Bed Bug Alert!
Don't bring the little monsters home...
| Bed Bug Facts | High Risk Areas | Change Behavior |
| They do not jump | Futons | Do not lay jackets in high risk areas |
| They do not fly | Pull out couches | Keep briefcase closed or bagged |
| Active at night | Beds | Think about using Ziploc bags for papers |
| They stay harborage locations | Cluttered Areas | If in an infested area, use a chair not the couch |
| They do not roam | Hampers |
Don't bring bed bugs home...
The next time you travel you might want to keep the following tips handy:
- Use a flashlight to inspect your room for insects or evidence of activity such as fecal material, shed skins or blood spots.
- Use a business card or nail file in the cracks and crevices around the mattress, bed frame, headboard (most lift off the wall), carpet edges, picture frames, closets nightstands, luggage racks and dressers to inspect for bed bugs or remnants.
- Don't unpack; leave your clothes in a closed suitcase, knapsack or in a zipped clothing bag in an area away from the bed and luggage rack.
- Keep your suitcase etc. away from the bed and don't leave clothes laying about or in dresser drawers. If room is suspect enclose suitcase and clothing bag in large clear plastic bags and seal.
- Move the bed away from the wall or headboard if possible and have linens changed each night. Check yourself for bites or itching, although bed bug bites are not always immediately noticeable. Bag and seal pajamas etc separately.
When you get home:
- Unpack over white sheet, directly launder washables in water over 140 degrees or place in a bag and dry clean.
- Use separate bags on trip to and from laundry.
- Inspect and vacuum suitcases before putting them away.
- If you think you may have come in contact with pests you should vacuum them, disposing of the vacuum bag. If a knapsack or some item can be placed in a dryer, do so.
Still Paranoid?
- Travel with clear large plastic bags and contain all belongings except what you are wearing at any given time.
- Consider using a hard suitcase rather than fabric and sub wrap items in plastic bags.
