Traveling Bed Bugs? Spokane’s Tips to Keep Them Out of Your Home

Traveling Bed Bugs? Spokane’s Tips to Keep Them Out of Your Home

Whether you're off on a business trip or a dream vacation, no one wants to return home with unwanted stowaways. Bed bugs are infamous for hitching rides in luggage, clothing, and personal belongings, making hotels and public spaces a risk for bringing them home. The good news? You can protect yourself and your Spokane home with simple, effective travel precautions. Here’s how to keep bed bugs at bay and what to do if you find signs of them.

Why Bed Bugs Love to Travel

Bed bugs are expert travelers. They can latch onto fabrics, hide in tight spaces, and go unnoticed for long periods. This adaptability allows them to thrive in places with high turnover—like hotels, public transportation, and even Airbnb rentals. Bed bugs are drawn to these places because they offer ample opportunities to find new hosts and homes.

Pre-Travel Precautions

Before you even leave for your trip, take a few steps to help reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home.

1. Use Hard-Shell Luggage

Soft luggage provides bed bugs with plenty of hiding spots. Hard-shell suitcases offer fewer crevices, making it harder for these pests to latch on.

2. Pack Smart

Use resealable plastic bags or vacuum-sealed bags to store clothing, especially if you’ll be visiting areas known for bed bug infestations. This extra layer can protect your clothes from exposure to bed bugs.

3. Bring Bed Bug Spray

Travel-size bed bug sprays are available and can be used to treat hotel bedding, luggage, or even the exterior of your suitcase. Be sure to choose a travel-safe option that won’t damage fabrics.

Inspecting Your Hotel Room for Bed Bugs

Once you arrive at your hotel or accommodation, perform a quick bed bug inspection before settling in.

1. Inspect the Mattress and Bedding

Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, particularly around the corners and edges. Bed bugs are typically small, dark brown or reddish-brown, and can hide in mattress crevices.

2. Check Furniture and Upholstery

Look at the edges and seams of upholstered furniture near the bed, including headboards and bedside tables. Bed bugs can also hide in these places.

3. Keep Luggage Off the Bed

Place your luggage on a luggage rack away from the bed and walls. If possible, store your suitcase in a bathroom, where there are fewer hiding spots for bed bugs.

Tips for During Your Stay

Even with a thorough inspection, it’s best to keep practicing caution throughout your stay.

1. Hang Clothes Instead of Using Drawers

Avoid using hotel dressers or nightstands, as bed bugs can hide in these spaces. Hang clothes up whenever possible, and keep your suitcase closed.

2. Keep Your Luggage Zipped

Keeping your luggage zipped when not in use can help prevent bed bugs from sneaking inside. Make it a habit to keep all bags tightly sealed.

3. Use Plastic Bags for Dirty Laundry

Dirty laundry attracts bed bugs because it carries the scent of human skin. Place used clothes in plastic bags or seal them in a separate compartment of your suitcase.

Post-Travel Precautions for Bed Bug Prevention

When you return to your Spokane home, it’s essential to take a few final steps to make sure bed bugs don’t settle in.

1. Unpack in a Safe Area

If possible, unpack outside or in a garage area. This keeps any potential bed bugs from immediately entering your living spaces.

2. Wash and Dry Clothes Immediately

Wash all clothing, whether worn or not, on a high-heat cycle. Heat is one of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs, so if possible, dry clothes on high heat for at least 30 minutes.

3. Vacuum and Inspect Luggage

After unpacking, vacuum the inside and outside of your luggage. Pay extra attention to seams and pockets, as bed bugs can hide in these areas.

4. Store Luggage Properly

If you travel often, consider storing luggage in a large plastic bag or vacuum-sealed container when not in use. This can prevent any stray bed bugs from finding their way to your belongings.

When to Call Spud Pest Control

Bed bugs can still sneak through despite taking every precaution. If you spot any signs of bed bugs in your Spokane home after a trip, call Spud Pest Control for assistance. Our team specializes in identifying, removing, and preventing bed bug infestations to ensure your home remains comfortable and bug-free.

Signs You May Need Professional Help

• Persistent Bites: If you or your family start waking up with itchy, red bites, bed bugs could be present.

• Spotting Bed Bugs: Small, dark bugs hiding in mattress seams, headboards, or upholstered furniture are a clear sign of infestation.

• Rusty Stains: Bed bugs leave rusty or dark stains on mattresses and bedding.

Spud Pest Control offers effective, local bed bug treatment options that are safe for your family and pets. We use modern methods to eliminate bed bugs and prevent re-infestation, giving you peace of mind after your travels.

Protect Your Home and Travel Stress-Free

By following these preventive steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home to Spokane. Traveling doesn’t have to mean risking your home’s cleanliness and comfort. With a few proactive precautions and support from Spud Pest Control, you can enjoy a bed-bug-free environment and travel with confidence.

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