At Arab Termite and Pest Control of Cincinnati, Inc., safety matters. That is why they want you to return from your travels without a bug problem, and especially without bed bug bites.

In order to do this, make sure you follow these 15 tips on avoiding hotel bed bugs:

Before You Book

1. Read reviews left by other guests. A good source is www.bedbugregistry.com

2. Check with the hotel itself. While you cannot rely on their statement exclusively, ask what they are doing to avoid infestations.

3. Teach your kids about bug safety. Make sure your kids know where and when it is safe to lay their things and themselves so that they are not picking up bed bugs.

4. Don’t just assume because the hotel has 5-stars, it is bug-free.

5. Wrap your luggage before and after a trip. Make sure bugs aren’t transferred to your luggage by putting it in a plastic or air-tight sealant bag.

At the Hotel

1. Watch where you put your suitcase. The bathroom is probably your safest bet.

2. Inspect the room before you sit or lay anywhere.

3. Pay extra attention to the bed.

4. If anything looks suspicious, report it to the hotel, ask for another room, or leave. In a situation like this, you do not want to be afraid to make waves.

5. Even if nothing seems suspicious, be extra careful with wear you lay your luggage.

After Your Stay

1. Remember to re-wrap your luggage. This way, your car is protected just in case you did pick something up.

2. When you get home, immediately wash everything that you had in your bags. Then dry an extra 5 minutes on low or medium heat, depending on the dryer.

3. If you cannot wash your bag, at least make sure to vacuum it.

4. Inspect everything before you put it away.

5. If the bag you packed your luggage in is an air-tight sealant, keep it sealed until you use it again.

To learn more or to talk to an exterminator, visit Arab Termite and Pest Control of Cincinnati, Inc. online or call them at (513) 385-3430 to schedule an assessment.