How to Combat Bed Bugs

By Susan Vernon-Devlin
Massey Services Pest Control

They’re in our beds. They’re in our hotels. And now, they’re even in our police cars.

As excited as we all are to get away on vacation, the idea of bed bugs spending it with us can put a big damper on plans. What’s worse, staying in a four-star resort with the finest amenities and the highest standards of cleanliness doesn’t make you exempt from spending the night with these invasive critters.

Police in New York state found that out, and they were simply riding in their own cars. The trick to a happy vacation: find them first before they make a home in your 400-thread count sheets.

Massey Services pest prevention company offers these tips to help you prevent bed bugs from ruining your vacation:

• Keep your suitcases elevated on a dresser or closet shelf. Prior to inspecting your room for bed bugs, you can also put your bags on the tile floor in the bathroom or in the bathtub. Bed bugs like cracks, crevices and cozy places. It is rare to see them crawling across a tile floor.
• If you can, pack a small flashlight in your carry-on luggage. Bed bugs tend to hide in dark places; a flashlight will help you find them.
• To begin your inspection, Massey recommends you start with the bed first.  Pull back the covers and pillow cases and look for any reddish-brown or black spots on the sheets, pillows and mattress. You may not see the actual bugs themselves, but they do leave a trail of spots.
• In addition to inspecting the sheets, pillow and mattress, you should also look around the headboard and the space between the mattress and the box spring, the box of the bed and bed frame. 
• Check upholstered chairs, recliners and sofas – these are the next most likely areas for bed bugs.  Make sure to examine along seams, skirts and folds of fabric. 
• Finally, check the inside of dresser drawers and nightstands for insects and reddish-brown or black spots.

If you don’t find evidence of the bugs during your search, vacation fun can begin, but be cautious. Bed bugs can travel from room to room, and therefore, tourist to tourist. When returning home, be certain to inspect luggage and clothing that you brought on vacation with you.

Bed bugs are excellent travellers so, if you do find they’ve come home with you, contact pest control.