WKOW: Bed bugs on the rise during spring travel season

MADISON (WKOW) — During spring travel season when millions of Americans travel to popular warm weather destinations, we see a rise in bed bugs – the most unwanted travel souvenir of all.

Because bed bugs are not associated with uncleanliness or poor hygiene, they can be found in all types of lodging facilities, from hostels to five star hotels.

There are several things that travelers can do before, during and after their vacation to spot these pesky critters and avoid bringing them home in a suitcase or on a personal item:

1.) Thoroughly inspect the entire hotel room before unpacking

2.) Set luggage away from the walls and keep it off the floor and bed

3.) Do not pile dirty clothes or shoes next to the bed – bed bugs can detect body odor left behind on these items and are likely to hitchhike back home unnoticed

4.) If you see signs of bed bug activity (blood spotting, fecal material), notify hotel management right to change rooms – if you can, move to a different wing of the hotel entirely

5.) Upon return home, inspect your suitcases and personal items thoroughly before bringing them into the house

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