Travel tends to increase for many of us during the holiday season, and this can bring one additional consideration you may not always have in mind: Avoiding unwanted pests during your travels. Certain pests are known for their ability to “hitchhike” with travelers in various ways, and the holidays are an ideal time to break this down and help you avoid this issue if you’re taking any trips.
At Logan Extermination, we’re here to offer the best pest control solutions available around Logan and nearby areas, plus expertise to all our clients on how to avoid pest infestation issues to begin with. Here are some basics on which pests may attempt to hitchhike with you while you travel (and potentially infest your home once you return), plus how to steer clear of these risks throughout any holiday travels.
Pests Who Hitchhike (And How They Do It)
Here are some top examples of pests that can become an issue during travel, plus how they go about creating problems:
Cockroaches
The single most common pest hitchhiker, these pests can be found in virtually every corner of the world – and they’re always looking for their next meal. Whether it’s a meal left behind on a plane, train, or taxi seat, or an open bag of snacks in your hotel room, cockroaches are capable of getting into even the smallest spaces to find food and shelter.
Furthermore, they will often slip into items like briefcases, luggage, and even clothing, making it easy for them to travel with you to your next destination. To prevent bringing cockroaches along on your travels, be sure to keep all food tightly sealed and dispose of any leftovers properly. Additionally, keep an eye out for signs of infestations in hotel rooms or other accommodations, and report any issues to the staff immediately.
Bed Bugs
Another very common pest that travelers may encounter is the bed bug. These small insects are commonly found in hotels, hostels, and other shared living spaces, making them a common issue for travelers. They can easily hitchhike on your luggage, clothing, or even personal belongings, making it important to take precautions when staying in these types of accommodations.
To avoid bringing bed bugs home with you, be sure to thoroughly check your room before unpacking any items. Look for signs of infestation, such as dark spots or blood stains on bedding or furniture. You can also use a flashlight to inspect dark areas like under the mattress and behind headboards. If you do find any signs of bed bugs, alert the staff immediately and request a new room.
Other Pests
While bed bugs and cockroaches are the most common traveling pests, there are other critters that can also be a nuisance. Ants, flies, spiders, and even rodents can make their way into hotel rooms and other common travel locations.
To prevent these pests from becoming an issue during your stay, it’s important to keep your room clean and free of any food debris. Be sure to properly dispose of any food or drinks in sealed containers or in the designated trash bin. You can also use insect repellent sprays or wipes to deter insects from entering your room.
Travel Tips
During your actual travel portions, such as taxis, airplanes, trains or any others, here are a few basic tips for avoiding pest companions:
- Check your seat before sitting down, especially on public transportation. Look for signs of bed bugs or other pests, such as fecal stains or shed skin.
- Keep your belongings close to you at all times and avoid leaving them unattended. This not only prevents theft but also reduces the chance of picking up any unwanted hitchhikers.
- When staying in hotels or accommodations, always check the room for any signs of pests before unpacking. Look in drawers, under mattresses, and behind furniture.
Luggage and Belongings Management
Throughout your travels, it is important to properly manage your luggage and belongings to avoid any pest-related issues. This not only includes preventing theft, but also being aware of potential pests that may have hitched a ride with you.
First and foremost, it is important to choose the right type of luggage for your travels. Hard-shell suitcases are less likely to be infested by bed bugs compared to soft or fabric suitcases. Additionally, consider using luggage locks to prevent any tampering or theft.
When traveling, keep your belongings close to you at all times and avoid leaving them unattended. This not only prevents theft but also reduces the chance of picking up any unwanted hitchhikers, such as bed bugs or fleas.
When staying in hotels or accommodations, always check the room for any signs of bed bugs before settling in. This includes checking the bedding, mattress, headboard, and any furniture or crevices where bed bugs may hide.
Post-Travel Precautions
And once you return home from a trip, you should take some final precautions to ensure no pests have made the journey with you. Firstly, thoroughly wash all your clothing, including items that were not worn but were packed in suitcases or bags. This will help to eliminate any bed bugs or other pests that may have hitched a ride.
Inspect your luggage and belongings for any signs of pest activity before bringing them into your home. Vacuuming the inside and outside of suitcases can also help to remove any unwanted pests. It’s also a good idea to keep your luggage away from your bedroom until you are confident there are no pests present. This will prevent any potential infestations in your sleeping area.
As you can see, there are a number of basic ways to avoid picking up pests during your holiday travels. Contact our team at Logan Extermination for more information here, or for help with any kind of pest control need around Logan!
