Consumer Reports: Avoid Bed Bugs While on Vacation – KFDX

Spring break is right around the corner and one thing you do not want to see on your vacation is bed bugs. They can cause medical problems as minor as itching skin to something as serious as an allergic reaction requiring a trip to the emergency room.

Barry Levy has today's Consumer Report with some tips on keeping bed bugs away during your next hotel stay.

Beware bedbugs. Ugh, I started feeling itchy the minute i entered the room! Stay Away! Bed Bugs! Bed Bug Infested!

Consumer reviews on sites like TripAdvisor have some real bed bug horror stories. Here's how you can avoid these headlines on your next vacation.

Some simple steps when you check in can help avoid hassles and expenses when you check out, DanDiClerico, Consumer Reports.

It might sound extreme, but to be safe, put your luggage in the bathroom as soon as you enter the hotel room.

Bed bugs prefer anything dark and creviced that they can hide in like bedding, seams of fabric, furniture, even inside walls so the bathroom is usually a the safe zone while you search the room for signs of critters.

Check the sheets, mattress and box spring for any signs of bed bugs. Look for dark, rust colored spots and exoskeletons - the casings the bugs leave behind. Dont forget to look at the head of the bed and in, around and behind the headboard, too. Be sure to lift and check under the mattress, too. While this room was clear its important to take action if you do find anything suspicious.

If you find any signs of bed bugs alert the manager immediately and ask for a new room in a different part of the hotel. Infestations can spread from wall to wall.

Even if your room is clear Consumer Reports says its a good idea to keep your luggage and clothes on off the floor on a hard surface or luggage rack, clear of any potential bed bug zones. Barry Levy KFDX 3 News

Consumer Reports says when you get home throw all of your clothes into a hot dryer for 30 minutes. And store your empty luggage in your basement, garage or a hot attic.

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Consumer Reports: Avoid Bed Bugs While on Vacation - KFDX