05/03/2010
When talking with clients during an initial contact or at the end of an inspection, the conversation, at some point, always seems to gravitate to traveling and what to do to protect themselves from bed bugs and the potential of bringing them home.Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, here's some tips which may help to keep you safe and bed bugs out of your bed when you get home...• When packing, add a few medium size trash bags into each piece of luggage. After you use clothing during the trip, put it in the bags. When you get home, take the bags directly to the laundry and wash and dry everything on the highest heat possible. Also include a large bag for each piece of luggage and store it in one of the outside compartments. At the end of your trip or before placing your suitcases, don't forget the carry-on, in your car when leaving the hotel, slip them into the trash bag. If there are bugs they'll be contained.• When you get to your room, pull back the covers on the beds and use a flashlight to search for any bugs moving about or stains from excrement they may have left behind. Check the mattress and box spring seams, headboard and drawers. If your're really ambitious, check those comfy chairs they like to hide in.• Keep your luggage on the luggage rack, off the floor and away from the wall.• Don't unpack your clothing into the drawers. Hang it up on hangers or leave it in the suitcase. Bed bugs hide in furniture.Be diligent about taking precautions while on the road. The few minutes it takes to preform a visual inspection could save you the grief and potential expense of dealing with a infestation if the little buggers hitch a ride home. Finally, it's not only the "Dives" that have bed bug problems. The best hotels and resorts are also known to have issues. Don't forget cruise ships, They're just floating hotels. When making reservations, ask if they have an kind of proactive bed bug program in place which includes the use of a sniffer dog. If they don't, you may want to try a hotel that does. Take a moment to watch this video and Happy Travels http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2J_i4t8i5s&feature=related
Bedbugs and other unsanitary conditions could be lurking in your hotel room. (March 21)
