Are you travelling to escape the cold this winter? These days, short term rentals are a popular way to travel. From Airbnb to VRBO, the experiences feel budget friendly, special and unique – unlike any hotel you’ve ever stayed in! However, the home-sharing model does have its flaws. With the lack of regulations and the speed of these new guest turnover rates, this leaves travellers exposed to bringing home unwanted pests or more specifically, discovering bed bugs!
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, able to sneak into your luggage or other personal items without being noticed! Since they mostly hide during the day, the night is their prime time for feeding. A helpful tip for travelling this winter is to remember the acronym S.L.E.E.P which can help prevent bed bugs!
S. (SURVEY) the cracks or small areas for any signs of infestation such as rust coloured (old blood) spots. Also look for any cast skins too!
L. (LIFT) and look under any surfaces, mattresses, sheets, furniture, upholstery, etc. for hiding spots
E. (ELEVATE) your personal items/luggage away from any beds or walls. Ideally, keep your items in a bathtub until you have inspected your place of stay. (Bed bugs do not typically hide there but can be easily spotted on a bathtub’s shiny surface regardless!)
E. (EXAMINE) your personal items when repacking or when you are back home
P. (PLACE) all clothing items in your dryer on the maximum heat for at least 15 minutes after an overnight trip
We also have these handy travel products to help you prevent bringing bed bugs home as a souvenir:
– Place our Bed Bug Defenders under the legs of the bed you sleep in to be aware of potential bed bug infestations
– Spray our Travel Size Power Shot Bed Bug Killer Aerosol on items other than clothing that you are concerned may have come into contact with bed bugs.
– Place your travel clothes into our Dissolvable Bed Bug Laundry Bags (link coming soon!) to be washed and dried on high heat upon your return home.
– Place non-washable items that have been in a bed bug infested room into our Storage Encasement Bags (link coming soon!) until they can be treated.
Even so, bed bugs are challenging to eliminate without professional help. Don’t let them escape and travel home with you. Contact the Advantage Pest Control team if you have any bed bug concerns post travelling!
– Paolo Bassio
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