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Since 1893,

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to New England & New York State Residents and Businesses

Bed Bug Tips For Travelers

February 5, 2010

Do you have traveling plans?  At Waltham Services we want to ensure that your travel experience is enjoyable and free of bed bug worries.  That’s right we said BED BUGS.  After several years or dormancy these nighttime pests have returned and are infesting hotels, motels and other commercial lodging in major cities and towns throughout the country and internationally at an alarming rate.  Bed bugs are not a sanitation issue and are just as likely to infest 5 Star hotels as they are the smaller motel chains. No matter where you stay it is important to arm yourself with bed bug information so that you don’t return from your trip with an uninvited house guest.

Bed bugs are tiny, flat insects that feed on human and animal blood.  They are brown in color and are most active at night when looking for their next meal and do bite.  Their bites leave small, red welts on the skin, and may produce a stinging or itchiness but they do not transmit diseases to their victims.

When you check into your room do not place your luggage on the bed or the floor.  Instead use the luggage stand (after you’ve checked it for bed bugs of course) until you are certain your room is free of bed bugs. Take a moment to smell your room. If you notice a musty, sweet odor this is likely to indicate a bed bug infestation. With a small flashlight at the ready, remove the headboard, if you can, and turn down the corners of the bed to check sheets, the mattress and bed frame for bed bugs, bed bug skins as well as reddish blood spots or dark fecal spots from bed bugs. Look inside, under and around furniture before using or placing items inside of them. At Waltham’s we encourage travelers to refrain from using bureaus drawers and work out of your suitcases instead.