| With the rash of reports from travelers around the | | | | travel. Wrap the legs of the bed sticky side out to trap |
| world getting stung by bedbugs and bringing them | | | | the bed bugs trying to get to you. I know this seems |
| home it is no wonder people are in fear every time | | | | extreme but you would rather feel weird than get |
| they leave home. Whether you are hiking in a remote | | | | stung. |
| area staying in a flophouse or traveling first class | | | | - Pull all of the bedding off the sides of the bed and |
| staying at a five star resort you are in danger of an | | | | look under the seams of the mattress. You are looking |
| attack of these blood thirsty vermin. Here are a few | | | | for something that looks like dirt smudges. This is the |
| things you can do to dramatically reduce your chance | | | | trail of blood and feces left by the bed bugs. If you find |
| of bed bug bites though. | | | | this leave the hotel once you find an infestation you |
| - First, never put your bags or clothes on the bed. This | | | | should leave as fast as possible. |
| common mistake is a virtual invitation for the bugs to | | | | - If you are an avid traveler I suggest taking two new |
| hitch a ride home with you. Never leave your clothes | | | | king-size sheets and sewing them together on the |
| or bags on the hotel floor. | | | | bottom and sides. Use this at night like a big sleeping |
| - Look behind the headboard and pull the bed out a | | | | bag. Make sure and inspect and fold in the morning. |
| foot or so look all around the bed for black specks. | | | | Place this in a garbage bag and seal it while returning |
| These creatures are very small if you see anything | | | | home. Unpack this before anything else and wash with |
| suspicious call the front desk. Leave the bed out from | | | | the hottest water you have before using again. |
| the wall during your stay. Bed bugs can not fly so if | | | | In my next article I will explain how to handle finding |
| they have been coming from the nightstand they will | | | | bed bugs after you have stayed at a hotel. Even if |
| have to get to you some other way. | | | | you find them you do not have to bring them home. |
| - Take a roll of clear packing tape with you while you | | | | |