7 Quick Steps To Travel Bed Bug Free

7 Quick Steps To Travel Bed Bug Free You're so excited to get to your destination. You've planned this trip down to a "t" and then you hear about the problems with hotel bed bugs. Don't worry this article will explain what to do about these pesky little guys. So you have your destination all picked out, your hotel reserved and you hear that bed bugs have been an issue at hotels across the country. We're not talking about lower end hotels either. Some of the high end hotels have had problems. Not to worry my friend, just follow a few easy steps and the possibility of these creepy travelers ruining your trip very is minimal. Being proactive is the key here and this article will explain how to avoid bed bugs, what to do if you encounter them and how to avoid bringing them home with you. 7 Steps To A Bug Free Hotel Stay 1. Use the luggage rack 2. Inspect the bed 3. Inspect the drapes 4. Inspect the furniture 5. Wash laundry before returning home 6. Treat suitcase 7. Store suitcase away from bedroom Step 1 - Use that darn luggage rack. The first thing to do after entering the room is pull out the metal luggage rack and set you luggage down on it. Just in case there are bed bugs in the room, the last thing you want to do is throw your luggage on the bed, let them get in your luggage and take them with you! Step 2 - Look before you leap. Sure is tempting top jump on that bed after a few hours traveling, but take a minute and do a quick inspection. Pull back the bedspread and pillows and sheets and look for bed bugs or signs of their presence as you go. Step 3 - Check out those window treatments Often bed bugs will be found on the drapes, so give them a very thorough looking over. Pay close attention to the seams, since this is where they will hide. Step 4 - Look how they furnished the room Furniture is a favorite with the uninvited guests we're talking about so give all the furniture a good looking over. Pull the drawers and look at the cracks. Pull up a seat cushion or two and look there as well. Step 5 - Didn't your mother tell you not to pick up hitchhikers? Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers and will often "hitch a ride" on your clothing and luggage. Stop at a Laundromat on the way home and wash your clothes in hot water, if possible and dry on high heat for at least 20 min. Step 6 - Clean your luggage before putting it away. Before you store your luggage, wipe it down with alcohol or use a non-toxic bed bug spray to kill any bugs left behind. Step 7 - Don't put your luggage under the bed. Store your luggage in the garage or basement or as far away from your room and bed as possible. Just in case you brought home an unwanted guest you missed. Following these steps will help you avoid any hotel bed bugs and travel with greater peace of mind. Enjoy your trip! contributed by Matt Abney