Without the ability to fly or jump, bedbugs can’t cover much distance on their own. However, when they hitch a ride on your clothes or luggage, they can travel thousands of miles to end up in your bedroom. That’s why travelers must take extra caution to prevent these pests from stowing away back home after a vacation. To help you avoid the need for emergency extermination services, here are five strategies for bedbug-free travel.

5 Bedbug Prevention Tips for Travelers

1. Seal Your Stuff

Space-saving bags do more than give you extra room in your luggage. They also seal your clothes, so bedbugs won't have an opportunity to nestle into the fibers. During your trip, keep clothes in the plastic bags unless you’re wearing them for the day.

2. Review the Room

While you may be eager to relax in your hotel room, don’t move too fast until you’ve inspected the area. Carefully assess every surface around the bed for signs of bedbugs. You can recognize these tiny pests by their tell-tale brown-red color and oval shape. You might also notice the eggshells and rusty stains they leave behind on the mattress. If you see any of these issues, tell the front desk agent immediately and ask to switch rooms.

3. Store Luggage Smart

If you drop your luggage on the bed or floor, nearby bedbugs could crawl inside. To play it safe, always put your bags on a luggage rack off of the floor. The bugs are unable to reach it when placed high enough, keeping you and your family safe.

4. Wash Clothes in Hot Water

When you return home, immediately put all your clothes in the washing machine with hot water, followed by the dryer at high heat. Temperatures over 120 degrees should kill the pests. If you’re worried about bedbugs in your luggage, put it in a garbage bag and place it in the trunk of your car for a day so it can heat up in the sun.

5. Buy a Bed Barrier

If you travel routinely, you should invest in a mattress cover. If you bring back bedbugs, these plastic barriers will keep them from penetrating the mattress. While it may not completely prevent the problem, it will save you from having to throw out your bed and spend money on a replacement.

 

Don’t panic if you discover bedbugs in your home. Instead, act fast and call the pros at All-Rite Pest Control. Eradicating pests in Versailles, KY, since 1972, these experienced exterminators know how to safely and effectively clear bedbugs from your home. Equipped with top-tier gear, this pest control company will also take on other critters you may find in your home—including rodents, carpenter ants, and termites. To learn more about their fast and reliable services, visit this exterminator online. For responsive assistance, call (859) 873-1400.