[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With fall and holiday
travel on the horizon, many people are eagerly planning to pack their bags and enjoy an exciting out-of-town getaway. Sometimes, however, unwelcome guests might try to hitch a ride with you: Bed Bugs.
Bed bugs are more common than most of us realize. According to a
Study by Florida State University, countries worldwide are grappling with a bed bug nightmare, with cases skyrocketing. There have been reported cases in Europe, South Korea, Australia and all over the United States just last year. Toronto's complaints and treatments doubled, infestations in Great Britain quadrupled yearly; Berlin saw a tenfold rise; and the news isn’t any better throughout the U.S.
Bed bugs are found in all 50 states, with Philadelphia, New York And Chicago ranking as the top three cities affected,
according the National Library of Medicine. One out of five Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has encountered bed bugs at home or in a hotel.
One reason for their resurgence is increased travel. Bed bugs can be found in any place where people gather and sleep, making them a significant concern for travelers.
These tiny pests can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare if you're not careful. Here, we'll delve into the prevalence of bed bugs, their reproduction habits and, most importantly, how to avoid and prevent them from invading your space.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects that feed on human blood. About the size of an apple seed, they are flat, oval and reddish-brown. While they don't transmit diseases, their bites can cause itching and discomfort.
Bed bugs typically hide in cracks and crevices during the day and come out to feed at night. Common hiding spots include mattresses, box springs, upholstered furniture, carpets, couches and bed frames. They can also be found in less obvious places such as stuffed animals, purses, outlets and even inside bedside lamps.
Reproducing rapidly, a single female can lay up to five eggs a day, and over 500 eggs in her lifetime. Their hatchlings are so tiny that they can slip through the stitch holes of a mattress. These eggs hatch into nymphs, which mature into adults in about a month, thriving in warm environments.
Bed bugs can survive for months without a blood meal and endure temperatures from nearly freezing to 122°F. When feeding, they draw blood for about five minutes and can consume up to seven times their weight in blood, equivalent to an average-sized male drinking 120 gallons of liquid.
Where you may find bed bugs
Bed bugs can be found practically anywhere. Many travelers don’t realize they’re inadvertently spreading bed bugs to new places. The
CDC warns that people often carry these pests with them without even knowing it, and there is an even greater risk for those who travel more frequently. Bed bugs often hitch rides on people and their belongings, settling in homes, apartments, hotels and motels. Bed bugs can be found in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, schools, daycare centers, offices, college dorms, hospitals, public transportation and movie theaters.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs: Essential Tips for Travelers
1. Educate yourself
Understanding bed bugs and their habits can help you stay vigilant. Familiarize yourself with the signs of an infestation and the preventive measures you can take. Being informed and ready is your first line of defense against these unwelcome pests.
2. Pack smart and stay prepared
When packing, consider using hard-sided luggage instead of soft bags, as bed bugs are less likely to penetrate hard cases. Placing your clothes in sealable plastic bags can also keep them protected. For added precaution, keep a small,
non-toxic bed bug travel spray handy. With a 3oz TSA-approved spray like Hygea Natural Bed Bug Travel Spray, you can quickly address any potential encounters with bed bugs or when you suspect contamination.
3. Inspecting accommodations
It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of finally taking a break from work or your daily routine. Before you hop into your taxi, take a moment to inspect the seats and overall environment. Bed bugs can sometimes hitch a ride from previous passengers, who may have unknowingly carried them in their luggage or belongings. Although it's not extremely common, a bed bug could potentially transfer to your clothing or bags during even a short taxi ride.
Once you arrive at your hotel or rental, take a few minutes to inspect your surroundings. Examine the mattress seams, around the headboard and any upholstered furniture for signs of bed bugs. Look for small blood spots, dark stains, shed exoskeletons or live insects. Keep your luggage separate, on a luggage rack or in the bathroom and avoid unpacking until you've confirmed there are no bed bugs present.
It’s important to inspect daily throughout your trip, especially after returning to the room, or after room service is provided. If you find evidence of bed bugs, request a different room or alternative accommodations to ensure a comfortable stay, and notify the hotel management or landlord immediately so they can address the issue.
4. Be cautious when returning home
After returning from a trip, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your luggage and clothing for bed bugs. Avoid bringing your luggage inside the home. Instead, store it outside or in the garage. Use
Hygea Natural Non Toxic Bed Bug Spray to Spray your luggage and shoe insoles thoroughly and vacuum your luggage.
Empty out the luggage contents into sealed plastic bags and wash your clothing immediately using the
Hygea Natural Bed Bug Laundry Additive to eliminate any bed bugs or their eggs, then dry them on high heat to ensure full eradication.
What to Do if You Have a Bed Bug Infestation
You can hire a professional exterminator, which can cost thousands of dollars, or you can do it yourself. Purchase a
Hygea Natural Non Toxic Bed Bug Spray and follow all steps in the guide included. A non-toxic odorless spray can be used without evacuating the home and can be sprayed directly on mattresses and furniture. Make sure to encase your mattress with a bed bug proof mattress protector.
In Summary
As travel season approaches, staying proactive is crucial to prevent bed bug infestations. By understanding how bed bugs operate and taking preventive measures, you can protect your travels from unwanted pests. Stay vigilant, prepare in advance and enjoy your adventures with confidence.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="178639" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1728067162921{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/hygea-natural-natural-bed-bug-spray-non-toxic-odorless"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="178638" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1728067180181{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/hygea-natural-bed-bug-spray-non-toxic-extra-strength-odorless-travel-tsa-approved-size"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="178637" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1728067200693{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/hygea-natural-bed-bug-mites-laundry-additive-odorless"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
