Many folks are gearing up for summer vacations. For many - that means stays away from home. And that could mean bedbugs are hitching a ride.
But before you hit the road or the skies, and head for your comfy hotel bed, Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) wants you to remember: bedbugs could be lurking in your hotel room. Bedbugs have been found in five-star hotels and resorts and their presence is not determined by the cleanliness of the living conditions where they are found. Bedbugs should not be considered as a medical or public health hazard. Bedbugs are not known to spread disease.
Travelers should practice bedbug prevention, by taking a few common-sense prevention steps, and checking for bedbugs where you're staying. Avoid placing your luggage on the bed or floor near the bed. Also carefully inspect your clothing and baggage when returning from your trip. Unpack clothing directly into a washing machine.
A few places to look for the hiding spots of these pests:
1. Check behind the headboard, using a flashlight if possible.
2. Check the piping of the mattress for adults, immature bedbugs, or anything out-of-the-ordinary.
3. Look on the actual mattress and mattress pad, for small rusty stains on mattresses and box springs about the size of this dot •
4. Look inside furniture, like night tables, next to the bed for bedbugs.
Let the front desk or management know right away if you find bedbugs or bedbug signs in your room.
Check out these resources and learn how to check your sleeping room and more about bedbug prevention tips and the Bedbug Registry.
NDSU Extension - Taking the Bite Out of BedBugs