new york city bed bug inspections

March 30, 2019

Hello, fellow New Yorkers! Throughout the many years of being in the bed bug inspection business, I wanted to share the best bed bug travel tips that I could muster up. When visiting clients, I often get asked: “how do I avoid getting bed bugs while traveling.” My visit with them is prompted by their most recent travels and their bed bug anxiety.

The bed bug travel tips I’ve compiled offer help to frequent and infrequent travelers. For the frequent traveler, the bug tips below facilitate finding bed bugs that may be lurking in your rented room or may have hitchhiked back home with you. For the infrequent traveler, the bug tips below can assist you in reducing the possibility of bed bugs coming into your home from outside sources like the office you work from or the places you frequent.

When returning from a trip, we are often exhausted and tend to immediately climb into bed to get a good night’s sleep. Without realizing our mistake, those pesky bed bugs living in a hotel in Boston may have hitched a ride in your suitcase or your clothes and traveled back with you to your home in New York and right into your bed. Because bed bugs are most commonly found in beds, I recommend a thorough visual search of the bed you will be sleeping in. You won’t find a bed bug sitting on the mattress’s center field. Bed bugs like corners. Use your flashlight and follow the piping all around the mattress. Inspect both the piping on top and at the bottom of the mattress. Flipping the mattress on its side is best to inspect it thoroughly for bed bugs. After searching the mattress, do the same with the box spring. Check the fabric stapled to the bottom of the box spring, lifting the fabric to inspect the underside. Lastly, check the bed frame and behind the headboard. You can easily do a quick inspection of the bed frame while on a business trip. Call the hotel manager if you see something that looks like a bed bug.

Once you have determined that your bed is clear, let’s discuss your storage. Even though the bed was searched, it’s not a good idea to place footwear under it. Bed bugs travel easily and can climb into your shoes, crossing with you wherever you go. Avoid bed bugs by leaving your shoes out and away from the bed. This will prevent bed bugs from climbing into your bed or from any bed bugs finding their way into your shoes.

While on a trip, try not to utilize the dresser in the room. Dressers are dark and have many corners, which bed bugs love. Your clothes can be victimized next. If a space is available, place your clothes on the top of the dresser. The shower curtain rod makes a good storage place if you need to hang your items.

Good common sense and a few bed bug precautions should help prevent bed bugs from spreading into your home. Let me know of any tips you might use to avoid this lousy bug from becoming an unwanted guest in your home.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective is bed bug detection dog in identifying a potential bed bug infestation?

Bed bug detection dogs have proven to be highly effective in identifying bed bug infestations, as their keen sense of smell can detect even low levels of bed bug activity. Their accuracy makes them a valuable tool in early detection and treatment.

What is the difference between a bed bug sniffing dog and a regular pest control inspection for bed bug infestations?

Unlike traditional pest control inspections, bed bug sniffing dogs are trained specifically to detect the scent of live bed bugs and their eggs. This targeted approach allows for more accurate identification, often catching infestations in their early stages before they become widespread.

Can a bed bug detection dog also determine the severity of a bed bug infestation?

While bed bug detection dogs excel at locating infestations, determining the severity typically requires a visual inspection by a pest control professional. However, the early detection facilitated by these dogs often results in less severe infestations, making treatment more manageable.

How reliable is bed bug treatment following detection by a bed bug-sniffing dog?

Treatment following detection by a bed bug-sniffing dog is highly reliable. Once an infestation is confirmed, pest control experts can tailor an effective treatment plan. Early detection enhances the success of treatments, reducing the chances of a re-infestation.

Are there any limitations to relying solely on a bed bug detection dog for identifying infestations?

While bed bug detection dogs are powerful tools, they are not foolproof. Environmental factors, the dog’s training, and the handler’s expertise can impact accuracy. It’s recommended to complement dog inspections with visual inspections by professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to bed bug detection.

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