Hitting the Road? Here's How to Prevent a Bed Bug Bite this Summer

The arrival of summer usually means the beginning of vacation season. As many Americans load up their cars and hit the road of a well-needed getaway, it’s likely bed bugs are not top of mind. No matter where you are staying, bed bugs could be hiding out waiting to cause disruption to your travels and use you as their next blood meal. This Bed Bug Awareness Week, June 5-11, Cowleys is teaming up with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) to share tips on how to inspect your hotel or lodging facility for signs of bed bugs. 

“The whole point of a vacation is to get away and relax without any stress,” said Bill Cowley, Co-Owner at Cowleys Pest Services. “Unfortunately, there is always the chance for a bump in the road along the way, one of which could be bed bugs. These tricky little pests are often overlooked until it is too late. Their bites can be a damper on any holiday fun and they are known for their ability to hitchhike on your belongings, which can end in an infestation at home.” 

From a five-star resort to an Airbnb, bed bugs can be found anywhere. Luckily for travelers, run-ins with this pest can be prevented in just a few steps. Below are some tips recommended by Cowleys to keep your vacation bed bug-free:

• Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, for red or brown stains and spots. 
• Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in sofas/chairs. 
• Keep your suitcase in the hall or right inside the door away from where any bed bugs could be. 
• Carry a small flashlight or use your phone flashlight to assist you with visual inspections. 
• If you spot a bed bug or any of the signs of bed bugs, alert staff and change rooms immediately. Do not stay in a room adjacent to the infested room.