Bed bugs are one of the most dreaded types of pests for homeowners. The thought of having blood sucking pests in your bed is simply horrifying for most people. Bed bugs can be a problem throughout the year, but if you plan to travel in the spring you increase your changes of developing a bed bug problem. Fortunately, if you follow a few simple tips you can significantly improve your chances of avoiding bed bugs this spring and throughout the year.
Make sure bed bugs are not already in your home
Before you start worrying about avoiding bed bugs on your next trip, you need to make sure that you do not already have bed bugs in your home. Bed bugs are tiny pests that are not as easy to spot as other pests like roaches and rodents. However, if you know what signs to look out for you can determine if you have a current bed bug infestation. One of the first signs people notice are small, itchy bites on areas of their body that were exposed while sleeping. These bites often occur in lines or clusters. You can also look for small spots of blood on your bed from places where the bed bugs bit you. It is possible to spot bed bugs themselves by examining your mattress. Look along the edges of your mattress and in the seams for tiny brown to reddish colored bugs.
Take precautions when you travel
When you travel this spring, it is important to take precautions against bed bugs. Start by keeping your luggage and clothing off the floor and away from the bed. You do not want to make it easy for bed bugs to hop in your luggage or on your clothes and follow you home. The second step is to do an inspection of the bed and surrounding area for bed bugs. Pull back the sheets and look around the edges of the mattress for signs of the pests. If you find bed bugs, remove your items and leave the room immediately. Ask for another room or switch hotels completely in order to avoid bringing bed bugs home.
Follow two steps when you return home from traveling
When you get home from traveling it is a good idea to take a few precautions in order to avoid a bed bug infestation. Even if you were careful while traveling it is still possible to unknowingly bring bed bugs home. These pests cannot survive high heat. Immediately wash and dry your clothing at the highest heat it can tolerate. If your luggage can go in the dryer, throw it in at high heat as well. You can also leave your luggage outside in a shed or garage for a few days after travel to ensure that any potential bed bugs do not follow you inside.
Prevention is the best way to deal with bed bugs. If you do find that you have an infestation, despite your best efforts, professional help is necessary. Bed bugs are difficult to eradicate with DIY efforts. The pros at San Joaquin Pest Control offer a free bed bug inspection and can help you successfully eliminate these pests from your home if an infestation is discovered.
