This is a sponsored post on behalf of Mom It Forward & Orkin. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Recently I experienced a very… interesting evening at the Rollins Learning Center here in Atlanta at a #LearnWithOrkin event. The Rollins Learning Center is a super cool training facility where Orkin’s Specialist experience hands-on training through simulated real-world environments. Dr. Ron Harrison, Entomologist andOrkin’s Technical Services Director, gave us a very informative rundown of the different types of pest we encounter in our region including their origins, habits and how to get rid of them. One pest stood out above all the rest and that’s Bed Bugs. With spring break and travel season upon us it’s important for us all to take steps to protect our family and homes from the pesky bed bug!
Less than a week after my crash course on pest, particularly bed bugs, the family and I went on a fun filled getaway. I was glad to be armed with the simple acronym S-L-E-E-P to help reduce our chances of transporting bed bugs back to our home.
S-L-E-E-P
SURVEY: Check for signs of infestations, such as dark brown or red spots, on hotel bedding. Bed bugs are not a sanitation issue, which means they can be found in any hotel or motel – from a one-star to five-star location.
LIFT & LOOK: Bed bugs tend to settle in close proximity to their food source – you! Lift the mattress and inspect the box spring, sheets, furniture, upholstery and hollow bedposts, as well as crevices behind baseboards, pictures and even torn wallpaper.
ELEVATE: Keep luggage and personal belongings off the floor and away from the bed to keep bed bugs from crawling inside.
EXAMINE: Bed bugs are hitchhikers, so check all luggage and clothing for bed bugs while repacking and when arriving at home.
PLACE: Remove all clothing from luggage and place in the dryer at the highest setting for 15 minutes immediately upon returning home. (Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.)
If you or a family member forget to do the five easy steps above, no worries I can confidently tell you that the Orkin’s Specialist are thoroughly trained and are there to help get rid of any pest that may enter your home.
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I would DIE! This is literally my worst fear when I travel.
You better believe I’m following all of these tips! Bed bugs freak me right the *blank* out! I’m obsessed with making sure those little buggers don’t get me!
Dawn recently posted…Birthday Cake Freezer Pops Recipe
Oh GAWD, those things are so gross! I can’t even imagine if they managed to make it back to my house. Ugh.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Rustic meat skillet with beef & bison
Bed bugs freak me out SO bad! I can’t imagine those creepy little things crawling all over me and chewing on me. GAAH!
Melissa Pezza recently posted…Ways To Pamper Yourself As a New Mom!
I hope I never see bed bugs. We made sure to get covers for the kids when they were moving into the dorms.
Liz Mays recently posted…Put Your Heart to Paper this Mother’s Day
These are great tips to remember. I have been worried about bed bugs the last few times i have traveled.
When my husband traveled a lot for work, he brought home bedbugs. It was awful! Wish we had this post back then.
How did you all handle it?
Bedbugs are seriously a huge fear of mine. They are all over in my city so I’m more scared to go on the subway and buses here just go fear!
Jeanine recently posted…Royale Tiger Towel: Second to None When it Comes Time to Clean
I would be freaking out to find bed bugs during vacation! These are great tips to keep in mind
Christie recently posted…Why You Need the Balance Project + Balance Bar Giveaway
I never put my luggage on the bed at hotels. I’m terrified of one day bringing them home.
Amanda O. recently posted…Ringling Bros. Built to Amaze Show is Coming to Rockford, IL May 8-10, 2015! #RinglingInsider
Ewwww! Imagine staying at a hotel with bed bugs! That would be way too gross
The hubby and I recently went to a VERY nice hotel and I still checked for bed bugs! We would’ve checked out promptly if I found any.
I’ve never even checked for bed bugs before. I’m wondering how many times I let myself be their dinner.
Crystal recently posted…10 Facts I Learned at EPCOT’s Living Seas
I didn’t check either until NOW!
FIrst of all, ewwwwww. Second, that’s really good information to remember. I don’t have any experience that I know of with bed bugs, but putting my luggage down on the floor is an invitation for all kinds of things.
Penelope recently posted…Groupon Mother’s Day Gift Shop + Up To 20% Off Sitewide For Two Days
My brother in law has a dog that can sniff out bed bugs. I always check the beds when we stay at a hotel.
Anne – Mommy Has to Work recently posted…Why Buy It – When You Can Win It!
Bed bugs freak me out! I am always so paranoid I will bring them home from my travels!
Chrysa recently posted…Spring Flower Favor Ideas
Another great tip I learned was in if you live in a hot climate during the summer time your trunk easily exceeds 123 degrees If its outside. So you can simply leave your luggage in the car for a few hours and it will kill the bed bugs.
I always check my hotel rooms for bed bugs and always have my suitcase up on a rack.
rachel ferrucci recently posted…Experience Brunch for Mother’s Day or Any Sunday at Saybrook Point Inn & Spa
NOW I do too!
I am big about bringing my own stuff with me when we travel. I watched a report years ago about just how how clean hotel rooms really are. It weirded me out a bit.
Chrystal @ YUM eating recently posted…Emergency Meals Made Quick
Yolanda! It was so awesome to meet you on Friday! I don’t even want to talk about bedbugs. LOL
Candy O recently posted…The Choice to Conceal #Stealthie #ad
Hi Candy! You are too funny!
I guess it’s good info to read right before travel season starts up. Still and the same… lol. Heeby jeebies. 😉
We have been on two trips since I became a bedbug export and it has definitely changed our hotel experience.
Eww I think bed bugs are so gross. I hope I never have to deal with them.
Janell @ Saving You Dinero recently posted…Pay $25 For A Sam’s Club Membership + Bonuses ($143 Value) After Rebate
I love this “S-L-E-E-P” method! I will definitely be memorizing this. I sure don’t want to bring any “visitors” home with me!
Carly Brydon recently posted…Peach Mojito
Oy… this totally freaks me out! We travel quite a bit and I am forever checking for these critters.
This freaks me out! I hate to even think about bed bugs!
Shell recently posted…What to Do with Your Judgey Pants: Pour Your Heart Out
I appreciate the tips! The thought of bedbugs makes my skin crawl!
Liza @ Views From the ‘Ville recently posted…Easy DIY Bird Feeder Ideas for Kids
I don’t gross out easy, but cockroaches and bed bugs (okay, and rats/mice) freak me the heck out! Mainly because they are such nasty, vile creatures. And now I’m itching all over. 🙂
Donna recently posted…Celebrating Moms with a Mom’s Week Event with Giveaways & Samples #MomsWeek
Beg Bugs freak me out. And staying away from home does too.
I’ve had the worst experience ever with bed bugs at two different hotels. I check like crazy now that that has happened.
Tonia @TheChattyMomma recently posted…Tips for Finding Spring Allergy Relief #SneezeFreeSpring
Great advice for spotting a bed bug infestation in your home. The best way to spot them is to be vigilant. Anything that looks out of the ordinary should be investigated further. Thanks so much for sharing!
I’m not a big fan of sleeping in beds that aren’t mine. So, traveling is a big step of courage for me. I can’t image getting bed bugs while I’m traveling. I’m going to make sure that I follow your routine!