The summer months are some of the busiest travel months out of the year for most families. The kids are out of school, and many jobs offer vacation time during these prime traveling months. With heightened travel comes a higher risk of bed bug infestation. This worldwide problem seems to be getting worse, not better. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to help you avoid this hitch hiking bug next time you are on vacation. A-Tex Pest Management is here to share several tips to help you avoid a bed bug infestation as you travel this summer.
Signs of Bed Bugs
When you have a bed bug problem, there are signs all over a bedroom that indicate bed bugs are there. Here are some of the signs you might find if there is a bed bug problem in a hotel room.
• Exoskeletons & Cast/Skins– As a bed bug grows and matures, it has to shed its exoskeleton. When this happens, these cast/skins are left behind and a good indication that you have a bed bug problem in your room. You will most likely see these skins in your bed or in cracks and crevices of the room.
• Fecal Stains– These brown or even black stains left behind from bed bugs will be found on your bedding as well as your mattress.
• Blood Stains/Smears– Unfortunately, since bed bugs feed off of your blood for their meals, you will find blood stains as well as smears on your sheets or the clothes you wear to bed. These could be red or brown in color.
Recognizing Bed Bug Bites
You may be wondering what a bed bug bite looks like. This is totally normal if you haven’t had a run in with this invasive pest. When you have been the victim of a blood meal for a bed bug, you will notice red, raised welts. There are many bugs that will leave behind this type of bite though. What is unique about bed bug bites, is the pattern they leave behind. You may notice that the bits are in straight lines, and include multiple bites. The bites may also look like a rash all over your skin, when in fact, they are bed bug bites. All bed bug bites will be very bothersome and will itch as well as burn.
Avoiding Bed Bugs in Hotels
To avoid bed bugs this traveling season, it is important that you give your hotel room a serious inspection before bringing any of your belongings into the room. This means checking every crack and crevice of the furniture with a light. Don’t store your luggage on the floor either. It is best to keep your luggage off the floor and on the luggage racks found in most hotel rooms. When you get home, check your luggage thoroughly before bringing it into your home to avoid a bed bug infestation in your home.
Bed Bug Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
If you have found yourself with a bed bug problem, the pest control experts at A-Tex Pest Management can help you get rid of them quickly and efficiently. Call us today!
