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Viewing Beware of this Anything BUT Romantic Travel CompanionBeware of this Anything BUT Romantic Travel Companion
By Kathy Steinemann
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Bedbugs, previously considered a third world problem, are now appearing everywhere - including large hospitals, quality hotels, and in mattresses purchased from well-known department stores. How can you cope with them while you travel? Bedbugs, previously considered a third world problem, are now appearing everywhere - including large hospitals, quality hotels, and in mattresses purchased from well-known department stores. These pests transfer easily from surface to surface. A bed transported in a delivery van with a few bugs from a previous delivery will soon become rife with the little creatures. Fast international travel has facilitated the spread of this tiny blood-sucking nuisance. Infestations can easily spread to luggage, airplane seats, and rental vehicles. Rustic country cottages with birds' nests or bats in the eaves may host bedbugs. These genera prefer their 'wild' dinner, but will readily feast on humans if given the opportunity. Bedbugs flourish in floorboard crevices and wall cracks, inside furniture, under peeling wallpaper, beneath area rugs, in curtain folds, behind baseboards, and in other dark places. Nocturnal by nature, they hide during daylight hours, preferring to come out in the dark to suck the blood from their prey - your delectable, warm body. Unfortunately, they can go for long periods without food (sometimes for over a year). This means that even long-vacant accommodations can still be contaminated. Although bedbugs do not usually carry serious disease, they inject a numbing agent with their bites - which often causes skin irritation and little itchy red bumps. If you have any reason to suspect that your lodging might be harboring bedbugs, inspect everything very carefully. First, scrutinize pillowcases and sheets for tiny little specks of blood. Lift mattresses and check carefully along seam lines and in any dark crevices in the box spring, headboard, floorboards, and wall. They are very difficult to see, because they like to hide in the dark. A magnifying glass will make the job much simpler. Sometimes you will not see the actual bugs, but will notice numerous little black or reddish dots and possibly areas that look like rust. The little dots are insect fecal material and the rust spots are actually bloodstains caused by crushed bugs. The bugs themselves are about 1/4-inch in size. If you find anything suspicious, ask to be moved to another room or select a different hotel. If you have been in the room for any length of time, you may now have bedbugs on your luggage and/or clothing. As a precautionary measure, consider packing some large garbage bags. If you do not see anything after room inspection, but still feel uncomfortable, place your luggage in the bag to help prevent bedbug migration into your personal belongings. If you encounter an infestation on your travels, you must take some precautions when you return home. Vacuum your luggage meticulously and carefully dispose of the used vacuum bags. Use a commercial extermination product to spray suitcases and contents. (There are environmentally friendly non-toxic enzyme sprays available.) In addition, carefully launder all clothing. If these little vampires have a chance to take hold in your home or apartment, you could be faced with countless sleepless nights and a hefty exterminator's bill! Try a Google search: click on 'Images' near the top of Google's home page and type 'bedbug' in the search bar. You will discover page after page containing images of these disgusting little creatures. Now you know what you are looking for! Forewarned is forearmed - but do not let unrealistic fears spoil your getaway! (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included. About the Author: This adult getaway article was written by Kathy Steinemann. You will find romantic lodging like bed and breakfasts, as well as hostels and discount hotels, at 111 Travel Directory. Do you need some helpful travel tips? Visit 1000 Tips 4 Trips. Article Source: Adult Escapes - http://www.AdultEscapes.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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