For many people, summer means a time of relaxation, vacations to exotic locations, or maybe even just a car trip to a new place.  A summer  vacation should be fun-filled and relaxing, but bed bugs can destroy a week away in a matter of minutes.  Bed bug infestations are quickly becoming a problem of epic proportions world wide, leaving the uneducated traveler exposed to unwanted guests and souvenirs.  Fortunately for those who have planned to vacation this summer, or at any time in the future, a few precautionary measures can help ensure that there are no extra guests or stow-away's racking up extermination bills once you get home.

By now you more than likely realize the importance of inspecting everything and everywhere for bed bugs.  This process can prove to put a large damper on the mood of your trip.  To avoid unnecessary stress as much as possible, do your research before you travel.  Learn if the area, hotel, and/or airline you are planning for have had prior bed bug problems.  Don't let a report of an infestation give you the creepy-crawlies, even some of the nicest establishments have had problems.  Instead, familiarize yourself with the procedures and precautions put into place in regards to bed bugs.  An upstanding establishment will know how to handle problems so that should you encounter bed bugs, you will not have to worry about bringing the hitch-hikers home.
Consider looking up locations, hotels, airlines and more on websites such as www.bedbugregistry.com and www.tripadvisor.com.

Once your travel details are planned, pack your things wisely.  Consider purchasing a luggage set like the one shown to the right, which is made of a hard poly-carbonate material (avoiding fabric can help avoid stow-aways).  When packing your luggage, place your clothing into ziplock bags, bugzip encasements (get them here), or even Space Bags.  Keep the bags sealed throughout the trip.

Once you have arrived at your location, keep luggage off floors, beds, chairs, etc. and do not place your belongings into the dresser.  Keep luggage closed as often as possible.

Inspect, Inspect, Inspect!  Be sure to check your hotel room thoroughly for signs of bed bug infestations upon arriving, and inspect all of your belongings prior to leaving.

Enjoy your vacation!

Once you arrive home, wash and dry clothes in the hottest cycles on your machines.  This will help to ensure that no bugs are in clothing.  Smaller items that cannot be placed in the dryer can be treated via the use of other devices, such as a PackTite, if you feel it is necessary

Above all else, keep in mind that the key to a bed bug free summer vacation relies mostly on education.  Educate yourself on bed bugs, and on the areas that you frequent, while at home or away.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding upcoming travel plans, or bed bugs in general, please feel free to contact our offices at any time!