Bed Bugs On Cruise Ships? Yes!

Many people are escaping the cold snowy winter weather that has hit the east coast and are venturing to warmer destinations for a little rest and relaxation.  A friend of mine recently returned from a nice cruise to the Caribbean.  Known among my friends as the “bed bug guru”, my friend contacted me to find out information about the strange looking bite marks that she received on her week-long dream vacation.  Her first question was…”Can bed bugs infest a cruise ship?”   She was disappointed to hear that yes indeed, like hotels and motels, bed bug infestations can be found on cruise ships as well.

It’s not surprising that travelers are finding bed bug infestations on cruise ships with the increase in bed bug infestations that are now reaching epidemic levels around the world.  With the recent discovery by Ohio State University of how bed bugs are now more resistant to chemical treatments, it stands to reason that the rise in bed bug infestations will likely become worse until new pesticides are released to eradicate the little vampires.

When traveling on a cruise ship, passengers should inquire at the time of booking, what a cruise ships policy is in regards to a bed bug infestation.  Cruising passengers can also check CruiseBruise for a listing of cruise ships that have reported bed bug infestations.

Like with hotel visits, travelers should carefully inspect their cruise ship rooms before unpacking their belongings in order to avoid encountering bed bugs.  If bed bugs are found, or evidence of bed bugs, you should notify your cabin steward immediately.  Unlike when traveling to a hotel, on a cruise ship it may be difficult to be moved to another cabin if you find bed bugs, especially if the ship is operating at full capacity.  This is why it is important to know what protocol the cruise line follows prior to booking your trip.

If you have taken a trip and want to make certain to not create a New Jersey bed bug infestation in your home, you should treat your luggage and belongings as if you have encountered bed bugs when you traveled.  Taking a few simple steps upon your arrival home can help avoid a NJ bed bug infestation.

• Empty your luggage outside your home.

• Wash and dry all clothing in hot water/dry heat.

• Vacuum suitcases well, especially the seams where bed bugs congregate and tend to lay their eggs.

• Throw vacuum cleaner bag in trash can outside.

If you find that you have inadvertently brought home bed bugs from a cruise ship or hotel, it’s important to contact a NJ pest control expert to eradicate the bugs at first sign of their presence.