November 26, 2011

How To Inspect Your Suitcase For Bed Bugs Post Vacation

Nov

The seams and fabric of suitcases make hiding easy for bed bugs

Don't bring home bed bugs in your suitcase!

So you made it home safe and sound, now what? As a longtime Minneapolis pest control company, we’ve received many calls from recent travelers reporting bed bug infestations and in light of the holiday traveling many have planned in the next several weeks, we thought it would be appropriate to suggest a few bed bug prevention tips on how to inspect suitcases so that you don’t bring home an unexpected present this holiday season.

Before leaving your hotel, take a moment to re-check (this is assuming you already did this upon checking in) your suitcases, purses and backpacks for bed bugs.
Do not use luggage if you find live bugs, eggs or shed skins. Instead buy all new luggage for the return trip.
Upon arriving at home, do not rush inside with your suitcase. Instead unpack outside or at least in the garage.
Inspect clothing, toiletries and personal items for signs of bed bug activity. Also, toss your clothes into the wash and use the hottest temperature allowed by the fabric. Another option to consider is having your clothes professionally dry cleaned.
Vacuum your suitcase, both inside and out. We recommend not using a bag less vacuum cleaner for this task, as it may transfer bugs inside the vacuum. Also consider discarding the vacuum bag after you’ve finished the job.

At Plunkett’s Pest Control, we also offer bed bug heat treatments for luggage in the Minneapolis – St. Paul area. Simply drop off your luggage at our office, or even more convenient, we can pick it up at the airport and take it back for treatment. For more bed bug prevention tips or to learn more about our bed bug heat treatments for luggage and other pest control services in Minneapolis and throughout our pest control service area, please contact us today!

Tags: bed bugs bed bugs in hotels , bed bugs on planes , bed bug prevention tips