Bed bugs are found throughout the world and are significantly increasing in numbers in North America as well as in many other countries. Even though we do not understand fully all of the reasons behind this increase, we suspect possible contributing factors such as a reduction in the use of urban pesticides, the more extensive world travel of different cultures and resistance to pesticides. This sudden increase in bed bug infestations has resulted in anxiety among the public, increased negative exposure of the hotel industry and a need to educate public health officials and pest control professionals on safe and effective control measures
During the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of bed bug infestations reported from homes, resort hotels, apartments, universities and cruise ships. The females produce 2 to 3 eggs every day throughout their lifespan, which can be several months. The elongated eggs are cemented in cracks or crevices close to the hosts. There is no larval stage; the young hatch as nymphs, mini versions of the adults.
The key to minimizing the likelihood of a bed bug problem is to educate yourself about bed bugs before they become an issue.
Here are a few tips to try to get ahead of these annoying little blood-suckers:
While On A Trip
- Get familiar with what bed bugs look like. The adult bed bugs are easy to spot. They are dark brown and are about the size of a tick. Baby bed bugs (nymphs) are more of a challenge. They are usually tend to be translucent and very small. Regardless of what part of the growth cycle a bed bug is in, they are very flat. This means they can hide nearly anywhere.
- Forget this idea that bed bugs thrive in a filthy environment. Unlike roaches and ants, bed bugs are right at home in an immaculate, luxury hotel. All a bed bug needs is a place to hide and a nearby human to snack on.
- Inspect your hotel room. Two of the most frequent hiding places for bed bugs are the mattress and the headboard. Take it upon yourself to look, before you unpack your suitcase.
- Place your luggage on a metal rack or other stand as far away from the bed and walls as possible. This will reduce the risk of unwanted stowaways.
- Pack only what you need for your trip. Before you go home, consider visiting a coin-operated laundry. Toss your clothes (clean and dirty) in the dryer for a few minutes, until they are heated all the way through. The heat should be enough to kill the bed bugs and the bed bugs eggs. This should prevent an accidental infestation of your own house.
In Your House
- Declutter. The fewer hiding places your provide, the less likely the chance of infestation.
- Talk to your neighbors, especially if you live in close proximity such as an apartment building or condominium.
- Consider buying a mattress cover and caulk all cracks and crevices in your bedroom. The fewer places a bed bug can call home, the better.
Filed under Bed Bug Infestations by on Sep 16th, 2011. 
