3 Things You Should Know About Bed Bugs This Thanksgiving
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- November 12, 2024
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3 Things You Should Know About Bed Bugs This Thanksgiving
As we approach Thanksgiving, the joy of gathering with family and friends can also bring some unwanted guests—bed bugs. These tiny pests are notorious for hitching rides during holiday visits and can quickly become a significant problem. To keep your home bed bug-free this holiday season, here are three crucial things you should know.
1. Watch Out for Hitchhikers
Bed bugs are expert travelers, and holiday gatherings give them the perfect opportunity to hitch a ride. When visiting friends and family, they can cling to clothing, luggage, or even furniture, spreading easily from one place to another. Be mindful of where you place your belongings or where you sit when visiting other homes. If you’re hosting, keep an eye out for any signs of bed bugs after guests leave, such as small rust-colored spots on bedding or furniture, as these could indicate their presence. Being proactive can help prevent a small issue from becoming a full-blown infestation.
Taking preventive measures doesn’t mean dampening your holiday spirit. Simple precautions, like not leaving luggage or outerwear piled up on fabric-covered furniture, can go a long way. Keep a designated, non-fabric area for guests’ belongings, such as a hallway bench or a metal coat rack, to minimize the risk of bed bugs making themselves at home in your space.
2. Tidy Up Holiday Decorations
All the festive holiday decorations bring warmth and cheer to your home, but they also create extra hiding spots for bed bugs. Holiday wreaths, garlands, and even boxes of ornaments can provide safe havens for these sneaky pests. Before setting up decorations, inspect them for any signs of bed bugs, especially if they’ve been stored in an area like an attic, basement, or garage, where pests might have access.
Keeping your space tidy throughout the holiday season makes it more difficult for bed bugs to find places to hide. When unpacking and packing decorations, use clear plastic bins with secure lids to store items instead of cardboard boxes. This simple switch can prevent pests from infesting your holiday decor and reduce the risk of a bed bug problem in your home.
3. Inspect Your Luggage After Traveling
Travel is a significant part of Thanksgiving for many people, whether you’re heading to a loved one’s house or welcoming out-of-town guests. Bed bugs are notorious for infesting luggage, making it essential to thoroughly inspect your bags before bringing them inside your home. Look for any signs of bed bugs, such as small, dark spots or the bugs themselves, which are about the size of an apple seed and reddish-brown in color.
To be extra cautious, consider unpacking your bags in a garage or laundry room. Wash all clothing in hot water immediately and vacuum out your luggage before storing it. Taking these steps can help prevent bed bugs from establishing themselves in your home and ensure that your holiday celebrations remain happy and pest-free.
Get Started With Greater NH Pest Control
Thanksgiving is a time for making memories, not dealing with bed bug infestations. By being mindful of where you place your belongings, keeping your home tidy, and inspecting luggage after travel, you can minimize the risk of bringing bed bugs into your home. If you ever suspect an infestation, don’t wait—contact us at Greater NH Pest Control for an inspection and treatment plan. Stay bed bug-free this holiday season and enjoy the festivities with peace of mind!
