Travel Tips for Bed Bug Protection!

Last week, we shared some photos and information about bed bugs in a hotel.  It's hard to believe, but many spring break trips are right around the corner.  Do you know how to make sure your travel accommodations are bug free?  Whether you are staying at the cheapest dive you could find or a 5-star luxury hotel, you need to know what to look for.  Here's some tips to help you have a peace of mind while traveling:

• Check the room for bugs, fecal spots, skins, and eggs near where people sleep and sit.
• Pull back all bedding.  Inspect the mattress seams and along mattress piping.
• Look between the mattress and box springs.
• Check behind the headboards and pictures above the bed.
• Look along the baseboards.
• Inspect night stands or other furniture near the beds.
• Check in the seams and folds of curtains.
• Inspect the closet before hanging up any clothes.  
• Keep items in your suitcase, not in the drawers.
• Place your luggage on a rack, rather than the floor or bed.
• Examine luggage before leaving and again when you return home.
• Place all laundry in dryer for at least 15 minutes on highest setting possible and then wash as normal.
• Notify Guest Services if you find any evidence of bed bugs during your inspection!   

With a little inspection and wisdom, you can enjoy your trip without the worries of sharing your room with unwanted travel partners or bringing home some hitchhikers in your luggage!