Winter Travelers --Beware the Bed Bug Hitchhiker

If you’re planning to do some driving” and you must stop at a hotel or motel on your way to a warmer climate, please heed this advice from Jason Freels, service manager for Batzner
Bed Bug Services, New Berlin: “Be sure to look for bed bugs that may have hitchhiked there with other travelers, or even ones that are already there”

After many years of dormancy, bed bugs, for the last 10 years or so, have
become a significant problem in Wisconsin and other parts of the USA. In fact,
the Batzner organization reports that it has experienced a 100 percent increase
in the amount of bed bug calls each year, over the last 4 years.

Bed bugs are a growing problem for hotels and other locations. According to
Batzner, it’s best to check out your destination hotel or motel ahead of your
trip by scanning the Internet for recent reports of bed bugs. Be aware that this
information is not always valid, but it could mean there are potential problems.

It‘s also advisable, the Batzner professionals say, to do some research about bed bugs before you
leave home. Know how to “identify”
bed bugs and their signs. Bed bugs can usually be seen with the naked eye --
they’re tiny insects that feed on the blood of sleeping humans and animals. They hide in mattresses, box springs, headboards, and baseboards. They can thrive in any area that has cracks to live in and people close by to feed on.

Their fecal matter looks liketiny black spots and is an important sign that they are in the area.

The first thing to do when you arrive at your hotel or motel room is put
your bags and other belongings in the bathtub, they advise. Then, while
inspecting carefully, pull back the sheets and bedding to look for the fecal
spots of the bed bugs. It is also important to look for those signs in the bed’s
headboard. If the headboard is mounted to the wall, remove it if possible.That’s usually the best area to find bed bugs.

A flashlight or a magnifying glass could be helpful when inspecting the
room, too.

It’s a good preventive measure to keep your luggage zipped up, and off the
floor or bed at all times. When opening your bags, place them on a table in the
center of a room, away from walls or furniture. These are possible bed bug
hiding places. Keeping your luggage in the bathtub, when it’s not in use, is
another preventative technique. Don’t use a hotel room’s closet or luggage rack
if you suspect an infestation.

If you see any bed bug signs at home be sure to call a company specializing in
bed bug control right away. A professional bed bug treatment will solve this
serious problem for you.

For more information, contact Batzner Bed Bug Services at 262-797-4160, or
find them on the web at “www.Batzner.com”.
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