Continuing from Monday…
A nationwide pest control company uses the acronym “SLEEP” to help travelers to remember some useful bed bug tips.
• “S” – Searching your hotel room for bed bug infestations is imperative if you want to avoid bringing the bloodsuckers home with you. Adult bed bugs are easy to see as they are reddish-brown in color and about the size of an apple seed. Look for bed bug skins that are cast off and cream-colored eggs as well. New bed bug eggs will be the size of the head of a pin and will be extremely difficult to detect.
• “L” – Look for evidence of bed bugs in all locations such as the: mattress, box spring, head board, bed frame, bedding, curtains, dressers, nightstands, light fixtures, furniture, behind picture frames, electrical components, and baseboards. On airplanes, taxis, trains, and rental cars, bed bugs have been found within the seat cushions. Remember, bed bugs are masters at hiding, so they can be lurking in any crack or crevice.
• “E” – Elevate your luggage, but never place your luggage on the bed. Hotel luggage racks are a convenient place to store your luggage while you travel. New Jersey pest control experts recommend that you place your luggage in the bathroom area rather than the bedroom area because bed bugs have a difficult time crawling and climbing on slick surfaces. For additional protection, it is recommended that you keep your luggage zipped shut and sealed in a plastic garbage bag to avoid any bed bug hitchhikers gaining access to your luggage.
• “E” – Examine your luggage before you depart your destination and when you arrive home as well. Despite your best efforts, because of their elusive behavior, you may still find that you have unwittingly brought home some unwanted souvenirs from your vacation.
• “P” – Prevent bed bugs from invading your home after you travel by laundering all of your clothing, clean or dirty, in hot water and drying on the hottest dryer setting. Bed bugs and their eggs cannot withstand temperatures over 120 degrees. Carefully, vacuum all luggage, inside and out, paying particular attention to the seamed areas. As an added precaution, luggage can be sealed in a large garbage bags and placed in the sunshine or in an enclosed car. The summer heat will elevate the temperature of the luggage to help kill any potential bed bug stowaways that you might have missed.
NJ pest control experts say that with diligence, bed bug infestations can be avoided. Allison Pest Control is ready to help you with your bed bug infestation problems. We provide expert eradication service in Monmouth, Ocean or Middlesex counties.