Tag: avoiding bed bugs when you travel

  • Your Winter Holiday Survival Guide: Keeping Bed Bugs Off Your Wish List

    Your Winter Holiday Survival Guide: Keeping Bed Bugs Off Your Wish List

    The most wonderful time of the year is here! The smell of cinnamon and pine is in the air, lights are twinkling, and the promise of a feast and good company fills our hearts. But amidst all the holiday cheer, there’s a Grinch-like pest that loves to ruin a good time: the bed bug.

    ‘Tis the Season for Welcome Guests- and Unexpected Pests

    These tiny, unwanted guests are the ultimate holiday party crashers. They don’t bring gifts or good tidings; they just want to hitch a ride on your luggage, hide in your festive decorations, and turn your peaceful home into their own winter wonderland.

    This holiday season, let’s keep them off the naughty list and out of your house for good!

    The Great Turkey Trot: Thanksgiving Travel & Guests

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    Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and, for many of us, travel. Whether you’re flying home or hosting a house full of relatives, you’re creating a perfect storm for bed bugs to sneak in. They love to cozy up in luggage, jackets, and even the backpacks of little ones.

    • For the Travelers: When you arrive at your destination, do a quick “reconnaissance mission.” Inspect the mattress, bedding, and behind the headboard for any dark spots or tiny bugs. Keep your luggage on a luggage rack or in the bathroom, far away from the bed.
    • For the Hosts: After your guests depart, do a quick once-over of the guest room. Vacuum around the bed and other furniture, and wash all bedding on high heat. This simple step can stop a potential problem before it even begins.

    Deck the Halls, Not the Hives, this Christmas

    Santa Claus eyes his list during Christmas

    As you pull out those boxes of festive decorations, you might be unintentionally inviting bed bugs into your home. They can hide in storage, on second-hand ornaments, or even on the coats of visiting carolers!

    • The Ornament Inspection: Before you hang that heirloom ornament or string up the tinsel, give everything a quick check. If you’re using decorations that have been in storage for a while, consider giving them a wipe-down or a thorough shake outside.
    • A Word on Presents: Be mindful of gifts, especially those that are handmade or have been wrapped in a host’s home. It’s a small risk, but it’s always good to be vigilant. One person reported discovering bed bugs in a Christmas gift bag they received last year.

    Ringing in a Pest-Free New Year

    New Year’s Eve is a time for resolutions and fresh starts. What better way to begin the new year than with a home that’s completely free of unwanted pests? Let’s make a resolution to keep your space secure all year long.

    • The Post-Holiday Deep Clean: Once the decorations are down and the last of the holiday cookies are gone, take the time for a thorough deep clean. Vacuum every nook and cranny, and make sure to wash all bed linens and curtains on high heat. This is your final victory lap against any lingering holiday pests.

    The Ultimate Holiday Gift: Peace of Mind

    This holiday season, the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones is a pest-free home. With all the traveling, hosting, and celebrating, it’s a mission that requires the right tools.

    When you’re ready to bring in the big guns, our BLITZ bed bug spray is your secret weapon. This bed bug treatment spray is designed to quickly and effectively eliminate any threats, ensuring your home remains a place of peace, love, and holiday cheer.

    Happy Holidays and a Pest-Free New Year to all!

  • Back from Vacation? Your Bed Bug Contamination Action Plan

    Back from Vacation? Your Bed Bug Contamination Action Plan

    The vacation is over. The sun-kissed glow is fading, the sand is officially out of your shoes, and you’re surrounded by a mountain of laundry. But wait! Before you dive back into reality, there’s one last, crucial mission to complete: the post-vacation bed bug decontamination.

    Think of it as your final boss battle. You see, while you were busy making memories, a tiny, eight-legged villain might have been plotting its grand escape from the hotel room, hitching a ride in your luggage. They’re masters of the surprise reunion.

    But don’t you worry, we’ve got a tactical plan to make sure your only souvenir is a good memory. Let’s dive in.

    3-Step Plan to Prevent Unwanted Bedbug Memories

    suitcase inspection after travel for bedbugs

    Step 1: The “Laundry Gauntlet” 🧺

    First things first, your clothes. Every single piece of fabric that came with you—clean or dirty—is a potential hiding spot. Don’t even think about putting it in your hamper. It’s time for the Laundry Gauntlet.

    • Clothes: Take everything straight from your suitcase and throw it into the washing machine. Wash on the hottest setting your clothes can handle.
    • The Heat Blast: After the wash, transfer everything to the dryer and run it on high heat for at least 30 minutes. The extreme temperature is the single most effective way to kill any bed bugs and their eggs. This is your final, glorious blow.

    Step 2: The “Luggage Lockdown” 🔒

    Your suitcase is a VIP transport vehicle for these tiny pests. Now that it’s back home, it’s a potential Trojan horse.

    • The Quarantine: If you have space, leave your suitcase in a bathtub, garage, or another space far from your bedroom.
    • The Hot Shower: Take a vacuum with a hose attachment and give your suitcase a thorough vacuuming, paying close attention to all the seams, zippers, and pockets. Immediately empty the contents of the vacuum bag into a sealed trash bag and take it outside.

    Remember to pack your things in zip lock bags next time when you travel, too.

    Step 3: The “Peace of Mind” Spraydown 🛡️

    You’ve completed the gauntlet and locked down the luggage. Now for the final sweep. It’s time to bring in the big guns for ultimate peace of mind. A single, diligent application of your favorite bed bug spray is the ultimate insurance policy.

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    This is where your very own BLITZ bed bug spray becomes the hero of the hour. A quick spritz around the floorboards where your suitcase sat and along the seams of your mattress will provide a powerful and long-lasting barrier.

    This easy extra step ensures no tiny monsters survived the gauntlet to start a new life in your bed.

    Congratulations, you’ve successfully returned from vacation with nothing but good memories! Now go take a nap—you’ve earned it.

  • How to Avoid Bed Bugs When You Travel

    How to Avoid Bed Bugs When You Travel

    Traveling can be one of life’s greatest joys, but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to unexpected guests like bed bugs.

    Yep, those tiny critters can hitch a ride back home with us after a wonderful trip, becoming unwanted housemates.

    So, let’s explore some travel tips to decrease your exposure to these pesky pests and ensure a bug-free homecoming!

    Bedbug-Free Travel Checklist

    Before you even head out the door, it’s essential to be proactive in preventing a bed bug invasion. Start by researching your destination. Many travelers share their experiences online, including bed bug encounters at hotels or vacation rentals.

    Sites like TripAdvisor and specialized forums can provide valuable insights. Once you’re aware of potential risks, you can make informed choices about where to stay.

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    Seal Up Your Stuff in Zip Loc Bags When Packing Your Travel Bag

    When packing, consider using a hard-shell suitcase and packing everything inside sealed ziplock bags. This method adds an extra layer of protection against pests that might be lurking in hotel rooms.

    Furthermore, a good habit is to also check your belongings before leaving home to ensure you’re not bringing anything back that you didn’t take with you.

    Upon Arrival and Hotel Check-In: Do a Quick Bed Bug Inspection in Your Room

    bed bug travel tips and warnings

    After you check into your accommodation, it’s time to conduct a thorough inspection. It may feel a bit silly, but a few minutes of checking can save you a world of trouble!

    Start with the bed—pull back the sheets and look for reddish-brown spots or tiny eggs on the mattress seams and bed frame. Make sure to inspect couches, nightstands, and even behind picture frames or plumbing.

    Keep your luggage off the floor and away from any upholstered furniture. Use the luggage rack if available or, if not, place your suitcase in the bathtub—bed bugs are less likely to be found there.

    While you’re out exploring, always be mindful of your belongings. Keep your luggage zipped up and avoid leaving clothes or other items lying around. If you’ve been sitting on public transport or waiting in crowded areas, give your clothes a quick shake before entering your accommodation and hang them up separately from the rest of your luggage when you return to your room.

    While these are the best practices for bed bugs when you travel, you’ll still need to be extra diligent when it’s time to go home.

    The Return Home: Final Checks for Unwanted Guests and Pests

    Once your adventure comes to an end, don’t let your guard down! Before you bring your suitcase indoors, inspect it again. If possible, store your luggage in an isolated area like the garage or outside until you’re ready to unpack.

    Washing your clothes immediately in hot water helps eliminate any lingering bugs, according to the NIH. High temperatures are lethal to bed bugs, so toss your clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial!

    In conclusion, while traveling can expose us to bed bugs, being proactive and careful can significantly reduce the chances of bringing these pests home.

    From packing smartly to conducting thorough checks upon arrival and after our trip, simple precautions can save a lot of trouble down the road.