They're sneaky and prefer to feed on human blood; they're bed bugs. Considered one of the most difficult pests to eliminate, you can find these parasitic insects in all areas of the United States. If you plan to travel outside of Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. or Maryland this summer for vacation, take every precaution possible to avoid them.

How You Might Pick Up Bed Bugs When Traveling

When you travel for vacation with your family, there are plenty of opportunities for a bed bug or two to hitch a ride back home with you. Considering the annoying bites and sleepless nights you'll experience if your home becomes infested, it's important to know how and where these sly parasites can turn your luggage into a joy ride.

Common Places to Attract Bed Bugs

  • Hotel rooms, hostels, and other similar public places are hotbeds for bed bugs.
  • Retail stores like gift and clothing shops can also be a breeding ground for bed bugs.
  • Other people's suitcases, boxes, and shoes are never out of the question for bed bugs.

Where You Might Find Bed Bugs in Your Home

If a bed bug has already hitched a ride into your home, contact pest control immediately to ensure one doesn't turn into a hundred in a matter of weeks. Otherwise, you might find yourself itching and scratching until autumn or even winter.

Signs of Bed Bugs in Your Home

Rusty or reddish stains on bed linens caused by crushed bed bugs.
Dark spots resembling coffee grounds that the bed bugs excrete.
Small and pale yellow skins that nymphs shed as they become bigger.

How to Prevent Picking up Bed Bugs When Traveling

The number-one way to prevent a bed bug infestation in your home is to remain proactive with traveling on vacation this summer. Practice these tips, and you won't have to worry about waking up at home with dozens of bed bug bites.

Ways to Avoid a Bed Bug Infestation

  • Don't place your luggage, clothing or any other material items on the beds.
  • Use metal luggage racks when possible while staying at the hotel.
  • Pack clothing, shoes, and other similar items in small plastic bags for protection.

For additional information about how to avoid bed bugs when vacationing this summer, or if you need immediate pest control services to eliminate an infestation in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact My Pest Pros at (703) 239-4852. Our pest control specialists are standing by to help you take care of a bed bug problem.