The article dispels myths about bed bugs, teaching you how to avoid them and how to best prepare yourself when you're traveling - so that you"don't let the bedbugs bite" when you're on the road and traveling!
Bed Bugs in Hotels
Hotel industry associate K. Skaftfeld notes, "most people are unaware of bedbugs and what exactly they do or how common they are. People that don't stay in hotels very often are generally not concerned about bed bugs - that is, until someone checking in asks a question regarding bed bugs and soon everyone in line waiting to check in is worried that the hotel is infested with bed bugs."
She adds that some hotels like Hilton Hotels, "take preventative measures when cleaning all rooms. The hotel has a deep clean program where once a week, an outsourced company comes in to deep clean all mattresses and furniture. . . hotels would have a higher chance of getting bed bugs if they are not properly changing sheets and cleaning the mattresses after every guest."
Little Blood Sucking Critters
Myth: Bedbugs are invisible. False. When first born, bedbugs are 1mm long, translucent, light in color and are very difficult to find. Progressively, they grow darker and adult bedbugs are reddish brown, oval, non-winged, with several legs and can grow to about 4 to 5 mm - about the size of an apple seed.
Myth: Bedbugs are impossible to catch because they are really fast. False. They don't move faster than most insects and if you know where to look and when, you'll be able to catch them with your naked eye.
Myth: Bedbugs are found only in dirty premises. False. Unfortunately, bed bugs can't distinguish between the penthouse suite at the Hilton and sketchy Ted's Red Motel. In fact, bedbugs thrive in clean environments - which include places like hotels, hospitals, in beds, carpets, clothing and upholstery. Look for a well known brand that you can count on to be committed to ensure that everything is changed and washed from any "bugs" left behind from any previous guests.
How to Avoid Bed Bugs on the Road
In the past decade since the outcry of bans against pesticides like DDT along with the increase of international tourism, bed bugs have increasingly become a problem in hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts and other travel accommodations.
Before and after your trip. Before you unpack, check over the room and mattresses. Don't hesitate to ask for another room if you don't think the conditions are adequate - and especially if you find some bugs. Before you leave to return home, carefully check over your suit case or backpack while packing your things to leave so that you ensure you're not bringing any of these little pests home.
Look for clues. It's disgusting, but it's true: looking for blood spots, feces, eggs, translucent shed skin and dead bedbugs is the best way to find out whether there are bed bugs around. These can be found in crevices like mattresses, box springs, linens, ceilings and floors. Do a thorough check of your hotel's bed and linens and if you're not convinced, ask for an allergen-free room.
Know thine enemy! Bedbugs survive by feeding on the blood of warm-blooded hosts - like you and me. They are attracted by carbon dioxide and blood. Most can live for about 18 months without feeding by usually go looking for a meal every 5 to 10 days, or once a week. The rest of the time, they spend hiding. When they do decide to "eat," they usually come out about an hour before dawn.
Another reason why it's good to wake up early!
Gizelle Lau, of TripAtlas.com, offers suggestions on:
How_to_Avoid_Bed_Bugs_When_Travelling!
Juaxoo, pronounced wah-zoo, provides unbiased hotel reviews, articles, recommendations and opinions on hotels in popular destinations, including Paris, London, New York City, and Cancun.
