Whether you are hiking in a remote area staying in a flophouse or traveling first class staying at a five star resort you are in danger of an attack of these blood thirsty vermin. Here are a few things you can do to dramatically reduce your chance of bed bug bites though.
1. First, never put your bags or clothes on the bed. This common mistake is a virtual invitation for the bugs to hitch a ride home with you. Never leave your clothes or bags on the hotel floor.
2. Look behind the headboard and pull the bed out a foot or so look all around the bed for black specks. These creatures are very small if you see anything suspicious call the front desk. Leave the bed out from the wall during your stay. Bed bugs can not fly so if they have been coming from the nightstand they will have to get to you some other way.
3. Take a roll of clear packing tape with you while you travel. Wrap the legs of the bed sticky side out to trap the bed bugs trying to get to you. I know this seems extreme but you would rather feel weird than get stung.
4. Pull all of the bedding off the sides of the bed and look under the seams of the mattress. You are looking for something that looks like dirt smudges. This is the trail of blood and feces left by the bed bugs. If you find this leave the hotel once you find an infestation you should leave as fast as possible.
5. If you are an avid traveler I suggest taking two new king-size sheets and sewing them together on the bottom and sides. Use this at night like a big sleeping bag. Make sure and inspect and fold in the morning. Place this in a garbage bag and seal it while returning home. Unpack this before anything else and wash with the hottest water you have before using again.
This is just a few of the things you can do to prevent bed bug bites. Before you travel make sure a do a little research online and look for previous outbreaks where you are traveling.
Bed Bugs How To Get Rid Of Them
If you have had problems with bed bugs, it's quite possible you have been wondering the best ways to get rid of these nasty insects. It's very common to be caught off guard with these bugs only to be left wondering how to officially get rid of them. Killing bed bugs isn't all that difficult when you know the right methods to use.
These types of insects were commonly thought of for years to only be a thing of fairy tales and nightmares, but they are actually a very true and large problem for many people around the world. The bad thing is that the majority of people infested with these insects have no idea they even exist. The many mornings waking up with mysterious rashes go along without even considering the fact that their are a few hundred to a thousand bugs in the mattress waiting to feed.
The second thing to keep in mind is that bed bugs hate the heat. In fact if you do an old fashioned steam cleaning, you will find that they will scatter and die off quicker than you thought possible. They are simply not made to withstand the extreme heat and will not live through it.
Another great option is to use what is known as bed bug spray. This spray is perfect for killing bed bugs as it is a non-toxic pesticide that can get rid of them faster then you can blink!
You will need to ensure you find the source of their hiding so that you can get rid of the entire group, but once you find them if you use a steam cleaning and some bed bug spray or powder you will find your chances of them coming back are slim to none.
An easy way to spot where the infestation is located is by searching for any dark colored spots on the mattress. Many people make the mistake of not checking the entire mattress assuming the bugs don't have the ability to burrow underneath. The truth is that these bugs are very tough and can withstand a ton of abuse and pressure. They find a way to get underneath and have the ability to pop out whenever you are sleeping to feed off your blood.
It's a pretty scary but unfortunately true situation. If you notice you have bite marks that resemble a rash you may have a good reason to look deeper into the mattress or surrounding area.
As mentioned, another great option is by using a special powder that is also non-toxic to humans. This powder is devastating in combination with the spray. The bugs simply cannot withstand all the toxicity you are throwing at them and they are quick to become a problem of the past.
You should never have to resort to an exterminator as the high prices and fee's are something you will be able to save by utilizing the methods mentioned above.
Who ever said killing bed bugs had to be so difficult after all?
Both Timothy Russell & Tyler Boshears are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.