Braman Termite & Pest Elimination offers tips to avoid bed bugs during upcoming travels
Summer is officially here, which means millions of Americans are eagerly gearing up for vacation. However, before hitting the road to enjoy some rest and relaxation, Braman Termite and Pest Elimination, a pest management company servicing southern New England, encourages travelers to learn and practice bed bug prevention tips to help avoid bringing home these unwanted souvenirs.
“Bed bugs can turn a relaxing vacation into a nightmare, especially if they return home with you,” said Jerry Lazarus, third-generation owner of Braman Termite and Pest Elimination. “Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to control, but taking precautions, such as inspecting hotel rooms, beach rentals and cabins prior to settling in, is a critical first step in helping travelers avoid coming into contact with these blood-sucking pests.”
Keep these tips from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) top-of-mind when traveling this summer:
- Look online before leaving home to learn how to recognize the signs of bed bugs and how to inspect for them.
- Thoroughly inspect the entire hotel room or rental before unpacking, including behind headboards, and around the bottom of cushions and seams of other furniture.
- Pull back bed sheets and inspect mattress seams and box springs, particularly the corners, for pepper-like stains or shed bed bug skins.
- Do not place luggage on upholstered surfaces. The safest place is typically on a luggage rack after it has been thoroughly inspected. Be careful of a luggage rack with hollow legs, where bed bugs may hide unseen.
- If any pests are spotted, notify management and change rooms or properties immediately, making sure your new room is not adjacent to the one you just left.
- When you return home, inspect and vacuum your suitcases thoroughly before bringing them into the home. Consider unpacking in the garage and using a garment hand steamer to steam your luggage, which will kill any bed bugs, before bringing it into the house.
- Wash all your clothes – even the items not worn – in hot water or dry on high heat.
“If you suspect that bed bugs may have hitchhiked a ride into your abode, contact a Braman specialist to recommend a course of treatment,” advised Lazarus.
For more information, please visit BramanPest.com.