It is Bed Bug Awareness Week.
As Americans get ready to kick off the summer travel season, it’s important to revisit some bed bug basics.
“Bed bugs continue to pose a serious problem in this country. We encourage college students returning home, families going on vacation, business travelers and the public in general to be vigilant for signs of bed bugs wherever they go and take preventative measures to keep from infesting their homes,” said Tim Baietto, President at Peoria Pest Eliminators.
According to a 2011 National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky survey of professional pest control companies, bed bugs are the most challenging pest to treat. Additionally, the survey found that 99 percent of pest professionals have encountered bed bug infestations in the past year – a sharp increase from the 25 percent in 2000.
During Bed Bug Awareness Week, Peoria Pest Eliminators offers the following bed bug prevention tips when traveling:
• Avoid putting luggage on the bed or upholstered furniture.
• If changing rooms, be sure the new room is not adjacent to the infested room.
• Use a large plastic bag to store luggage.
• Upon returning home, inspect and vacuum suitcases thoroughly before bringing them into the house.
• Wash clothes – whether worn or not - in hot water or have them dry cleaned.
