Bed Bugs and Holiday Travel

How to Protect Your Home This December

December is peak travel season in Alberta, with families heading out for holiday visits, warm getaways and ski trips. Unfortunately, bed bugs travel too. They don’t care how clean a home or hotel is – they simply hitchhike on luggage, clothing and personal items, then settle into your bedroom when you get home. The result can be a frustrating, stressful infestation that’s tough to handle on your own.

Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish‑brown insects that hide in seams of mattresses, box springs, headboards, baseboards, and even outlets and furniture joints. They’re most active at night and their bites can cause itchy welts, though some people don’t react at all. Because they’re so good at hiding, many homeowners don’t notice a problem until it’s well established.

You can reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home with a few smart December travel habits. Inspect hotel beds and headboards with a flashlight before you unpack. Keep suitcases on luggage racks away from walls, not on the floor or bed. When you return home, unpack directly into the washer and run clothes on a hot cycle, then dry on high heat. Vacuum luggage thoroughly and store it outside of bedrooms, such as in a garage or sealed container.

If you spot small dark spots on sheets, shed skins, or live bugs, don’t panic – but don’t ignore it. DIY sprays and foggers rarely solve the problem and can spread bugs further. Professional treatment is the fastest, most effective way to eliminate bed bugs.

Assassin Pest Control offers discreet, effective bed bug inspections and treatments for homes in Red Deer, Airdrie and surrounding areas. If December travel has you worried about hitchhikers, contact Assassin Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and keep bed bugs from turning your holiday season into a nightmare.