Earlier this week I attended an event to learn about all things creepy and crawly with Orkin. Let me just tell you I learned more in that short time about all kinds of bugs that I ever needed to know. Dr. Ron Harrison, Entomologist/Orkin technical services director, expertly shared many facts about many of the common bugs and insect we all experience in our homes here in the South. Now stand back, because I am going to say I was most shocked to learn all the crazy facts I did about Bed Bugs. Big thanks to the Orkin Man for sharing the best Family Travel Tips I will follow going forward.
Yes, you read that correctly. I am going to talk about bed bugs here #inthekitchen. I know it sounds OMGosh crazy, but when I heard the facts, I knew I needed to share them with y’all. Especially since so many of us are heading out to stay in hotels and rented homes for spring break. Did you know almost all people will not feel it when a bed bug bites them? You also won’t receive the same bite style mark or sting like other insects. When I heard that, my mind was blown. I always thought they were like any other bug leaving a mark so you knew you had been bitten. It was a rude awakening for sure.
Bed bugs are sneaky and hard to find, but I learned the Orkin Man is well trained to pinpoint evidence if bed bugs, or any other pests are around. They have a unique training center that offers a learning environment similar to what they will encounter in the field. Just look at the mock areas set up at the training facility here in Atlanta.
I listened intently about how bed bugs can infest offices, stores, hotels, airplanes, movie theaters, gyms, truly anywhere. They can hide in your luggage and personal belongings where you unknowingly carry them into your own home. Insert panic attack here.
So to prepare you all for your spring break travels here are the best tips to remember from the Orkin Man. Always think of the acronym S.L.E.E.P. to remember the following action steps to help avoid bringing bed bugs home with you.
* Survey surfaces for signs of an infestation, such as tiny rust-colored spots on bed sheets, mattress tags and seams, and bed skirts.
* Lift and look for all bed bug hiding spots, including underneath the mattress, bed frame, headboard and furniture. Typically, they come out at night
to feed, but during the day they are most likely found within a 1.5 meter radius of the bed.
* Elevate your luggage on a luggage rack away from the bed and wall, since bed bugs can often hide behind headboards, artwork, picture frames and electrical outlet panels.
* Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and when you return home. Always keep luggage off the bed and store it in a closet or other area, far away from your bedroom.
* Place all your clothing from your luggage immediately in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at the highest setting upon returning home from travel.
I know it’s a lot to take in all at once. So many of us travel for work and for family fun. To make you feel even more secure for your next travel adventure, the generous folks at Orkin are giving me an awesome Pillow Encasement to giveaway to one lucky reader. Entering is easy via the Rafflecopter form below.
What do you like most about Orkin?
My favorite thing about Orkin is that they get rid of bugs. For someone who does. not. like. bugs, I consider pest control specialists my personal heroes! 🙂
The products.