The summer travel season, while a time for vacations and leisure, also presents an increased risk for encounters with bedbugs, according to pest control experts. While bedbugs can be a nuisance year-round, their prevalence often appears to rise during periods of increased human movement.
Pest control professionals frequently identify the late summer and early fall as peak bedbug season. This surge is largely attributed to the opportunities that travel, such as vacations, hotel stays, and cruises, provide for bedbugs to hitch rides between locations. "Vacations, hotel stays, cruises and other forms of travel give bedbugs more opportunities to hitch a ride from one place to another," said Shannon Sked, an entomologist and national technical director at Orkin. "That said, summer can often bring an increased risk as more people are on the move."
Zach DeVries, an assistant professor of urban entomology at the University of Kentucky, noted that while research is limited, there may be a correlation between summer conditions and bedbug activity, with reporting upticks occurring during vacation seasons. He also mentioned anecdotal evidence suggesting that bedbugs may reproduce less in cooler, less humid northern climates, hinting at a potential link between warmer, humid environments and infestations, though data supporting this theory is scarce. However, Sked emphasized that because bedbugs primarily inhabit indoor, climate-controlled environments, outdoor weather has minimal impact on their activity. The key driver for increased bedbug concerns during summer is human behavior.
Bedbugs are adept at traveling unnoticed, infesting luggage, backpacks, bedding, and furniture. Once inside a dwelling, they remain indoors where temperatures are stable and a consistent food source is available. "More people are moving about in shared spaces, giving bedbugs more of an opportunity to hide among your belongings," said Jim Fredericks, an entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at the National Pest Management Association. "You might not notice a bedbug at a hotel or rental, but just a few of them that hitchhiked in your suitcase can start an infestation back home."
These pests can survive for extended periods without feeding, meaning an infestation might be present even if no recent travel has occurred. A single female bedbug can lay two to five eggs daily, potentially producing around 500 eggs in her lifetime, making early detection crucial. "Once bedbugs are introduced into a home, they can reproduce quickly," Sked stated.
Preventative measures can be taken to avoid bringing bedbugs home. Experts advise travelers to remain aware of their surroundings and conduct a quick visual inspection of their accommodation upon arrival. "Defense is the best offense here," Fredericks recommended. "I know after a long travel day, you just want to put your suitcase on your bed or the luggage rack and unpack, but I recommend that every traveler first does a quick visual inspection."
Sked suggests inspecting mattress seams, box springs, headboards, and nearby furniture, and keeping luggage elevated and away from the bed and walls, perhaps in the bathroom. Fredericks recommends placing luggage on tiled surfaces rather than beds, couches, or carpets. A thorough inspection involves pulling back sheets, checking mattress seams with a flashlight for the pests themselves, dark fecal spots resembling pen marks, reddish stains, shed skins, and tiny eggs. Upholstered furniture should also be examined. If suspicious signs are found, requesting a room far from the potential area is advised.
Upon returning home, inspecting luggage, clothing, and shoes before bringing them inside is recommended. Washing clothes in hot water and drying them on high heat is effective in killing bedbugs. Fredericks suggests vacuuming luggage and storing it outside the bedroom. If an infestation is suspected, contacting pest control professionals is advised, as bedbugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate. "Bedbugs are notoriously tricky to get rid of, and delaying treatment can make an infestation worse," Sked cautioned.
Early detection is key to managing bedbug problems. Signs of infestation can include small black spots, shed skins, rust-colored or blood stains on bedding, and the bedbugs themselves. Bedbugs hide in dark crevices near sleeping areas. While actual bedbugs are the surest sign, they can be hard to find in early stages. Fecal stains, which appear as small black dots, and shed skins are also indicators, though they don't necessarily confirm an active infestation. Experts caution against relying solely on bite marks, as reactions vary widely and can be confused with other insect bites. The most reliable method involves thorough inspection of sleeping areas and consulting a professional if any signs are detected. "If you think you might have bedbugs, it’s best to contact a qualified pest professional who has the tools and training to spot bedbugs, determine the extent of the infestation and develop a treatment plan," Fredericks said.