Travel Smart: Keep Bed Bugs Out of Your Luggage & Home

Protect Your Luggage: Smart Bed Bug Hacks for Travelers

Traveling is one of life's greatest joys, offering new experiences and cherished memories. But there's one unwelcome travel companion that can turn your dream trip into a nightmare and follow you all the way home: bed bugs. These tiny hitchhikers are notorious for stowing away in luggage and taking root in your home.

Don't let the thought of bed bugs deter your travel plans! With a few smart prevention tips, you can greatly reduce your risk. Here at Resolve Pest Management, we believe in empowering homeowners with knowledge, whether you're heading to the Jersey Shore or somewhere far more exotic.

The Unwanted Souvenir: Understanding Bed Bugs on the Go

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. They love to hide in cracks and crevices, coming out at night to feed on blood. While they don't spread diseases, their bites can be itchy and cause skin irritation, and dealing with an infestation can be incredibly stressful.

The unfortunate truth is that bed bugs are widespread. Studies show that bed bug infestations are a major concern in many places where people gather, especially in the hospitality industry. For instance, surveys have indicated that hotels and motels are among the most common places for people to encounter bed bugs. In fact, one report suggested that bed bug encounters have significantly increased over the past decade, making vigilance more important than ever. All it takes is one pregnant female bed bug to hitch a ride in your suitcase, and you could be facing a full-blown infestation in your home.

Your Travel Defense Plan: Bed Bug Hacks for Every Traveler

Protecting your luggage and home from bed bugs doesn't require extreme measures, just a little bit of awareness and some simple steps.

Before You Pack

1. Choose Your Luggage Wisely: Hard-shell suitcases are often preferred over soft-sided ones. Bed bugs find it harder to cling to smooth, hard surfaces and burrow into fabric seams. If you use soft luggage, consider a light-colored bag where bed bugs might be easier to spot.
2. Seal It Up: When packing, use sealable plastic bags for your clothes. This acts as an extra layer of protection, especially for items you won't wear immediately.
3. Research Your Stay: A quick online search for reviews mentioning "bed bugs" for your hotel or rental can give you a heads-up. While not always accurate, it's a good starting point.

At Your Destination (Hotel, Rental, or Guest Room)

The moment you walk into your room, resist the urge to drop your bags on the bed or floor. Follow this simple routine:

1. Initial Inspection – The "BED BUG" Check:

   • B - Bed: Pull back the sheets and mattress pad. Check the seams, tags, and corners of the mattress for small, reddish-brown stains (fecal spots), tiny eggs (white specks), shed skins, or the bugs themselves. Also, inspect the headboard and nightstands.
   • E - Examine: Look behind wall hangings, in curtains, and behind furniture near the bed.
   • D - Don't put luggage on the floor.
   • B - Bags up: Keep your luggage on a metal luggage rack, ideally one that stands away from the wall.
   • U - Unpack smart: If possible, keep clothes in your sealed plastic bags or hang them in the closet away from the walls. Avoid using hotel dressers or drawers.
   • G - Give a quick check: Before you leave, do another quick visual scan of your bags.

2. Elevate Your Belongings: Always keep your suitcase, backpack, and other bags on a luggage rack, a desk, or a table. Never place them on the floor, upholstered chairs, or the bed. These are prime hiding spots for bed bugs.

3. Zip and Seal: Keep your suitcase zipped shut when you're not actively taking things out or putting them away.

Coming Home: Don't Let Them In!

This is perhaps the most crucial stage. Even if you were careful, a bed bug could still have snuck into your belongings.

1. The "Garage/Laundry Room" Strip: When you get home, avoid bringing your luggage directly into your bedroom. If possible, unpack in a garage, laundry room, or even your bathroom – a place with hard, easy-to-clean surfaces.
2. Laundry First: Immediately put all your travel clothes (worn and unworn) into the washing machine. Wash them in hot water and then dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. The high heat is what truly kills bed bugs and their eggs.
3. Vacuum Your Luggage: Thoroughly vacuum the inside and outside of your suitcase, paying close attention to seams and pockets. Afterward, immediately seal the vacuum bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash can.
4. Inspect and Store: Carefully inspect your empty luggage. If it's a hard-shell case, wipe it down. Store your luggage in a secure, isolated area, ideally away from your bedroom, such as a garage or attic, perhaps in a large, sealed plastic bag.

When Bed Bugs Become Your Houseguests: Call the Experts

Despite your best efforts, bed bugs are cunning. If you suspect these unwelcome visitors have made it into your home, don't delay. Catching an infestation early is key.

Signs of bed bugs in your home include:

• Itchy red welts on your skin, often in a line or cluster.
• Small bloodstains on your sheets or pajamas.
• Tiny black or reddish-brown spots (fecal matter) on your mattress or bedding.
• Tiny eggs or shed skins in mattress seams or furniture.
• A musty odor in the infested room.

Trying to tackle bed bugs on your own with store-bought sprays is often ineffective and can even spread them further into your home. These pests are notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional help.

That's where Resolve Pest Management comes in. We specialize in effective and thorough Bed Bug Control services. Our experienced team understands bed bug behavior and knows exactly how to track them down and eliminate them from your home using safe and proven methods. We offer tailored treatment plans to ensure these resilient pests are completely removed, giving you back your peace of mind.

We're proud to serve homeowners across Ocean County and Monmouth County, New Jersey, including towns like Toms River, Brick, Lakewood, Jackson, Bayville, Manahawkin, Middletown, Howell, Freehold, and many more. If you're dealing with a bed bug problem, or any other pest issue, we're here to help. Our team is available 24/7 for your convenience.

Don't let bed bugs ruin your home after a wonderful trip. If you suspect an infestation, reach out to us right away. You can call us at (732) 527-5770 or email us at Office@resolvepestmanagement.com to schedule an inspection. Let Resolve Pest Management handle the pests, so you can focus on enjoying your home – and planning your next adventure!