The holiday season is here, and with it comes tons of fun and celebration. For many families, the holidays also mean a lot of traveling to visit family or to even take a nice vacation. Although it is fun to plan and go on these adventures, it is also important to stay aware of the potential problems you can encounter when you travel. One very important thing you need to consider is the appearance of bed bugs.
Bed bugs are a major nuisance that can seriously detract from your holiday fun. Whether you are staying with family members or in a hotel, you should know how to look for them and how you will have to react should you get an infestation. The last thing you want to do is bring these little guests home with you in your luggage. The following are some things you need to know about bed bugs before you embark on your holiday travels:
Where to Find Bed Bugs
Much like their name entails, bed bugs are most commonly found in beds. They have some favorite hiding places, including the seams in mattresses, in the bedframe, among the coils of the box spring, and other nooks and crannies. However, they do not just enjoy beds. They also can be found in sofas or other upholstered furniture. Bed bugs also thrive in photo frames, in-between the floorboards, or even in the electrical sockets.
What Bed Bugs Look Like
To best identify bed bugs, you need to know what to look for. They are an oval-shaped bug about the size of an orange seed. If they have not yet fed, they are a deep chocolate brown color. If they have fed, they take on a more swollen body frame and have a redder appearance. Bed bugs have six legs and antennae.
Signs of Bed Bugs
Even if you check the room carefully, do not assume there are not some bed bugs there. There are some clear-cut signs that bed bugs are present even if they are not visible to you. For instance, if you see what looks like red dots along the bedding or on the walls, that is a sign they have been there and have fed. You will also often notice a rash on your body that looks similar to hives.
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
If you stay in a place that has bed bugs, they are very likely to sneak into your luggage or on your clothing. Unfortunately, this often leads to an infestation in your own home if you do not start preventative measures.
You need to have a pest control expert handle any potential bed bug problems you have. Bed bugs are extremely difficult to kill without professional help, as they are incredibly resistant to just about any commercial product you will find on the market. Contact a company like E & R Exterminating Company, Inc. for more information and assistance.