Braman Termite & Pest Elimination urges travelers to watch out for the stowaway pests
Thanksgiving traditionally kicks off the holiday travel season. People make plans to celebrate with relatives and friends, both near and far. The increase in travel during this time brings with it the greater risk of unwanted, hitchhiking pests wreaking havoc: bed bugs.
Braman Termite & Pest Elimination, a leading provider of pest management services across southern New England since 1890, reminds travelers to look out for signs of bed bugs to avoid spreading them or, even worse, bringing them into their homes.
“Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to manage,” said Natasha Wright, technical director and Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) at Braman. “These bugs are resourceful and can easily hitch a ride in suitcases, on clothing and in your other belongings. That allows them to spread quickly and infest homes, transportation systems, offices and any other place where people gather.”
According to a recent survey from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), 97 percent of pest control professionals who responded have treated bed bugs in the past year. This is not a surprising statistic given the fact that bed bugs are expert hitchhikers and prolific breeders, with females averaging 500 eggs over their lifetime.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers these tips for avoiding bed bugs while traveling:
- Pull back hotel bed sheets and inspect mattress seams for stains, spots or bugs. Also check behind the headboard and in sofas and chairs.
- Immediately notify management of any signs of bed bugs and ask for a new room that is not adjacent and/or directly above or below the original room. Bed bugs can easily attach to housekeeping carts, luggage and travel through walls via electrical sockets.
- Place luggage in a plastic trash bag or protective cover during the duration of the trip.
- Inspect luggage and thoroughly vacuum it upon returning home, and before bringing it inside the house.
- Dry all fabric items (even those not worn) in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes to ensure any bed bugs that may have made it that far do not get into your drawers or closet.
“If bed bugs do find their way into your home, do not deal with the infestation on your own. We’ve seen too many people put themselves in dangerous situations while trying to eliminate the problem with a DIY solution,” added Jerry Lazarus, third-generation owner of Braman. “For total eradication, not to mention peace of mind, it’s best to call us for an expert assessment and treatment.”
For more information on bed bugs, please visit our bed bugs page.