Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Bed bugs, the bane of backpackers around the world, have been seeing a resurgence in the past couple decades. Nothing is worse than an itchy vacation and dealing with an infestation when you get back, so follow these tips to stay bug free.

There are few things one must first know about these pests. Contrary to what many people think, bed begs are not a problem relegated to cheap motels. They are capable of thriving anywhere and everywhere, so don’t assume your high-class accommodations are bug free. They also don’t carry diseases, so a trip to the hospital is not necessary if you do get bit.

Packing smart can help prevent a potential infestation by keeping the bugs out of your clothes. Your old-school hard-sided suitcase is your best defense, completely sealing off the inside and not offering the bugs an extra place to hide in the cloth. If you prefer a soft-sided suitcase, light colors are better as it’s easier to spot a bug on them. Large baggies are useful for storing your shoes and clothes, and try to bring outfits that can be washed in hot water and go through a heavy drying cycle.

Bed bugs are very small and nocturnal, so finding them during the day will be difficult unless you know where to look. When you first enter your hotel room, it is advisable to put your bags in the bathroom and do a room check. Bedbugs don’t like tiled floors, preferring blankets and carpets where they can hide and lay eggs. Take off the covers and check around the mattress as well as seams and corners. Look for tiny blood stains and black spots that look like ground peppers. Cushions, carpets and anything around the bed are worth checking as well.

Once settled in your room, it is advisable to keep your luggage off the carpet and on a rack. Wrapping your luggage in a plastic bag, even a trash bag will give your belongings another layer of defense. When planning your trip, also be sure to check out Bed Bug Registry, an online database of infestations.