Now Hiring Pest Control Specialists

APPLY HERE

Preventing Bed Bugs While Traveling

Serving Illinois and Indiana

Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs While Traveling by Anderson Pest Solutions in Illinois and Indiana

If you have an upcoming trip, there’s likely a lot on your mind. Bed bugs probably aren’t one of them! In the past few decades, the amount of bed bug infestations tied to hotels and traveling has sky-rocketed. As much as you may hate to admit it, it’s smart to prepare for the reality of possibly getting bed bugs while traveling. There are several ways you can go about preventing bed bugs while traveling. Whether you have a weekend getaway coming up or a business trip planned, keep reading for tips from the experts at Anderson Pest Solutions on bed bug prevention while traveling.

How to Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs When Traveling

Take the following precautions when flying to minimize your risk of bed bug attacks:

  • Cover exposed skin. Planes can get hot and stuffy, especially when fully booked, but dressing in layers can keep bed bugs off certain parts of your body. They’re too small to bite through most types of clothing thicker than pantyhose, so long sleeves and pants will keep you somewhat protected.
  • Bring your own seat cover. It’s possible to purchase disposable cloth seat covers that will fit over most types of airline seats. Even if your seat is infested, bed bugs won’t be able to penetrate the fabric, so it should help keep them from biting or hitching a ride on you.
  • Pack your own blanket and pillow. While airlines normally provide these for their passengers, it’s possible these items could be infested as well without their knowledge. It’s better to bring your own, bed bug-free blankets and pillows just in case.
  • Wrap your luggage in plastic. This seems a bit extreme, but the stares you’ll get from other passengers will be a small price to pay compared to a suitcase full of bed bugs. Wrapping your luggage in plastic wrap or tying it up inside a trash bag is more than enough to keep bed bugs out of your luggage – whether it’s in the overhead bin or under your seat.

Where Bed Bugs Could Hide On a Plane - Anderson Pest Solutions - bed bug exterminators serving Illinois and Indiana

How to Keep Bed Bugs Out of Your Luggage

Whether you’re traveling to or from Illinois for the holidays, the last thing you want is to bring bed bugs with you. These pests are especially fond of hiding in luggage because it has so many wrinkles and folds where they can hide. Even if you flew first class, stayed in a five-star hotel, and didn’t notice a single bug during your trip, it’s still important to know how to prevent bed bugs when traveling.

The process is simple: Either outside or in the garage, open your luggage and place everything inside into a plastic trash bag. Then it’s just a matter of checking each item for the presence of bed bugs or their droppings. Remember, bed bugs are small and flat, about as large as a poppy seed or apple seed. Don’t forget to use a flashlight to check deep in the folds of clothing and bags where they like to gather. If you do find the bugs, seal any infested items in trash bags and wash items in hot heat. Always steam-clean your suitcase before stowing it away to ensure no bed bugs remain.

Tips on how to Check Your Luggage for Bed Bugs by Anderson Pest Solutions serving Illinois and Indiana

Bed Bug Protection When Traveling Back Home

The final – but most important – step you should take if you accidentally bring back bed bugs from your travels? Call the airline you flew on and the hotel you stayed in. Bed bug bites can take up to 48 hours to appear, so it’s almost impossible to pinpoint exactly when you encountered them. If you’ve done all you can to prevent bed bugs while traveling and still notice the signs, it’s important to act quickly.

That’s where the bed bug removal team at Anderson Pest Solutions comes in! We’ll send over a technician right away to inspect your home for any signs of an infestation and provide our industry-leading bed bug prevention service if necessary. In addition to controlling any active infestation, we’ll ensure you are protected against bed bugs while traveling in the future!

<< Back to Bed Bug Pest Control Services

Preventing Bed Bugs While Traveling Serving Illinois and Indiana

Chicago | Illinois

Indiana