How to keep bed bugs from spreading?
How to Submit a Bed Bug Report?
Just follow these simple steps:
- Find the hotel you stayed at by using the search box at the top of every page.
- If you can find it, search for the city where the hotel is located.
- Click on 'Write Report' button on the hotel or city page and complete the form.
What does a bedbug look like?
Bed bugs are little mites that are hard to see with a naked eye. They tend to be dark brown in color, and oval in shape. Sometimes, however, they can appear red after they have fed on a meal of a host's blood. They have very small wings, but they are vestigial and the bedbugs are actually unable to fly. Instead, bed bugs move about by scurrying very quickly. Due to their very small size, what you see may not actually resemble a bug. A large bedbug measures 5 mm in size (about the size of an apple seed), though younger ones are only 1 to 2 mm in size.
Bedbugs are on the rise, and it is a problem that is only likely to increase in the future. If one does have the misfortune to come in contact with bedbugs, there are a few handy tips to help keep the bedbugs from following you home.
For Clothes:
Clothes should be placed in sealed plastic bags. This will prevent any bedbugs from escaping, and prevent any new ones from getting in.
To wash, empty the bag directly into the washing machine into hot water (cold water will be ineffective against bedbugs).
To dry, make sure to put the clothes in the dryer on the highest setting for at least 20 minutes.
This process should kill any bedbugs or eggs that are present on the clothing.
For Beds:
Wash and dry bedding in the way described above.
Move the bed at least a few inches away from any walls or furniture, and make sure that no bedding touches the floor or carpet.
Tuck the sheets in tightly, to reduce the chance of bedbugs making their way into the bed sneakily.
Place plastic cups underneath the legs of the bed, facing upwards. In the cups, place a small amount of vinegar or mineral oil. This will prevent and catch any bedbugs that try to crawl up the legs.
The best way to combat bedbugs is with an exterminator, but these tips will help reduce their chance of spreading.