Although just a PR piece from The Healthy Back Store, this article on SFGate.com has some solid information on protecting yourself against bed bugs before, during and after you travel.
Since hotels are the number one source of bed bug infestation, research before choosing where to stay on your next vacation or business trip. Specifically, check out customer ratings. If a hotel has bed bug problems people will most likely mention it online.
Yep. I don’t know how people can neglect this simple step in this age of technology. You check the weather to see if you should bring an umbrella but you don’t check a hotel to see if it has bed bugs? Come on now. If you read this site you have no excuses!
The article also makes points about how to check your room and also what to do with your luggage:
To avoid transporting bed bugs back home or to another location, never set luggage on the floor, bed or any upholstered surface. Put luggage on the luggage rack, but keep it away from the walls. Avoid unpacking into drawers and always keep suitcases closed.
Great advice. I used to travel every few weeks for work and I would always put my clothing in the drawers. Now I don’t, although I do hang things in the closet. I figure I know how to check a hotel room for bed bugs well enough to reduce my risks. But checking dressers is kind of tricky. I’m too lazy to flip the thing over and look into every nook and cranny so I prefer to simply not use them.
If bed bugs are discovered at home, immediately remove the mattress and vacuum the entire area. Consider purchasing a mattress protector and or a pillow protector.
The article also gives steps for handling your clothing and luggage when you get home. If you’ve been reading articles on this site than this press release isn’t going to teach you anything you don’t already know. But still—it’s good to see a well written piece like this used as a press release. Bravo to The Healthy Back Store.