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It seems like you can’t turn the nightly news on these days without hearing at least one report about bed bugs.  These blood-sucking bugs are taking over homes, apartment buildings, hotels and other commercial facilities at an alarming rate and have even been found infesting airplanes and taxis.  Because of their mobility, bed bugs are one of the fastest growing pest problems across the US, and are infesting cities from New York to Los Angeles.  And even if you don’t live in one of these bed bug infested cities, that does not mean you aren’t susceptible to bed bugs. 

Whether you are planning a family vacation or a quick business trip, you may become exposed to these biting insects during your travels. The good news is that there are ways to prevent bringing bed bugs home.  At Plunkett’s, we realize just how large the bed bug problem currently is and so we thought it appropriate to offer tips and suggestions to help detect bed bugs and to make sure that they are not introduced into your home or business on your luggage, personal items or even your person.

• When packing, consider putting your clothing and personal items in sealable plastic bags and leave your comfy pillow at home.

• Do not put your suitcase on or near the bed, on upholstered furniture or in an area that is likely to have bed bugs until you’ve inspected the hotel room thoroughly. 

• Use luggage stands and only open your suitcase when you need to.

• Bring a small, bright traveling flashlight along to help you inspect darker areas. 

• Inspect the hotel bed by pulling back the sheets and checking the mattress for live bed bugs, dark fecal spots, blood stains or shed skins.  Also check the headboard carefully for signs of bed bug activity as well as areas where the carpet meets the wall. 

• Inspect nightstands including inside any drawers as well as any other furniture in the room.

• Notify the hotel manager immediately if you identify a bed bug problem.  Do not move to a room that is adjacent to the infested room if bed bugs are confirmed.

• When you return from your trip DO NOT bring your luggage inside your home until you’ve inspected it.

• Wash all suspect clothing at the highest temperature the material will allow.

Because we understand how worrying these insects can be, Plunkett’s also offers bed bug heat treatments for your luggage.  This special service is available in the Minneapolis – St. Paul area.  Just bring your luggage to our office and we’ll heat treat the case to ensure that any existing bed bugs are eradicated.  We can also pick it up right at the airport and bring it back for a bed bug heat treatment.    Let us help you keep your home free of bed bugs! 

For more information on bed bug heat treatments for luggage, residential dwellings or commercial facilities please contact Plunkett's by phone at 1-866-906-1780 or by filling out our online contact form. 

 

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