How To Check For Bed Bugs

In case you are an avid traveler, you should be aware of how to check for bed bugs in your clothes. Bed bugs are the stuff of nightmares. They are small, they suck your blood, and they are resilient and stay around. If you have to unpack in a new place, there are a few ways to avoid bed bugs and to check for them in your clothing.

The first thing to remember is that no matter how nice the hotel is, you still have no idea who was in that room before you. Never put your suitcase or travel bag directly on the bed. This can cause any possible bed bugs to slip into your suitcase. Also, never put your clothing directly in the bed. Bed bugs are small and hide well.

If after staying in a new place, you find little red bite marks on your skin, you may want to check your clothing for bed bugs. Bed bugs are small and clear, unless they have fed, and then they are a dark brown. The reason for this is that bed bugs feed on blood and they will show it. Bedbugs are flat, oval, and have six legs. They look like very small beetles.

The first thing to do is inspect your clothes thoroughly for bed bugs. Get out a magnifying glass, as they are tiny bugs. Look all over the garments slowly, checking for bugs or bed bug shells. As bed bugs grow, they shed their outer skin. Also, check for signs of excrement. Because bed bugs eat blood, they will excrete that blood, so there may be dark blood spots on your clothing from their feces or from accidentally squishing them while wearing your clothing.

Because bed bugs are good at hiding, be sure to check the seams of your clothing and the pockets of your clothing. They are especially good at staying in small crevices. Bed bugs are also nocturnal, so if you are awake late at night, be sure to check your clothing then. You are more likely to see them moving around.

If you find bed bugs in your clothing, do not be alarmed. Although they do bite and are difficult to get rid of, bed bugs do not carry diseases and you can kill them. For clothing, clean your clothes in hot temperatures in the washing machine. If it is delicate clothing, you may want to go to a professional cleaner. Make sure to clean your suitcase, as well. Anytime you unpack someplace new, you should learn how to check for bed bugs in your clothes.

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It is important for everyone to know how to check for bed bugs in order to get a restful and itch-free sleep whether at home or away, like in cabins and hotels. Bed bugs are tiny, wingless insects that nests on dark crevices and nooks. These troublesome little creatures feed on warm blood of mammals like humans and animals. Not only do they cause itchy welts or bumps on skin, which are very uncomfortable especially for little children, these home and establishment pests can also ruin a good night sleep.

Some tips on how to check for bed bugs

1. A bug spray and vacuum cleaner are probably the best weapons of choice, but these materials are not usually brought when going out on a vacation.  What one really needs is a flashlight to view dark crevices and nooks.

2. You have to do the nitty-gritty to make sure you do not miss anything. Bed bugs are very elusive so you have to check everything on the bed including the sheets, mattress cover, comforters, pillows, the bottom of the mattress, even the headboard and bed frames especially wooden ones, wherein the cracks are home to bed bugs.

3. Often, artworks are hung above the bed especially in hotels to give the room a classy feel but these masterpieces are perfect hideouts for bed bugs, especially the back side where it is dark.

4. Check the sides and back of a nightstand. Pull the drawers out so you can check both the inside and outside thoroughly.

5. Check the rest of the room especially those that are closest to the bed like the lamp, especially one that has a shade, even the remote control and alarm clock. Look in cracks, crevices, seams, and screw holds.

6. Like all crooked, desperate pests, they will make sure they can get the most out of you by latching even onto the very clothes you are wearing, using you as a ferry to transfer to another breeding ground. Do not put luggage on furniture or closets without clearing them, or else, you will get to take them at your very home.

7. When you do get home, wash everything you brought and brush the luggage before placing it back in your storage area.

8. If you do find bed bugs at a place you are staying in for a while, you may ask the staff for assistance. If you are at home, various products are available in the market that can help you eradicate the pest. Just make sure no one is in the room while you are treating it with commercial chemical sprays. Vacuum cleaners are also dependable in this situation. Check your home at least twice a month and maintain cleanliness. Keep your house free of clutter and dust. If the infestation is severe, contact professional help. Hiring professionals may cost you much but they have the more potent tools, chemicals, and knowledge on how to check bed bugs.

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