Vacationing without Bed Bugs

If you plan on traveling this summer, vacationing without bed bugs is the way to do it! Bed bugs can be picked up in hotel rooms and you may not know it till they’ve made themselves at home in your own bed.
While you’re getting ready for your trip, we suggest packing a small flashlight to help investigate your hotel bed and other areas around the room. Remember to start checking out the room as soon as you get there. You can start by not setting your luggage on the bed, instead set it on a hard surface such as the bathroom counter or even setting it in the bathtub while you check out the room.
Keep Alpha’s bed bug tips in mind:
• Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, especially the corners. While using your handy flashlight, we also suggest moving or lifting the mattress to check underneath as bedbugs sometimes will be under the mattress. You’re looking for telltales signs of the rust colored spots.
• Check the head board and inside of drawers of dressers and nightstands
• Check anything upholstered like chairs and curtains
• Check the edges of the carpet for bed bugs, they can be anywhere in the room, but be sure to thoroughly inspect the carpet edges that are close to the bed
*If you see anything suspect, notify management and change rooms or establishments immediately!! If you do need to change rooms, be sure that you do not move to a room adjacent and or directly above or below the suspected infested room. Bed bugs can easily catch rides on housekeeping carts, luggage, and even through wall sockets.
Remember that bed bugs are not picky and will hitchhike a ride with anyone. After your trip, inspect your suitcases before bringing them into your home. You can use a vacuum or a garment steam cleaner before putting the luggage up for storage. Using a steam cleaner will kill any bed bugs or eggs that may have stowed away with you. Don’t just put your clothes into a hamper; take them from the luggage directly to the washer (even clothes that may not have been worn). Wash all clothing in hot water. The longer you wait, the more time they will have to get established, which can slow down the elimination process.