When I was a youngster spending the night at my grandparents, one of the last things my grandmother would say while tucking me in bed was, “Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite.”  To be honest, I really had no idea what she meant.  What was going to bite me while I was asleep and what the heck was a bed bug anyway?  I guess my mind was more focused on the fun I had that day and what was planned for tomorrow.

I’ve now been in the workforce for over 20 years and have done my fair share of traveling.  Until about a year ago, I still really didn’t understand all the hype about bed bugs.  That has changed.  Many articles, seminars, and webinars have been dedicated to these creepy critters.  What was once an issue in the early 1900’s and virtually eradicated by the 1950’s has resurfaced due to increased international travel, changes in the types of chemicals to control them, and lack of public awareness on prevention.

If you wish to know bed bug details, where you find them, where they like to hide, how they are spread, and symptoms and signs to look for, do a look-up on any search engine and you’ll get millions of hits.  For this blog, my focus is how to minimize the chances of these pests hitching a ride and creating a big problem when you get back home.  Here are five preventive measures you can take in less than three minutes:

1.  Examine the hotel bed and mattress for signs of bed bug infestation.

2.  Hang clothes in the closet furthest from the bed.

3.  Place luggage on a folding rack found in most hotels or, at the very least, don’t leave luggage on the floor.

4.  Store your briefcase or computer bag on top of the desk and away from curtains.  Bed bugs like to hide in fabric or cloth.

5.  Keep everything zipped at all times.  That would include not only your suitcase but your briefcase.

These are just some quick and simple tips to help you avoid bringing home unwanted guests.  What are some other simple prevention techniques you use?  I loved to hear them.  Share them here!