Bed bugs are insects attracted to the carbon dioxide our bodies release while we sleep. During the day, they hide in the cracks, crevices, and corners of establishments. A bed bug can survive up to 51 days without a blood meal, and a single female can produce 200 to 500 eggs in her lifetime — which is why one hitchhiking bug can turn into a full infestation.
Bed bugs were originally brought to America from Egypt during colonization, and the problem was largely eliminated by the 1950s. Recently, however, bed bugs have begun to resurge. The two most common resurgent species are the Tropical bed bug and the Common bed bug. Due to increased travel over the past 70 years, the bed bug problem in America has risen. The Common bed bug is found in all 50 states, but the invasive Tropical bed bug species has found its way into Florida thanks to its favorable climate, increasing the risk of bites, rashes, and psychological distress.
The bite of a bed bug itself is painless because of the numbing agent in their saliva — however, many people develop allergic reactions to this saliva.
Bed bugs are hitchhikers. They spread by hanging on to clothing and jumping into bags, and because of their high reproduction rate, one single female bed bug can cause the infestation of an entire establishment. With so many people passing through hotel rooms, there is a high chance a room will become a host for bed bugs, feeding on guests.
According to a 2015 study by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky, pest control professionals find bed bugs in apartments and condos 95 percent of the time, in hotels 75 percent of the time, and in residential settings 93 percent of the time — something to consider if you’re planning to stay in an Airbnb.
They are found primarily in homes and apartments, but also in hotels, dormitories, and hospitals. They prefer warm, dark, humid areas and hide in cracks and crevices in furniture, walls, and floors. Because they also travel in clothing and personal belongings, they spread quickly — and they aren’t limited to any geographic location.
All of this may seem overwhelming, so here’s where you can start. Always travel with a flashlight and a keen eye. The most common places to inspect for bed bugs are:
Skin sheds, eggs, bloodstains, and fecal matter are all evidence of bed bug activity. If you see fecal matter, blood stains, or skin sheds but no live bugs, there may not be an active infestation — keep looking for eggs and live bed bugs to confirm.
Take pictures and ask to speak to a hotel manager to get your room cleaned — or change rooms altogether.
Don’t become a victim of bites, rashes, and more from bed bugs this holiday season. Be aware of the resurgence of bed bugs and use these tips to inspect your room or home. If you fear you may have been in contact with bed bugs, or have an infestation, call a local pest professional to have your home or establishment inspected.
