Like a lot of us Canadians, we tend to seek warmth and sand just after the holidays. Our goal is to break up the cold and blistery months and take a few days to ourselves in the comfort of a hotel somewhere warm.
While travelling though, it is possible that you will return with more than just a tan… You may be bringing home bed bugs!
What are bed bugs?
They are small (think about the size of an apple seed), flat, oval shaped with a red/brown color. They feed on human and animal blood and are attracted to the carbon dioxide that humans/animals exhale which is why they tend to gravitate toward bedding, mattress’, pillows etc. where it is easy for them to feed during the night.
Bed Bug Bites
Bed bug bites are lesions that are either flat or raised, and can be itchy. Some people who are bitten by bed bugs will develop a reaction leaving a large blood/fluid filled welt around the bite. While a bite is generally harmless (bed bugs are not known to carry disease), they are annoying, slightly painful, and really give you the “heebie-jeebies” knowing that you were a buffet dinner for tiny little critters while you slept.
Preventing Bed Bugs While You Travel
Regardless of whether you’re staying in a brand new 5-star hotel, or a discount 1-star, there is always a chance that bed bugs have made a home there. Bed bugs can multiply VERY fast, so it is very IMPORTANT to read reviews and do a thorough check of all of the bedding, mattress/box spring, headboards, furniture and curtains before you enter your room fully.
DO NOT BRING YOUR LUGGAGE INSIDE UNTIL YOU’VE CHECKED YOUR ROOM!
How to Prevent Bed Bugs When you Return Home
After you’ve returned home from your vacation, make sure you wash all of your clothing in hot water. If you cannot wash your clothing/fabrics, put them in the dryer. The heat will kill off any chances of a bed bug surviving the trip back into your home. Also, vacuum all of your luggage. Including the toiletry bags and pockets. Once you’ve vacuumed, empty the canister/bag into an outdoor garbage bag/can and seal it.