Bed Bug Control in Hampton Roads, VA

How to Avoid Bed Bugs While Traveling 

Traveling is one of the primary causes of bed bug infestations as these pests easily hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, and personal belongings, spreading from hotels and rental properties to your home. 

Here are some tips for avoiding bed bugs while traveling:

• Use hard luggage: Hard-sided luggage makes it more difficult for bed bugs to travel with you to your next destination. The smooth surfaces reduce the chances of them clinging to your suitcase, and it's easier to wipe down hard luggage if you suspect it may have come into contact with bed bugs.
• Inspect the hotel room: This is an important step! Before bringing any of your luggage inside, check areas such as the bed, behind frames, in corners, on drapes and inside drawers and closets. 
• Do not place your luggage on the floor: Remember, suitcases are prime targets for bed bugs. Store your belongings on a hard surface, luggage rack, or even the bathtub to prevent bed bugs from crawling into your bag.
• Avoid putting clothes on the floors: Fabrics on the floor can be an welcoming spot for bed bugs to make a home. Avoid this by leaving your clothes in your sealed suitcase or hanging them up in the closet. 

Once you return home, we recommend that you:

• Inspect all of your belongings before bringing them inside: Scan seams, zippers, pockets, and interior lining by using a flashlight in the hard-to-see areas. 
• Remove your clothes from your luggage and wash them ASAP: Be sure to wash at the hottest temperature recommended for the material. Then, put them in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes. 
• Keep your shoes outside: Bed bugs can potentially cling to your shoes so it's important to inspect and use a stiff brush to clean the soles of your shoes to ensure you don't introduce unwanted visitors into your home.

5 Warning Signs of Bed Bugs 

Identification is the first step in a successful bed bug control service. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the signs of bed bugs in your home. 

Here are 5 signs you need to schedule professional bed bug control in Hampton Roads, VA:

1. Live bed bugs: These reddish-brown, apple-seed-sized insects are visible to the naked eye. 
2. Shed skins from molting: Translucent, pale yellow husks left behind from growing bed bugs. Accumulations indicate a growing population.
3. Blood spots on bedding or clothing: Small, rust-colored, or dark spots on bedding, clothing, or furniture could be from bed bug bites.
4. Clusters of bites on your skin: Small, red, itchy welts often appearing in lines or clusters on exposed skin may be signs of bed bug bites.
5. A persistent, musty odor: A sweetish, coriander-like smell can indicate a heavy infestation.

If you think bed bugs have made their way into your home, call PESTOUT right away. Our helpful technicians are available to inspect your property and explain the situation to you. 

Our licensed and insured technicians can be reached online or at (757) 856-6557.