Lots of people are not spending the holidays with their friends and family but that does not mean that some aren’t still getting together. This means travel plans whether they are taking a road trip or a flight. You might be thinking that bed bugs have been starved out for months while the pandemic shut down hotels, motels and most flights. The reality is that bed bugs are a very sustainable type of pest and don’t need to have food on a regular basis. They can actually survive on a blood meal for up to two years. This means that if you are staying in a hotel or a motel that has been shut down for months the bed bugs can still be active. You want to be sure that you know what to do to keep your home and your family safe from bed bugs. Stewart Termite & Pest Control outlines what you can do to keep bed bugs out this holiday season.
Thrift Store Bed Bugs
One of the things that has become not only a trend but a way to save money and help the environment is to buy your clothing and home decor from a thrift shop. Going into a thrift store and coming out with a high end brand of jeans for a small percent of the cost is a great find for most people. There are also people that love to find things at a thrift shop that they can make into something new. This is a trend that is widespread and fun way to spend the day. It also may be way for many parents to get items for their family on a tight budget. The issue is that you do not know where these items came from and if they have been washed properly. You want to make sure that you are careful with what you get and be sure that they are treated and washed and heat dried before you use them. It is also a good idea to closely check the pieces that you buy for signs of bugs.
Family Member or Guest Has Bed Bugs?
There is another part of the holidays that seems to be normal and never can be avoided. This is the guests that arrive at your house to stay for a day or two and spend some holiday cheer with you. You want to be sure you talk with your guests about bed bugs and what they can do to prevent coming into contact with them during their travels. If they come in contact and then stay at your house you could have them a major bed bug infestation in no time.
Bed Bug Protection for Travel
If you are the one that is traveling you want to make sure that you check any hotels and motels that you might stay in. This should be done before you bring any of your own belongings into the space. You also want to make sure that you secure your items if they are going on a flight with plastic to keep it from having gaps that bugs can get attached to. Lastly be aware of what is around you and where you place your bags and jacket while waiting for flights and delays in travel.
Bed Bug Inspection & Treatment
Stewart Termite & Pest Control can come out to your home to make sure that you are treated for bed bugs and other pests this holiday season. Call us today!