Bed bugs are parasitic insects known famously for housing in – you got it – beds. They may also be present on couches, buses, airplanes, and even purses. While not considered dangerous, bed bugs are disgusting and can also leave unsightly, sometimes painful bite marks on the skin; these insects feed off of b***d. However, some may even have a serious allergic reaction to these bites.
Even if you think you’re safe from bed bugs because you have a “clean home,” or are staying at a 5-star hotel, keep in mind that 1 in 5 Americans have had a bedbug infestation, know someone who has had one or may have even stayed someone where bedbugs were around.
While there isn’t a guarantee that you will never have to deal with bedbugs in your life, what you can do is engage in a proper inspection to ensure your home or your hotel room is free of these creatures. Fortunately, Jim Dill of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension has a helpful video discussing the latter.
In Jim’s video, he begins by providing some interesting advice if you’re staying in a hotel: to avoid placing your luggage and other belongings on the bed or even on the luggage rack before scoping out the room for potential bed bugs. Instead, he advises placing your belongings in the bathtub or shower. While it sounds unsanitary, there won’t be bed bugs here.
Now, it’s time for the inspection. Jim suggests inspecting the backboard of the bed first, looking into the curves, angles, and creases for the tiny critters. Many probably wouldn’t think to look on the backboard for these insects, but they can absolutely be nesting there, too.
Then after lifting the blankets and sheets from the bed, Jim recommends using a flashlight to look along the piping of the mattress. Jim recommends that you be on the lookout for both mature and immature bed bugs. According to Jim’s video, looking for b***d spots and tiny, brown dots (feces) on the mattress pad is also important, as these can be indicators that bedbugs are present.
Later on, Jim also explains how to look for bed bugs in drawers and luggage racks as well as what to do if you do end up finding bedbugs in your hotel room.
If you want more information on how to spot the pesky beasts, watch Jim Dill’s video below.
Know someone who has bedbugs or will be staying in a hotel soon? Share the video with them so they can be informed, too!
