Memorial Day Travel: Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs
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Wednesday, May 24, 2017

The Memorial Day Weekend is almost here, and people are ready to get out of town!
But, you don’t want that weekend getaway to turn into a bed bug infestation.
Whether you’re heading to a hotel, rental property or even a summer camp, it’s important to know how to prevent bringing bed bugs home with you. NCPMA provides the following tips for preventing bed bug infestations in your home.
Inspect
- Before sleeping in a bed at a hotel, rental property, camp or dorm, check the mattress, bed sheets, and headboard for tell-tale blood spots or signs of bed bugs.
- If signs of bed bugs are spotted, alert the hotel or rental property staff. Each hotel or rental property should have a Bed Bug Management Plan in place to assist you as the problem is addressed.
- Vacuum suitcases after returning from a vacation, summer camp or dorm and throw away the vacuum bag or clean the canister. Wash all clothing from the suitcases in hot water.
Prepare
- Consider bringing a large plastic trash bag in which to store your suitcase during stays at hotels, rental properties, dorms or camps.
- Carry a flashlight with you to inspect mattresses and furniture in your vacation property.
- Read “Bed Bugs: Your Guide to Prevention, Detection & Treatment,” a NCPMA booklet available through our member companies.
Call
- Seek professional pest management to address an infestation. Trying to treat a problem without a professional can make the problem worse and more costly.