How To Avoid Bedbugs

Maybe you’ve heard the news: bedbugs are back. But now that they’re here, what’s your responsibility as a traveler to help prevent the problem from spreading?

The number of bedbug cases has been steadily increasing since 2000.

These little critters have been found everywhere from fleabag motels to five-star hotels, meaning no one is immune.

Never put your luggage on the bed; use the luggage rack instead.

These guys are master travelers, and the last thing you want them latching onto your clothing.

When checking into any hotel room, do a thorough inspection with a flashlight.

That includes the bedding, under the mattress, the box springs, behind the headboard, at the edge of the carpet, and on the drapes.

Look for small blood spots, shed skin or the flat, oval bugs themselves.

If you do find evidence, alert the hotel manager immediately.

Depending on where you are, report it to the department of health or the city—in New York, where the bedbug problem is prevalent, you can call the non-emergency number at 311.

Report the problem on user-generated resources like Tripadvisor and BedBugRegistry.com.

And when you return home, wash your clothes right away and put everything in the dryer on high to kill off any eggs.

For more tips, don’t miss our Health & Fitness section..

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