frame from crushed bedbugs or their excrement; it’s also possible you’ll see small eggs and eggshells, which are pale yellow and about one millimeter in size. By thoroughly inspecting the area beforehand, you can help minimize potential repercussions.

If you face a bedbug problem in your own home this holiday season, contact the experts who can help. The team from Midstate Termite & Pest Control Inc. in Cookeville and Crossville, TN, provide the high-quality bedbug removal services locals rely on. With over 65 years of experience treating homes and businesses throughout Putnam County, you count on these technicians to take care of you. To learn more about pest control services, visit the website. Request an estimate when you call the exterminators today at (877) 526-4222.