Bed bugs are a problem all over the world, but they’re particularly problematic in countries with a history of malaria. Here are five tips to help you avoid getting bed bugs while traveling, regardless of where you’re going.
Tips to Avoid Bed Bugs on Trips
- Check your hotel room before you check in: Bed bugs can hitch a ride on luggage or clothing, so it’s important to take a look at the room before you sign any paperwork. If there are any suspected bed bugs present, don’t stay in the room and call your travel agent or lodging company.
- Use a insect repellent containing DEET: Apply DEET roughly 1 hour before going out and about, whether you’re traveling to a country with bed bug problems or not. Don’t forget to reapply frequently, especially during hot weather conditions when bed bugs are more active.
- Create an exclusion zone around your sleep area: Bugs hate it when their environment feels crowded and they’ll usually hide when they know they’re being excluded from an area. All of your clothing and personal belongings should be placed within this zone while you’re sleeping, making sure that the baseboards, door frames and windows are also included.
- Check bedding for signs of infestation: If there is evidence that bedbugs have been in your room, inspect all of the bedding for blood spots or fecal material and discard anything that looks suspicious. Be especially vigilant about checking boxes springing from the mattress—these can be used by tunneling bugs to gain access to people’s heads while they sleep!
When to bring your luggage to the airport
Bring your suitcase to the airport clean and free of any excess luggage. You don’t want to risk bringing anything that could serve as a breeding ground for bed bugs. And remember, if you are traveling internationally, it is crucial to research the typical bug problems in each destination country before packing your bags! Bed bugs can also thrive inside suitcases that have been left open while being transported, so be sure to close all zippers completely when unpacking.
How to check your hotel room for bed bugs
When traveling to a new country, it is important to keep an eye out for bed bugs. Bed bugs are drastically increasing in popularity as a common bug problem in many countries around the world. If you are concerned that you may have bed bugs in your hotel room, there are a few things you can do to check for them.
First, look for signs of bedbug activity. This includes small reddish-brown spots on the sheets, furniture or walls. Second, use a vacuum cleaner with the highest dust setting to remove any debris from around the beds and seams where the bedding meets the wall or floor. Finally, examine the mattress and box spring for any blood stains or feces indications that bedbugs have been active in recent days/weeks.
Tips for avoiding bed bugs while in different countries
When traveling to countries with a common bug problem, be sure to follow these tips for avoiding bed bugs:
- Before you leave, inspect your bed thoroughly for any signs of bed bugs and their eggs. Be sure to check the corners and crevices of the headboard, footboard, side rails, and under the mattress. If you find any sign of bed bugs or their eggs, take steps to rid your room of them immediately.
- Launder all clothing and linens that will be in your room before arrival using hot water and detergent. Dry them in a hot dryer on high heat for at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will kill any remaining bugs and eggs.
- Use a insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors and when travelling in crowded areas such as airports, train stations, and hotels. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
- Contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms such as sudden fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, trouble breathing, or fatigue after travelling to a country with a common bug problem. These symptoms could be early signs of bed bug exposure or an allergic reaction to the bug itself.
Conclusion
Since bed bugs are becoming a more common problem in developed countries, it’s important for travelers to be aware of thebest ways to avoid getting them while on their travels. Here are five tips:
1)Check your mattress and box spring for eggs and feces. These insects lay their eggs in these areas, so checking for clues is a good way to prevent getting bitten.
2)Avoid bringing items that could harbour bed bugs into your hotel room – this includes luggage, electronics, linens and any clothing you may have brought from home.
3)Select hotels that use rigorous bed bug-free inspection procedures – look for labels like “certified Bed Bug Free” or “ certified by an approved body”.
4)If you do get bitten while traveling, clean the wound as soon as possible with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment if it becomes infected. And finally, don’t forget to tell your doctor about your travel experience so they can identify any potential disease.
