Whether you’re traveling home for the holidays or having out-of-town guests stay with you, bed bug infestations are a real threat this time of year. Bed bug infestations are often linked back to traveling, as these pesky bugs are found in hotels and spread through suitcases. With it being the busiest travel time of the year, it’s important to learn about preventing bed bugs from making themselves cozy up your home for the holidays. Keep reading for Heron’s top travel tips for preventing bed bugs.

Winter Bed Bug Infestations

Many people think pests die off in the winter, but unfortunately that’s not the case. Bed bugs do not hibernate in the same way some pests do. However, they may enter a state of diapause in extreme temperatures and can live for months without a meal. For the most part though, bed bugs are perfectly capable of infesting homes in the winter months , especially in the mild Florida climate.

Preventing Bed Bugs in Hotels

If you’re staying in a hotel or simply packing a suitcase to visit relatives, there are some precautions you should take for preventing bed bugs while traveling. To avoid picking up these uninvited guests, make sure to follow the tips below:

1. Always pack your clothing or belongings in sealed plastic bags inside of a hard-case suitcase.
2. Before booking a hotel room, do your research and read through reviews for mentions of bed bug problems.
3. Inside of hotel rooms, pull back the sheets to inspect the bed for live bugs or signs of past activity.
4. Store your suitcase on luggage racks, on top of furniture, or inside of a bathtub inside hotel rooms.
5. When returning from a trip, wash all clothing in hot water and steam-clean your suitcase before storing it away.

When to Use a Bed Bug Exterminator

Sometimes it’s simply impossible to prevent a bed bug infestations. They are resilient creatures and can spread right under your nose. If you’ve found yourself with an infestation this holiday season, it’s time to call the bed bug exterminators at Heron Home & Outdoor. We can provide bed bug removal and help you learn more about preventing bed bug infestations in the future.