Friday, November 18, 2011

Avoiding Bed Bugs When You Travel

By Leo Evens


There are a number of things to consider when you go travelling, but while there is lots to think about one of the things you shouldn't neglect is the possibility of picking up a bed bugs infestation. In this article information will be provided which will help you to avoid such an infestation.

How do Bed Bugs Spread?

To understand the best way of making sure that you do not get bed bugs, first you will have to know how it is that you can get them. That is, how they actually spread in the first place. One of the most important things to consider is that they do not need a place to be dirty, it can be perfectly clean and still be infested with these little creatures.

One of the reasons that it doesn't matter what kind of condition a property is in for there to be a bed bug infestation is that they can't cross large distances on their own. So they can't seek out favourable conditions. Which is very fortunate because all they need they can get from our blood anyway, which is the major reason why it doesn't matter what the conditions are like.

So the reality of how bed bugs spread is through proximity. That is, you have to get close to them, rather than them seeking you out. The way this happens most frequently is by someone bringing the little creatures to a bed, then someone else sleeping in that bed the next night and picking up the infestation. In other words what happens in places like hotels and hostels.

When you go travelling then, that is when you are most at risk of picking up an infestation. That's simply because they get passed on by people, and through proximity, so places where lots of different people stay is where they are going to be the biggest problem.

How to Avoid Bed Bug Infestations

Unfortunately there is no easy solution to avoiding a bed bug infestation. It simply comes down to the fact that you are going to have to look for one, and see if it is present or not. While that is simple, it is not easy because they are very good at hiding, being so small and flat. They are visible to the naked eye though, contrary to popular belief.

The larger the infestation is though, the more chance you are going to have that you will find it. One of the first places to look is on the mattress, in particular around the seams. They like the seams because it gives them a little bit of shelter and protection. So you might actually find one there, or you might just see some black marks, their waste.

On the whole though, bedbugs do not like to hide on the bed directly because that means there is a better chance that they will be found. Which is why for a smaller infestation, they're usually found close to, rather than on, the bed. So if you don't see any sign of them on the mattress you should also check bedside furniture, as that also provides a good place to hide.

If you still can't find any bed bugs then you're probably safe. However, it is very easy to miss them so even if you do check the room over, you still might end up with an infestation.

How to Get Rid of an Infestation

When you are unlucky enough to pick up an infestation, the best thing that can happen is that you will notice that before you get home. That way you can avoid having to deal with it there. While you are on your travels, all you'll have to do to get rid of an infestation is make sure that you clean everything that you have very thoroughly. That should kill them all.

Sometimes an infestation can go unnoticed for a period of time though, or you might just be unsuccessful in getting rid of them all. If that happens, and you take the infestation home, the best thing that you can do is get in pest control professionals to come in and eradicate the infestation.




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