Avoid Bed Bugs This Thanksgiving
November 20, 2017
What does your Thanksgiving look like? Will you be traveling to see friends or family? If so, we hope you're making bed bug prevention a part of your plans. It is no fun bringing a bed bug infestation home for the holidays. That's why we've put together this quick guide to help you stop these hitchhiking bugs in their tracks.
Before You Go
If you're going to be staying somewhere, check to see if any reports have been posted on bedbugregistry.com. Keep in mind that these are reports filed by guests and they may not be entirely accurate. They are just to give you a heads up that there may be an issue and they help to show what a business does to deal with bed bug problems when they arise.
Along The Way
If you'll be traveling by bus, plane, or some other form of public transportation, be on the lookout for bed bugs or signs of bed bugs. These blood-eating pests have been found in all forms of public transportation. And, if you're staying somewhere, do a quick bed bug inspection. Check mattresses, box springs, sheets, pillowcases, backboards, baseboards, outlet covers, and upholstered furniture for brown blood stains, shed skins from these insects, tiny white eggs, or black streaks.
Where You're Going
Keep in mind that any home, no matter how clean, can have a bed bug infestation. Be sure to do a bed bug inspection if you'll be spending the night with friends or family. If you'll be staying for several days, be sure to put all laundry items in a sealed plastic bag. A recent study has confirmed that bed bugs are drawn to clothing that has been worn.
When You Get Home
As an added precaution, be sure to wash all of your clothing on the hottest temperature. This will kill bed bugs in every stage of development. Do a quick inspection of boxes, bags, clothing, and other carriable items. Look for tiny white eggs that are 1 mm in length. They will be tucked in creases, attached to fabric, or in seams. They can even be tucked into the binding of a hardback book. So, look closely.
What To Do If You Get Bed Bugs
If you're in East Texas, reach out to Innovative Pest Control. Our team of pest experts will help you find those bugs and get rid of them all. Schedule a free bed bug inspection and we'll do the rest.
