Summer time is when most travel to new and exciting places or visit places with long lasting memories. CNN released, “5 hideways that aren’t the Hampton.” Believe it or not, the Capital and Adirondack Region made the list twice with Saratoga and Lake George. Just a little farther south, the Hudson Valley was even recognized.

The summer sees increased bed bug issues especially during the months of July through September, when summer travelling and temperatures are at its peak according to Bed Bug Central. When travelling it is important take precautionary measures to avoid bed bugs.

Signs of bed bugs include:

• Live insects. Adults are about the size of an apple seed, brown/dark red in color. Eggs and nymphs (baby bed bugs) are translucent and the size of a grain of rice.
• Skins. Light brown/tan skins are left behind when bed bugs grow into adults.
• Blood Spots. Small blood spots the size of pepper and dark red/black in color are usually found on the mattress or sheets after a bed bug feeds.
• Bites. Bed bug bites affect everyone differently, but usually in a row.

Bed bug travel tips to prevent bed bugs from coming home:

• Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking. Don’t put luggage on the bed.
• Pull back bed sheets and inspect mattress seams, particularly the corners, for telltale brownish or reddish spots. Bed bugs can also be found in box springs and behind baseboards, electrical switch plates, picture frames, wallpaper, in upholstery and furniture.
• If changing rooms within the same hotel, ensure the new room is not adjacent to the possibly infested room.
• If staying at a residence, inform the homeowner immediately of a suspected bed bug problem.
• Use a large plastic bag to store luggage.
• Upon returning home, inspect and vacuum suitcases before bringing them into the house.
• Wash all clothes — whether worn or not — in hot water or take them to a dry cleaner
• If you suspect an infestation in your own home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect the property.

When following the bed bug tips above and having the education about bed bugs, you should have no worries when travelling. It is important to perform inspections when you arrive and return home to remain bed bug free. Living in Albany, Clifton Park, Saratoga or any other Capital Region communities, Thomas Pest Services is your local exterminator who provides bed bug treatments. At the first signs of bed bugs, contact Thomas Pest Services for the best bed bug solutions.