The Grand Portage Reservation is at the northeastern tip of Minnesota. The Air Quality Program has many ongoing projects in order to maintain healthy indoor and outdoor air. These projects include monitoring for regional haze and particulate matter, indoor air quality, invasive plant removal, public outreach, environmental education, alternative energy, and climate change.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Bed Bugs

Travel Tips to Remain Bed Bug Free

Bed bug infestations are increasing in the United States. You can take some simple steps when you travel to avoid bringing bed bugs back with you. First, know what they look like. Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that are oval, flattened, brown, and about 1/4 to 3/8 inches long. They like to find dark, confined places to hide, so be sure to check cracks, seams, and folds in all personal items. When staying in a hotel room, immediately check the mattress before bringing in your suitcase. You may want to set your suitcase on a luggage rack or even place it in the bathtub.

How to Check for Bed Bugs:

  • Pull back the sheets and examine the folds in the mattress and box spring. Also be sure to look for bed bug droppings, which are small, dark spots.
  • Check the bedside table and the wall next to the bed. You can also check the headboard and remove it if possible. A flashlight might be helpful.
  • You may not be able to see the bed bugs if it is a small infestation, so it is a good idea to keep your suitcase closed and never leave clothes lying out.
If you find bed bugs in your hotel room, ask for another room and perform another bed bug inspection. If you find you have stayed in a room infested with bugs, clean all items before bringing them back into your home. Wash all clothes and hand wash all suitcases with hot, soapy water. Be sure to use a scrub brush to thoroughly clean the seams, and then inspect all items carefully.

Bed Bugs on a Mattress

Image courtesy of http://bugbusterzzz.com/bedbugs/

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Great and practical information to put on your blog. Since there seems to be a burgeoning infestation of bed bugs across the country, it's not a bad idea to look for bedbugs in other places as well, such as hostels, apartment buildings or any home where you might be an overnight guest. There is an excellent website to check out before traveling. It passes on bedbug reports found in hotels/motels/apartments in the US and Canada. And it gives you a chance to report any bedbugs that you have discovered as well. The website is educational as well. You can find the site at: http://www.bedbugregistry.com