“Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!” Sadly, this isn’t just a saying anymore; it can be a reality.  Bed bugs have become an increasing problem across the United States.  They can pop up anywhere, from homes to apartments to five-star hotels.

What do bed bugs look like?
An adult bed bug is reddish brown, wingless, oval in shape, and about ¼ inch long. Some confuse them with ticks, but ticks have 8 legs and bed bugs have 6 legs.

Where do you look to see if you have bed bugs?
They do not live on people or animals. They do live in cracks, bedding, and voids near where people sleep or lie down (including headboards, seat cushions, and light switches). Pull up the corner of your bed mattress and look for live bugs, dark spots, or tiny whitish eggs.

How do bed bugs get into a home?
They can hitchhike or lay eggs in luggage, furniture, or any item that spent time in an infested room.

How do I prevent bed bugs?

• Anytime you check into a new hotel room, rent an apartment or house, or stay somewhere new, survey the room for infestation. It is not a sanitary issue – they can be found in upscale resorts or one star motels.
• Lift the mattress, box springs, any furniture where you will be resting, and upholstery to check for bugs.
• Pull your headboard away from the wall, especially if the headboard is made of wood.
• Elevate your luggage. Keep items off the floor. Make sure to inspect the hotel’s luggage rack – a metal rack is preferable to a wood rack. Pull the rack away from the wall.
• Check your luggage when packing and then again when unpacking at your next destination. Do this before bringing your luggage into your bedroom!

What do I do if I suspect I have bed bugs?
If you are on assignment, make sure to contact the building’s facility manager as well as your Account Manager right away. They can work with a professional to treat the infestation.