The summer travel season has begun.
With that comes stays in hotels, motels, vacation homes, anywhere that isn’t your own, which means there’s potential for exposure to — brace yourself — bed bugs.
These pesky little things can cause big headaches and a lot of problems if you encounter them. It’s better to be informed and attentive when you arrive at your destination, rather than experiencing redness and itching on your skin.
Now that you’ve got goose bumps, here’s the 411 on bed bugs.
What are bed bugs?
Scientifically known as cimex lectularius, these insects originated in Europe, the Middle East or India, and moved around the world just like humans, according to the Center for Invasive Species Research.
They are small, brown, oval-shaped insects with six legs and antennae. They move quickly and reproduce a lot. Their lifespan is only 6 to 12 months, but during this time females produce 200 to 500 eggs.
Bed bugs feed on human and animal blood. They usually bite at night when people are sleeping. Most people often don’t realize when they are being bitten.
How to Detect Bed Bugs When You’re Traveling
Check all those little crevices and hidden spots. Think seams in sheets, chair cushions, folds in mattresses, piping along curtains or headboards – any dark, cozy, cramped area.
Also watch out for musty and slightly sweet odors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Also look for reddish spots caused by crushed bedbugs.
Lucky for all summer travelers, bed bugs thrive in the warmer months. They cannot fly and rely on people or things, such as clothes or suitcases, to get from one place to another.
How to know if you’ve been bitten by bed bugs
Bed bug bites usually appear on areas of skin exposed during sleep, such as the face, neck, or hands. The bites are usually small, itchy red bumps.
If you’ve been bitten, you can expect the irritation and symptoms to last about a week, according to MedicalNewsToday.com. Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines or itch creams, can help provide relief.
It is believed that bedbugs do not transmit diseases and illnesses, however, you should not scratch the bites, as this can cause infection.
What to do if you have a bed bug infestation
High temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit will kill bed bugs. It is recommended to wash all clothing and linens in hot water for 30 minutes and then dry on high heat for a further 30 minutes.
Any mattresses, sofas, or other areas where bed bugs may be hiding should be steam cleaned.
Worst bed bug cities in the country, according to Orkin
- #1 Chicago
- #2 New York
- #3 Philadelphia
- #4 Cleveland-Akron, OH
- #5 Los Angeles
- #6 Detroit
- #7. Washington, DC
- #8 Indianapolis
- No. 9 Carlota
- #10 Champaign, IL
- #11 Columbus, Ohio
- #12 Cincinnati
- #13 Atlanta
- #14 Grand Rapids, MI
- #15 Denver
- #16 Baltimore
- #17 Richmond, VA
- #18 Greensboro, North Carolina
- No. 19 São Luís
- #20 Youngstown
Spitzer is a trends reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
