Planning to attend the inauguration on January 20th? It’s an exciting event, filled with history, hope—and, let’s face it, crowds. But while you’re prepping for patriotic vibes and waving little American flags, there’s one unwelcome guest you’ll want to avoid at all costs: bed bugs.
Yes, these tiny, bloodsucking pests love a busy, bustling city just as much as we do. With travelers packing hotels, Airbnbs, Ubers, Lyfts, cabs, and public transportation, the risk of hitching a ride with a bed bug or two increases dramatically. But fear not! With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy the inauguration bed-bug-free.
Where Bed Bugs Love to Lurk During Travel
1. Hotels and Airbnbs: Know the Signs
Hotels and Airbnbs are prime spots for bed bugs to set up camp. These sneaky critters can hide in mattresses, furniture, curtains, and even behind headboards. Here’s what to do:
Inspect the Room:
• Before unpacking, pull back the sheets and check the mattress seams for tiny reddish-brown stains (bed bug droppings) or shed exoskeletons.
• Check behind the headboard and along the edges of the carpet.
• Don’t Put Your Luggage on the Bed: Use the luggage rack or keep your bags in the bathroom until you’ve inspected the room.
• Bag It Up: Keep your clothes in sealed plastic bags inside your suitcase to limit exposure.
If You Find Bed Bugs:
• In a Hotel: Notify the front desk immediately. Request a room change far from the original (not just the next room over). If the hotel doesn’t take the situation seriously, consider leaving and finding alternate accommodations.
• In an Airbnb: Contact the host directly through the Airbnb app to report the problem. Take photos for documentation and request a refund or alternative accommodations. If the host is unresponsive or unhelpful, escalate the issue to Airbnb’s customer service team.
In both cases, avoid taking your luggage into another room or new accommodation until you’ve thoroughly inspected it to ensure no bed bugs have come with you.
2. Ubers, Lyfts, Cabs, and Public Transportation: The Mobile Threat
Bed bugs are sneaky travelers and can easily hitch a ride on upholstered seats in shared vehicles or public transit systems.
Signs to Watch For:
• Tiny reddish-brown stains, shed skins, or even live bugs on seats or armrests.
• While rare, some passengers have reported bites after sitting in heavily trafficked vehicles.
Public Transportation Hotspots:
• Metro and Train Seats: Upholstered seats on trains or subways can harbor bed bugs, especially during high-traffic events. Stand when possible or inspect the seat before sitting.
• Bus Upholstery: Bed bugs may hitch rides on long-distance buses or local city buses due to their frequent passenger turnover.
• Shared Luggage Racks: Be cautious when stowing personal items in communal racks on trains, buses, or airport shuttles.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Use a travel blanket or scarf to create a barrier between yourself and the seat.
• Keep bags and purses off the floor and your lap whenever possible.
• After using public transportation, inspect your clothing, outerwear, and bags for any stowaways.
What to Do to Stay Safe
Packing Smart
• Clothing Prep: Use bed bug-proof garment bags for your clothing. Bonus points for bringing a lint roller to check your outfits after sitting in public areas.
• Luggage Protection: Invest in bed bug luggage liners to keep bugs out of your suitcase.
During Your Stay
• Declutter Your Room: Bed bugs love clutter. Keep your belongings organized and off the floor.
• Daily Inspections: A quick check of your bed and surroundings each morning ensures no unwelcome visitors have joined you overnight.
On the Ride Home
• Before Re-entering Your House:
• Unpack your luggage outside or in a garage/laundry room.
• Wash all clothing on the hottest possible setting (even if it’s clean).
• Check Your Bags: Inspect every seam, zipper, and pocket of your suitcase before bringing it inside.
Signs of Bed Bugs
Here’s a quick checklist of telltale signs to keep in mind while traveling:
• Bites: Small, red, itchy bites often in a line or cluster.
• Stains: Reddish-brown spots on sheets or furniture.
• Shed Skins: Bed bugs molt as they grow, leaving behind their exoskeletons.
• Live Bugs: If you see a small, flat, reddish-brown bug, it’s time to act.
When to Call in the Pros
If, despite your best efforts, a bed bug manages to hitch a ride home, don’t panic. These pests are annoying, but they can be defeated with professional help.
Here’s what to do:
• Act Quickly: The sooner you address the issue, the easier it is to contain.
• Don’t DIY the Problem: While it might be tempting to use over-the-counter sprays or homemade solutions, these often spread the infestation or make it worse.
• Reach Out to a Licensed Pest Control Company: Once you’re back in your city, contact a reputable, licensed pest control company for assistance. Professionals have the tools and expertise to inspect your home, confirm the infestation, and provide targeted treatments to eradicate the problem.
At ECO Bed Bug Exterminators, we specialize in discreet, effective bed bug removal. If you suspect bed bugs hitched a ride home with you, call us immediately. We’ll help you get back to living bug-free in no time.
Final Tips for a Bed Bug-Free Inauguration
• Do Your Research: Before booking, check reviews for mentions of bed bugs (websites like the Bed Bug Registry can help).
• Be Wary of Crowds: Bed bugs love packed venues, so avoid setting your belongings on public seats or floors.
• Have a Plan: Pack a small spray bottle of rubbing alcohol. It won’t eliminate an infestation, but it can kill individual bugs on contact if you spot one.
