You just flew in after being away on that long deserved holiday, lying in the sun and living out of your suitcase for four weeks, what you don't know is that along with your luggage you have picked up a hitchhiker and their coming home with you.
The unwelcome visitors we are talking about are bed bugs, if you've ever had the pleasure then you know that you would do just about anything to get rid of bed bugs. Since 2000 bed bugs have increased in Australia by more than 5000%, alarming numbers.
Bed bugs are in plague proportions and this calls for drastic measures, there are clear procedures to follow when it comes to keeping bed bugs out of your home not only when you arrive home from holiday but especially when you leave for that holiday destination, remember bed bugs do not discriminate they love all types of travellers.
It makes no difference to bed bugs whether you choose to stay at backpacker lodgings or whether you spend thousands to stay at 5 star accommodation they, have an all areas access pass.
Let's start with what you should do before you go away.
1. Invest in a number of clear Bugzip® luggage protectors from Bed Bug Barrier.
1. Invest in a number of clear Bugzip® luggage protectors from Bed Bug Barrier.
Bugzip® encasements are made of heavy-duty clear vinyl that resist tears and can easily hold large objects. The specially designed bed bug resistant zipper allows easy access to your stored items keeping bed bugs out when you're travelling.
2. Use a Bugzip® bag to store all your shoes, hats, handbags and any other accessoreis you will use while you are travelling.
3. When you arrive and check into your room make sure you place your Bugzipped suitcase up off the floor, pull back the sheets and check the mattress for any tell tale signs of bed bug infestation, check the cording and seams and especially between the mattress and the bed or base. Check behind any headboards, edges of carpets and furniture feet.
4. Always keep your clothing securely stored in your Bugzipped suitcase, do not remove your clothing from your luggage to hang or store in drawers. Do not throw dirty clothing on the floor wash clothing immediately and pack away safely, if not washed sealed in a plastic bag and pack away in a Bugzip bag to be washed later.
5. Once your holiday has come to an end and it's time to gather up all your belongings, make sure that all other items that have not been stored such as shoes and accessories are inspected before packed. Even if bedbugs have managed to stowaway in your luggage, the Bugzip will keep them contained and ensure that the bedbugs won't infest your home when you arrive, most important it will keep bedbugs out if there happen to be any in other traveller's luggage.
6. When arriving home, go directly to the laundry and unpack your luggage, wash all clothing regardless of whether they are dirty on not, this should be done in hot water. Any clothing or accessories that cannot be washed, should be packed in a plastic bag and placed in the freezer for 24 hours, this will eliminate any bedbugs should they be present.
7. Ensure that you Bugzipped luggage is stored away from any sleeping areas, ideally in a garage or storage area.
You may think this sounds extreme but if you've ever been the victim of bedbugs you will know that this drill is a small price to pay to ensure that you never experience bedbug attack.
5. Once your holiday has come to an end and it's time to gather up all your belongings, make sure that all other items that have not been stored such as shoes and accessories are inspected before packed. Even if bedbugs have managed to stowaway in your luggage, the Bugzip will keep them contained and ensure that the bedbugs won't infest your home when you arrive, most important it will keep bedbugs out if there happen to be any in other traveller's luggage.
6. When arriving home, go directly to the laundry and unpack your luggage, wash all clothing regardless of whether they are dirty on not, this should be done in hot water. Any clothing or accessories that cannot be washed, should be packed in a plastic bag and placed in the freezer for 24 hours, this will eliminate any bedbugs should they be present.
7. Ensure that you Bugzipped luggage is stored away from any sleeping areas, ideally in a garage or storage area.
You may think this sounds extreme but if you've ever been the victim of bedbugs you will know that this drill is a small price to pay to ensure that you never experience bedbug attack.
