Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

Author: Shannon Miller

We’ve all heard the expression: “Don’t let bed bugs bite!”

But if you saw a bed bug, would you know what it is?

In case you were wondering, it’s a tiny reddish-brown bug, about the size of an apple seed. Their favorite modes of transportation are luggage, clothes, boxes, and used furniture.  Bed bugs come out at night and may leave some people with itchy bumps.

The best way to find these little buggers (pun intended!) is to use a flashlight.  Check your mattress, box spring, bed frame, and furniture near the bed (i.e. end tables).

When traveling, after you get to your destination, put your luggage on the bathroom floor rather than on the bed.  Be prepared with a handy dandy flashlight and check your hotel room for bed bugs in the places mentioned above.  When you get home after traveling, keep your travel clothes separate from your other clothes and wash them in warm water ASAP.  To catch any bed bugs that decided to come home with, vacuum your luggage; this is a great way to tell your tiny friends that they are not welcome in your home!

If you find a bed bug in your hotel room, you can easily switch rooms!  But if you find one in your home, the best thing to do is to use clear tape to attach the bug to a white sheet of paper.  Show the bug to a pest control expert, and if you have indeed found a bed bug, you may want to get your house checked to prevent the little problem from getting any bugger (I mean bigger)!

Source: “Prevent Bed Bugs: Quick Tips”, Healthfinder, 28 Feb 2011.