Common Hiding Spots for Bed Bugs

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite This Summer

The Most Common Hiding Spots for Bed Bugs while Traveling

Bed-Bugs

Summer travel means a higher chance of coming into contact with bed bugs who love the warmth and are great at hitchhiking. It’s important to check your room and belongings for these blood sucking insects when traveling and once returning home. To promote public awareness and to help avoid infestations, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has declared June 3-9, 2018 as Bed Bug Awareness Week. McCloud Services is joining NPMA in this public education effort by sharing key bed bug hiding spots to look out for.

Despite their name, bed bugs can be found virtually anywhere that people tend to gather and are easily transported. Be sure to properly check your accommodations when traveling and to give your belongings a good look after vacation. If an infestation is suspected, it’s best to call a licensed pest control professional to assess the situation.

Here is a list of common hiding spots you should inspect for bed bugs:

  • Thoroughly inspect the entire room for bed bugs before unpacking, including behind the headboard, under lights, and inside dressers, drawers, sofas and chairs.
  • Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams and box springs, particularly at the corners, for pepper-like stains, spots or shed bed bug skins.
  • Place suitcases in a plastic trash bag during the duration of the trip to ensure that bed bugs cannot take up residence there prior to departure.
  • Bed bugs can easily hitchhike via housekeeping carts, luggage and even through wall sockets. If an infestation is spreading, it typically does so in the rooms closest to its origin.
  • These pests like to hide in small cracks and crevices close to a human environment. They can be found behind baseboards, wallpaper, upholstery and in furniture crevices.