Bed Bugs

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Introduction

Thought by many travellers to only be an issue in dirty hotels in third world countries, most everywhere has bed bugs, and they have been making a comeback in recent years, even infesting high end hotels. National Geographic has an article on it here: Blood thirsty bedbugs make a comeback. Unfortunately, bedbugs aren't attracted by dirty conditions, just the carbon dioxide you emit when sleeping, so you can't even look at a hotel and know it's clean just because it's fancy.

Avoidance

The following advice is provided from about.com: When entering a hotel room, look around. Bed bugs are large enough to see. Look particularly under the mattress and in the seams, in and around the bedframe, and along any cracks or peeling paint in the wall or picture frames. Check in the cracks of any wooden furniture, particularly antiques. You can also spot bed bugs droppings, which may be tinged with blood.

Treatment for Bites

If you get biten, the good news is that most indications are that there isn't any risk of disease. Bed bugs bite exposed skin and leave behind small, red, itchy welts. The CDC does say that bites from bed bugs can be treated with topical emollients or corticosteroids. You can also take an oral antihistamine. (also from about.com).

Protecting Your Luggage

From the City of Ottawa site, they suggest the following. When travelling, take the following precautions:

• Upon entering your room, leave your luggage outside or in the centre of the room.
• During your stay, keep all belongings in your luggage and wrap your luggage in a white plastic bag to help prevent bed bugs from entering your luggage. If possible, move the bed away from the wall, tuck in all bed sheets and keep blankets from touching the floor.
• When you return home, keep your luggage in an isolated area of your home, such as the garage. Give your luggage a thorough inspection. Remove clothing from luggage and wash in the hottest water possible and dry in a hot air clothes drier.

Erracting Them From Your House

If you get them in your house, the Toronto Health Site has some good advice on getting rid of them.