The summer travel season brings with it the heightened risk of encountering bedbugs in hotels, motels, and vacation homes. Bedbugs, or cimex lectularius, are small, brown, oval-shaped insects that thrive in dark, cozy spots like mattress seams and chair cushions. During their 6-12 month lifespan, female bedbugs can lay 200-500 eggs, and they feed on human and animal blood typically at night, often without detection.
Staying Vigilant
To avoid the discomfort of bedbug bites, which appear as small, itchy red bumps on exposed skin areas and can cause irritation for about a week, travelers should be vigilant. Check for signs of bedbugs such as reddish stains on bedding, musty odors, and inspect all hidden areas upon arriving at a lodging. Bedbugs thrive in warmer months; they cannot fly and rely on people or things, like clothing or suitcases, to get from place to place.
Treating Bedbugs on Your Own
If you suspect a bedbug infestation, washing and drying bedding and clothes at high temperatures (120 degrees Fahrenheit) can eliminate these pests, and steam cleaning infested furniture is also effective. Bedbug bites often occur on parts of the skin exposed during sleep, such as the face, neck, or hands, and usually manifest as small, itchy red bumps. If you have been bitten, apply over-the-counter antihistamines or itch creams to the affected area for relief.
It’s not thought that bedbugs transmit illness or diseases; however, scratching the bites can lead to infection. Being proactive and informed can help you enjoy a pest-free summer travel experience.
How to Identify Bedbugs While Traveling
Inspect every small crevice and concealed area, such as the seams of bedsheets, chair cushions, mattress folds, and curtain edges or headboards—anywhere dark, snug, and secluded. Keep an eye out for a musty, slightly sweet smell, a sign of infestation, and watch for reddish stains that could indicate crushed bedbugs.
Top Cities for Bedbug Infestations, ranked by Orkin
No. 1 Chicago, IL
No. 2 New York, NY
No. 3 Philadelphia, PA
No. 4 Cleveland-Akron, OH
No. 5 Los Angeles, CA
No. 6 Detroit, MI
No 7. Washington, D.C.
No. 8 Indianapolis, IN
No. 9 Charlotte, NC
No. 10 Champaign, IL
No. 11 Columbus, OH
No. 12 Cincinnati, OH
No. 13 Atlanta, GA
No. 14 Grand Rapids, MI
No. 15 Denver, CO
No. 16 Baltimore, MD
No. 17 Richmond, VA
No. 18 Greensboro, N.C.
No. 19 St. Louis, MO
No. 20 Youngstown, OH
Contact Northern Pest to Schedule a Bedbug Inspection
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