The summer travel season has begun.
This means you'll be staying in a hotel, motel, vacation home, or other place that's not your home, and you could (and should) be exposed to bed bugs.
Encountering these pesky little things can be a big headache and cause a lot of trouble, so it's best to be informed and take care of them once you arrive at your destination rather than end up suffering from red, itchy skin.
This may be scary, but let us explain in detail about bedbugs.
What are Bed Bugs?
The insect, scientifically known as cimex lectularius, is native to Europe, the Middle East and India and is thought to have migrated around the world, just like humans, according to the Invasive Species Research Centre.
They are small, brown, oval-shaped insects with six legs and antennae. They are fast-moving and prolific: They only live for six to 12 months, during which time females can lay between 200 and 500 eggs.
Bedbugs feed on the blood of humans and animals, usually biting at night while you sleep, and most people don't even realize they're being bitten.
How to Spot Bed Bugs While Traveling
Check all the little nooks and crannies: think seams in bedsheets, chair cushions, creases in mattresses, piping along curtains and headboards, and other dark, cozy, tight spaces.
Also look out for a musty, slightly sweet smell, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and reddish stains from squashed bedbugs.
Luckily for summer travelers, bed bugs thrive in the warmer months. They cannot fly and rely on people and objects like clothing and suitcases to get around.
How to tell if you have bed bug bites
Bed bug bites usually appear on areas of skin that are exposed while sleeping, such as the face, neck, and hands. The bites are usually small, itchy red bumps.
If you've been stung, you can expect inflammation and symptoms to last about a week, according to MedicalNewsToday.com. Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines and anti-itch creams, can help ease symptoms.
Although bed bugs are not thought to carry any disease or infection, you should not scratch the bites as this can lead to infection.
What to do if you have a bedbug infestation
A high temperature of 120 degrees can kill bed bugs, and we recommend washing all clothing and bedding in hot water for 30 minutes, then drying on high heat for another 30 minutes.
Mattresses, couches, and other areas where bedbugs may be hiding should be steam cleaned.
According to Orkin, this is the city with the most bedbugs in the country.
- #1 Chicago
- 2. New York
- #3 Philadelphia
- #4 Cleveland-Akron, Ohio
- #5 Los Angeles
- #6 Detroit
- 7. Washington DC
- #8 Indianapolis
- 9. Charlotte
- #10 Champaign, Illinois
- #11 Columbus, Ohio
- #12 Cincinnati
- #13 Atlanta
- #14 Grand Rapids, Michigan
- #15 Denver
- #16 Baltimore
- No. 17 Richmond, Virginia
- #18 Greensboro, North Carolina
- #19 St. Louis
- #20 Youngstown
Spitzer is a trends reporter and can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
