Traveling the world can be highly rewarding. However, you need to understand that there are risks involved. When traveling, there is a chance that you’re going to run into pests. If you do, you may take those pests home with you. Many of our clients experience a
bedbug infestation after staying at an infested
hotel. By relying on the SLEEP acronym, you can prevent this from happening.
S – Survey
First and foremost, you’ll find that the S stands for a survey. Once you’ve arrived at the
motel room, it is time to survey it. Even if it is the nicest motel in the city, it could have
bedbugs. With that being said, you should carefully survey the room to make sure it is free of bugs. Besides surveying the room, you’ll also need to smell it. Do you smell a sweet, musty odor? It could be
bedbugs.
L – Lifting & Looking
Once you’ve finished surveying the room, you’ll need to start lifting and looking. The second step is likely the most important because
bedbugs tend to hide in mattresses and bedclothes. To ensure that the room is not full of bedbugs, you need to start lifting the mattress and box springs. Lift these items to make sure that
bedbugs are not hiding underneath them. You’ll also want to check pictures and wall decorations.
E – Elevate
Next, you need to elevate your items from the ground. Although bedbugs are good climbers, they’re not great at jumping. If you manage to elevate your items from the ground, you may be able to stop bedbugs from hiding in them. Don’t forget to use the room’s luggage rack because it’ll make a big difference. Place the luggage rack away from the walls to prevent bedbugs from climbing inside of your luggage and clothes.
E – Examine
Don’t forget to carefully examine your belongings once the vacation has concluded. If you have bedbugs in your luggage, they’re going to hitch a ride home with you. You can’t let this happen. When you return home, check the items carefully in your garage. If you don’t have a garage, you should use a utility room. Either way, don’t bring the bedbugs inside with you.
P – Place
Finally, you shouldn’t forget to place your belongings in the dryer. You’ll find that this is one of the most important things of all. You need to throw the items in the dryer and let them dry at the hottest temperature. Let them dry for 15 minutes to kill all of the bedbugs.
Going on a vacation can be relaxing and rewarding. However, it can also lead to a bedbug infestation in your home. Remember to use the tips above so you can avoid potential infestations in the future.
