Alana Korol

June 30, 2022

Bed Bug Outbreak Totals as of May 22, 2022

• 97% of pest control professionals report having previously treated homes with bed bugs.
• 1 in every 5 households is affected by bed bugs every year, which means the percentage of homes with bed bugs is 20%.
• Chicago is the number one city for bed bugs based on the bed bug treatments that are performed.
• The most popular places for bed bugs are single-family homes (91%), apartments/condominiums (89%), and hotels (68%).
• Bed bugs are also common in nursing homes (59%), offices (47%), and even hospitals (36%).
• Chances of getting bed bugs from a hotel are high: 74% of professional exterminators have encountered bed bugs in hotels and motels.
• 84% of pest control professionals are typically contacted to deal with different types of pests that turn out to be bed bugs.
• Only 33% of people dealing with bed bugs have reported warning people of their pest problem.
• The most considerable bed bug infestation ever was reported in Maryland, US, with thousands of bugs having infested the mattress, the bed frame, and even the curtains and the chairs.
• 188 hotels in New York have at least one review complaining about bed bugs. Many of them are located within a one-mile radius of Times Square.

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After a fun-filled vacation or a busy business trip, the notion of a bed bug infestation is likely the last thing on your mind. While staying in high-end hotels or ensuring visitors read reviews may help prevent an unwanted encounter with these blood-sucking pests, a recent survey by the NPMA found that roughly 75 percent of pest control companies treated bed bug infestations in hotels throughout the United States.

Perhaps one of the most common misconceptions regarding bed bugs and traveling is that if you stay in a "nice" hotel, you don't have to worry about an infestation. This is a myth many subscribe to. The truth is that bed bugs are found in budget-friendly accommodations and 5-star luxury resorts. Throughout the past several decades, with a specific genetic evolution that makes bed bugs resistant to popular pesticides, the bed bug population in hotels and motels has steadily increased.

Now, more than ever, proactive measures to prevent the spread of bed bugs are imperative. The following tips should be followed regardless of where you travel or stay. Remember, the appearance of bed bugs isn't solely dependent on the hygiene level of an establishment. Therefore, you must eye every hotel, motel, and shared public space as a potential hot spot for bed bugs.

Bed Bugs and Traveling – Effective Tips to Stop Potential Stowaways

Upon Arrival – After you've checked into your hotel and have made your way into the room, immediately place all luggage and personal belongings in the bathroom. Bed bugs are least likely to find homes in the slick surfaces and non-fabric surroundings found in most hotel bathrooms. Leave your belongings in the bathroom until you've thoroughly investigated the room.

Review the Bedding – As its name suggests, bed bugs thrive in beds. Therefore, reviewing the bed is the most effective tip in protecting yourself against bed bugs. Remove the comforter and sheets and inspect the seams and creases throughout the mattress. Pay special attention to the corners of the mattress, bed frame, and box spring. If you notice any discoloration or blackish spotting, immediately remove your belongings from the room and notify the management.

Check the Room Furniture – Many hotel rooms come with chairs, sofas, and other pieces of furniture. While these are excellent areas to rest after a long day, they are also a common hiding place for bed bugs. Once you've reviewed the bed, closely inspect all hotel room furniture's cushions, seams, and crevices. Make sure to pull out all dresser drawers. With a flashlight, closely inspect any hidden areas where bed bugs tend to thrive. This is especially important if you place your clothing within a hotel dresser. For added protection, line the dresser with plastic sheets. In bed bug prevention, it's better to be safe than sorry.

If You Change Rooms – Should evidence of an infestation be found within a hotel room, and you decide to stay within the establishment, do not move to a room directly beside, across, above, or below the infested room. Bed bugs easily find their way from one room to another, and should the hotel experience an entire infestation, the adjoining rooms are likely also infested.

Disposable Mattress Encasement – Many travelers choose to take a more proactive step in preventing the spread of bed bugs. After thoroughly checking the mattress, covering the mattress with a disposable bed bug encasement is among the most effective ways to stop an infestation. These disposable encasements shield you from bed bugs hiding deep within a mattress by blocking their route to your skin.

Safeguard Your Suitcase: Instead of placing your suitcase on the floor, consider sealing all luggage in resealable plastic trash bags or specialty luggage bed bug cases. This is a crucial step to prevent bringing home more than memories from your fun-filled vacation.

Read Hotel Reviews – Although reading hotel reviews does not always give a current and accurate description of what you can expect upon arrival, checking several review sites does offer a unique insight. When scanning hotel reviews, watch for topics regarding bed bugs and other pests. While some reviews are based on truth, it's important to remember that with an open review platform, anyone can say anything, including lying about a hotel's quality.

Let us at  Bed Bug Store assist you. All our products come with a 90-day 100% satisfaction guarantee. We have been relieving customers and businesses of bed bugs since 2003. Our products are also 100% all-natural, chemical, and pesticide-free. The smell you notice when using our solution is the fresh scent of peppermint.