How to Perform a Thorough Bed Bug Inspection
With the summer vacation season approaching us, it makes for the perfect time for bed bug activity. Many of you are probably planning to head out of town with family to a destination location or have friends and family come stay with you.
If you’re planning to stay in a hotel or have people visit your home, there are a few easy and quick things you can do to perform a bed bug inspection.
Here are a few facts about bed bugs and what to do when you enter your hotel room.
What do bed bugs look like?
Bed bugs are tiny, oval, brown and wingless insects approximately 1/4″ to 3/8″ long (5-9mm).
What can I do to protect myself?
When checking into a hotel room or after visiting guests have left your home, you can perform a simple bed bug inspection of the room.
- Pull pillows and sheets down 1/3 of the way from the top of the bed and look for reddish-brown or black spots on the sheets near the bed’s headboard. You may not see the actual bugs themselves but they do leave a trail of spots.
- Look for spots on mattresses, pillows, headboards and walls behind headboards.
- Check the inside of dresser drawers for insects and black spots.
- Contact Guest Services immediately if you’ve found any signs of bed bugs during your inspection.
If I suspect I was in a room with bed bugs, what should I do when I return home?
- Isolate the items in your travel bags from other items in your home – the garage is a great place.
- Put clothing and other heat tolerant items into your dryer for a minimum of 20 minutes – the heat will eliminate bed bugs.
- After thoroughly heating the items, wash as normal.
- Check all luggage before storing it away. Vacuum out luggage and clean the exterior surface.
What if I have guests staying in my home?
When welcoming family and friends into your home who have been staying in hotels or on a cruise ship, be aware that bed bugs may have hitched a ride with them. After your guests leave, carefully inspect guest rooms for any signs of bed bugs. Wash all bed linens as soon as possible.
If you suspect you may have bed bugs in your home, CLICK HERE for a free, no obligation inspection.