TOP 10 TIPS FOR A BED BUG FREE HOLIDAY

‘Tis the season to be jolly!

Not to spoil all the fun, but this is also the time of year when bed bug problems tend to skyrocket. At Christmas time, bed bugs often find their way indoors through cardboard boxes, wrapping, decorations and real Christmas trees.

But there are other ways that these pests can become a risk and bother to you over the holidays. You can encounter them at your friends and families’ homes, hotels, motels, public transportation, airports, rental cars, shopping centers, movie theatres, and clothing stores. Bed bugs also hitchhike a ride on the clothing that people are wearing, purses, bags, luggage, and even wheelchairs.

While it may seem like the odds are against you, there are precautions that you can take to help reduce and prevent bed bugs from imposing on your Christmas fun, whether you are travelling, hosting in your home, attending parties, or having overnight guests.

Here's our top 10 Tips to Help You Have a Bed Bug Free Holiday:

1. Don’t put your guests’ coats or bags on your beds.

• Empty a closet or get an inexpensive standing coat rack for the occasion.

2. Use bed bug mattress and box spring covers on all your beds.

• Consider bringing your own mattress cover for your overnight travels.

3. If you or your house guest will be sleeping on a couch, cover it with a clean sheet.

• Launder the sheet and vacuum the couch once your guests leave.

4. If you’re concerned that a gift from a guest or visitor may have come into contact with bed bugs, post opening, discard any boxes and wrapping in a sealed bag outside, wash any clothing on a hot setting and wipe down wood and plastic items.

5. When travelling, avoid putting your suitcase, clothing, or other personal items on the bed.

• Store your luggage in the bathroom, or as far from the bed as possible.
• Consider bringing large plastic bags to encase your suitcases in when not in use.

6. If staying in a hotel or motel do your bed bug homework:

• Check the Bed Bug Registry https://bedbugregistry.com/search/.
• Check travel review websites for guest complaints related to bed bugs (or other pests).

7. Learn what bed bugs look like and the signs of an infestation.

8. Do an inspection of your guestroom or hotel room upon arrival.

• If you find bed bugs ask to be moved to another room, as far away from this infested room. 

9. When travelling, keep your clothing in your suitcase, and not in drawers.

• Make sure to keep any luggage zipped up when not needed.

10. Upon returning from your travels, keep your suitcase in the garage overnight.

• Empty clothing directly into the washing machine and wash on a hot setting.
• Before you put your suitcase or luggage away, thoroughly vacuum.

Get Bed Bug Control from Environmental Pest Control

Unfortunately, despite all best efforts and precautions, contact with bed bugs can happen. They are everywhere - even at 5-star hotels and high-end establishments.

If someone has brought bed bugs into your home or business, or you have brought them back after traveling this holiday season, contact a professional pest control company like us.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and bed bug free holiday seasons!