Bed Bugs: Tips for Travelers

There are many fantasies about bed bugs. However, do not be fooled as to the seriousness of the issue. Bed bugs are the product of total non-discrimination policy! These critters only care about human blood and warmth!

Number one rule of travel: never, never, never leave your luggage on the floor. Bed bugs lie in wait for the evening to find a perfect host: you. One of the most serious problems is that when you can see a bed bug the only reason you see them is that they have hosted on a human. These pubs are very small and generally can't be found until they have a meal or two or more from a human. The bite generally can't be felt. The BB will stay on your skin ever so slowly sucking your blood until the BB is engorged with your blood. This usually takes around 10 minutes. The favorite hiding place for BB's is in or around mattresses and box springs. BB's are adept at hitch hiking and often will get a 'ride' in your luggage or clothing. You can check for the critters along the seams of the mattress looking for exoskeleton shells in the seams. Just remember that BB's don't care if the room is clean or dirty, all they require is a hiding place and a host for blood.

If you have the misfortune to suffer BB bites the signs (and itching) generally will subside and disappear within a week. Skin cream with hydrocortisone works well to relieve itching. So far there is no evidence that BB's transmit disease. When in a hotel/motel here are a few tips that may help:

• Leave nothing on the floor, place all of your belongings on a shelf, luggage rack or even on the available tables
• Bring plastic garbage bags that you can tie off to put shoes, purses, etc. into
• As you leave put all clothing that needs to be washed into a plastic bag and tie off the bag Upon arrival at home empty the bag outside of the home o directly in a washing machine or dryer
• BB's cannot survive extremes: hot or cold.
• Put the luggage into a plastic bag and tie off until you can wash the bag
• If the weather is cold enough (under 23 degrees F) you can leave the bags in the car overnight.
  Small items can be placed into bags and placed in the freezer for 2 weeks
• If the weather is warm enough (above 120 F in a closed car) you can leave the bags in the car until the next day.

Big advice: think twice about second hand furniture. Never pick up furniture along the side of the road. BB's are one of the best and resilient species out there.

Just be careful, prudent and pray! Even Four star hotels and resorts can have BB's.

Mark Leahy is the President of Blades of Green lawn Care and Pest Control, a family owned lawn care and pest control company. Mark has concentrated his efforts in Central Maryland as well as Maryland's Eastern Shore. Mark has over 20 years experience in the Lawn and Pest Control Industries.

As a member of PlANET, the Chesapeake Club, NPMA, Pest World, the Turf Grass Council and Quality Pro; Mark is well qualified in the lawn care and pest control industries. Certified by the State of Maryland; Mark can advise all Marylanders' in the areas of lawn care and pest control. Mark can be reached: Mark@bladesofgreen.com, 410.867.8873 or on the web site: Bladesofgreen.com

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