Thanksgiving is a time for turkey with all the fixings. It is a time for pies, cakes, and cookies. It's a time for more side dishes than you can shake a stick at. And, unfortunately, it is a time when bed bugs spread from house to house. Whether you're traveling somewhere for Thanksgiving or having travelers in your home, here are some tips that will help you avoid a bed bug infestation.
Bed Bug Tips For Travelers
- If you're traveling by bus, train, plane, or some other means, other than a car, be aware that bed bugs can be picked up in these places. They aren't just in hotels and motels.
- If your plans include a night stay somewhere, be sure to check your accommodations on bedbugregistry.com.
- Any location you stay in, whether it be a motel or the spare room of your mother-in-law's house, always do a quick bed bug inspection.
- Bed bugs can be in the cleanest of environments, and a bed bug infestation can grow for months before it becomes unmistakable.
- See the bottom of this article for an inspection guide.
- No matter where you stay, always put your laundry in a plastic bag. Bed bugs are drawn to items we've worn. And they can lay their eggs in these items.
Bed Bug Tips For Homeowners
While there isn't a lot you can do to prevent bed bugs from entering your home (because they come in with your guests) there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.
- Get to know what bed bugs look like in all stages of development. If you see tiny insects with a red abdomen feeding on your arm, it is important to know whether or not it is a bed bug.
- Get to know what bed bug bites look like. Most bugs bite once, but bed bugs usually feed three times. This will make bites appear as patterns of three or paths across the skin. If you see these kinds of bites, it will help you know that it is time to take a closer look.
- Know where to look for bed bugs. If someone comes into your home with tiny white bed bug eggs on them, those eggs are likely to be in a seam, crease, or pocket. They may also be attached to fabric.
It is important to know what to look for when you travel on Thanksgiving or when people come to stay with you. Bed bugs are tormenting pests to deal with. Keep your eyes sharp for bed bugs and the signs they leave behind. And, if you ever need any help, reach out to American Pest Solutions for state-of-the-art bed bug control options.