Taking A Vacation Means Taking Precautions

In May, I'm taking a trip to Ohio, then Massachusetts, then Chicago then a train to Havre. I've got family stuff in Ohio (daughter's house) culminating in a night in Cleveland to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (hotel) . Fly out of Cleveland for friend stuff in Massachusetts (hotels in Boston and Worcester), then me stuff (The Field Museum) in Chicago (hotel). I'm pretty excited.

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Bed Bugs SUCK

Then today, I see this article from Orkin, the cities in America with the most bed bugs. I'm so happy to see that Chicago is at #1 and Cleveland is at #4. I'm stunned that Boston and Worcester are not on the list. Happy, but stunned, so I looked at Terminix, and there's Boston at #14. I KNEW IT!

Needless to say, this is a big bummer for the big trip. I had an infestation of bedbugs once. We got them at a brand new hotel in Missoula and it was a LIVING HELL to get rid of them. I can't express enough what an absolute nightmare having an infestation is. It can be not only devastating to have those bugs all over your home, but it is devastating financially, as well.

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How Can You Best Prevent Bed Bugs When Travelling?

Orkin recommends using their acronym, S.L.E.E.P. when travelling. You can BET I'll be doing this EVERYWHERE I travel.

Survey the hotel room for signs of an infestation. Be on the lookout for tiny, ink-colored stains on mattress seams, in soft furniture and behind headboards.
Lift and look in bed bug hiding spots: the mattress, box spring and other furniture, as well as behind baseboards, pictures and even torn wallpaper.
Elevate luggage away from the bed and wall. The safest places are in the bathroom or on counters.
Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and once you return home from a trip. Always store luggage away from the bed.
Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for at least 30-45 minutes at the highest setting after you return home.

Learn How To Identify Bed Bugs Here

This has me good and freaked out, but knowing is the first step to prevention, right?

Cities full of the nasty critters:

These 50 US Cities are Crawling with Bed Bugs

Every year the pest control gurus at Orkin put together a list of the Top 50 Bed Bug Destinations in the United States. Which areas do you travel to that you should take extra care to watch out for these blood-sucking insects? Let's countdown to the most bed-bug-riddled city in the United States.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Here are some things you should know about bed bugs: