Common Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation

It’s time to make plans to get away this summer! Whether you’re driving a few hours or flying far away, our Wisconsin pest control team at Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control wants to remind you to learn how to check for bed bugs before you go.

Bed bug eggs are sticky. So if you bring your luggage into an infested room, you might accidentally take bed bugs home with you.

Where to Look for Bed Bugs

Many people assume that just checking the beds is enough, but did you know that bed bugs don’t just occupy mattresses and box springs? They hide in dark spots around the room. This includes nightstands, upholstered furniture, and behind wall hangings. They only come out at night when they sense humans breathing out carbon dioxide, so use a flashlight to thoroughly inspect the nooks and crannies of the room. 

In addition to the hiding places mentioned above, common places where bed bugs tend to hide include:

• Headboards
• Under carpets
• Along baseboards
• Behind mirrors or hanging artwork
• In electrical outlets
  

Of course, it is always a good idea to inspect the bed, but don’t forget all these other target areas!

Protecting Yourself from Bed Bugs While Traveling

No matter if you’re on a quick road trip or flying far away, it’s important to check for these pesky hitchhikers before you settle in at your place. 

Airports and airplanes are common places for bed bugs. The large number of travelers and tight seating make it easy for them to spread. Luggage from different places and shared areas helps bed bugs spread. 

To avoid bringing home unwanted souvenirs, use hard-shell luggage. Seal your clothes in plastic bags. Also, check your bags carefully after you pass through busy areas. When you reach your hotel or other place to stay, leave your luggage outside. Take time to inspect for bed bugs before bringing your bags inside. Bed bug eggs are sticky, so wheeling your luggage in prematurely could set the stage for an infestation to follow you home.

Signs to Look Out For in a Hotel Room

So, what exactly are you looking for? Since bed bugs are most likely hiding, we rely on the evidence that bed bugs leave behind in order to detect their presence. Here are the common signs of a bed bug infestation:

• Dark spots on bedding – After feeding on human blood, bed bugs may leave tiny spots of blood or fecal matter on the sheets and mattress. This is a good indicator that there are bed bugs in the room.
• Light brown colored exoskeletons – As bed bugs grow through their different life stages, they shed their skins. So another sign of bed bugs in the room is if you find these tiny, light brown colored skins on or near the mattress.
• Live bed bugs themselves – In the case of a severe infestation, when bed bugs don’t have a good place to hide, they may end up living right on the mattress or more in the open, where you can actually see the live bugs themselves.
• Waking to itchy red welts on the skin – If you went to bed bite-free and woke to welts on the skin, this could mean bed bugs have found you. Keep in mind, though, not everyone has a reaction to bed bug bites, so you cannot rely on bites alone.

Preventing Bed Bugs After Your Trip

Once your trip is over, be cautious as you unpack. This way, you can avoid bringing bed bugs into your home. These tiny pests are masters at hiding in luggage and clothing, so a thorough inspection and cleaning process is key.

1. First, unpack your luggage outside or in a designated spot, like a garage or laundry room. Avoid unpacking on carpet or upholstered furniture. Bed bugs can hide there easily. Wash all your clothes, bedding, and linens from the trip in hot water. Then, dry them on high heat. This will help kill any bed bugs or eggs that might have come home with you.
2. Next, use a vacuum with a hose to clean your luggage inside and out. Focus on seams, pockets, and folds. Dispose of the vacuum bag or contents in a sealed plastic bag outside your home to prevent any potential spread.
3. Finally, watch for signs of bed bug activity at home. You might notice bites on your skin, blood stains on your sheets, or small dark spots on your furniture. If you suspect a bed bug problem, don’t hesitate to contact our bed bug exterminators at Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control. Our bed bug dog inspections and heat treatments will help you quickly eliminate these pests. This way, your home stays bed bug-free.

Keep Your Travels Bed Bug-Free

Now that you know what to look for and exactly where to look, you should be well prepared for your next summer getaway. Bed bugs shouldn’t ruin your vacation. Inspect your accommodations, and you’ll rest easy without worrying about bites.

If you do come home and happen to notice any of the above signs of bed bugs, please contact us right away at Terminix Wil-Kil Pest Control. We offer both bed bug canine inspections and bed bug heat treatments so that you can get rid of bed bugs fast and effectively.