Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year... Gift giving, parties, visiting with family and friends near and far. And of course, the most delicious food and treats are readily available to indulge in. It can also get pretty stressful if you decide to travel. You have to make plans, and reserve a place to stay overnight, choose what type of transportation you will use to get there, what your schedule will be, and what to pack. Don't forget to plan ahead for pests that can make traveling more stressful. The chief concern while traveling is the tiny but dreaded bed bug.
Bed bugs are parasites that feed on human blood. They were nearly extinct at one time, however, bed bugs have made an astounding comeback. They are reddish-brown and look similar to an apple seed, as they are oval and flat. Their nymphs are tiny replicas of the adults, and the minuscule eggs are white and difficult to see with the naked eye. Bed bugs are nocturnal and come out to feed at nighttime. They hide in places humans rest, usually in bedrooms, but can be found around furniture as well. As bed bugs feed on human blood, it's comforting to know that they do not carry diseases, but a bite from a bed bug could result in a red itchy welt.
So, how does this affect your Christmas travel? You will want to be sure that you book overnight accommodations in an establishment that has not had any bed bug reviews or reports, so do your research. When you arrive, be sure to inspect your room for bed bugs. You will want to look around the bed and other furniture, as well as on the floor nearby. Sometimes bed bugs hide behind light switches, outlets, and wall hangings too. Check bedding and linens in the creases, and in the folds of curtains. You will be looking for live bugs, shed exoskeletons, and dead carcasses. If you see any of these signs, ask for a different room or look for other accommodations.
Be careful while you are traveling as well. Bed bugs can be on the seats of public transportation like buses, trains, planes, and taxi cabs. Keep your luggage off of the ground, and do not put your clothes in the drawers. Additionally, keeping your clothes inside sealed plastic bags is also a good idea, including your dirty laundry. If you wake up in the morning with tiny red bite marks or maroon dots on your pajamas or bedding, then you may be sleeping with bed bugs.
Bed bugs are the ultimate hitchhikers, so be sure to check your luggage and wash your clothing right away when you return home. In the event that you inadvertently brought some bed bugs home with you, you will want a professional pest control service, like Big Blue Bug Solutions in New England to take control of the problem. For over 80 year's they have been providing effective and responsible solutions to bed bug problems. Don't let fear of bed bugs keep you stuck at home this year. Travel confidently with knowledge of how to protect yourself, and the added security of knowing just who to call if bed bugs try to settle into your home when you return.