Bed Bugs
 

Alrighty folks....not trying to be funny...but I have a concern.

I've had several jobs which have required EXTENSIVE travel.

This has had me in everything from very nice hotels, to....well...not so nice places.

but for the past 10 years I've been a bit dormant.

That will hopefully change soon if I join the ranks of the Regional troops.

One thing that has changed significantly in the past 10 years is apparently a hard-hit to lodging hygene. Specificly concerning is the CDC cautions against the "growing epidemic of bed bug infestations".

Now I'm not as concerned about the hotels where I'll be staying on layover...although I am conscious of the issue...but I am quite concenred about the sorts of places where I might hafta hang my hat while I'm "crashing" somewhere.....especially in NYC. (ground zero according to the CDC)

So the question is simple....what if any precaustions do we take to minimize the risk of taking them little critters home to the family?

Sorry to keep dredging up seemingly trivial concerns. But I'm fond of planning as far ahead as possible.

Thx all.

its gonna happen. sorry for the bad news but it will. its just a matter of when. just don't bring home syphilis. your wife probaly wont be as understanding.

I just **** my self in the bed, they seem to hate asparagus scented pee the best.

Bed bugs like it clean. If the hotel is dirty they won't be there. Other bugs like cockroaches and maggots could be though.

Always pull up the bottom sheet and look around the base of the mattress. Most headboards pull up and out, check behind them. Do not place your luggage directly on the floor. Use the racks provided.

The unfortunate thing is bed bugs have made a resurgence, even in nice hotels.

Look for three spots of bed bug poop on the sheets, on the top of the box spring and in the drawers next to the bed. They usually poop in a triangular shape.

Never ever put your suitcase on the bed either. As already stated, use the stand provided in most rooms.

Hygiene and cleanliness have little to do with bed bugs. They are where they are. I usually start by inspecting the little lip thingy around my mattress when I get in my room. Bed bugs like to hide. If they're not on the lip thingy, I look behind the headboard. It's really a shame how much time I spend inspecting the bed, but it's worth it if you think you might bring them home. Pretty much just tear the bed apart. Also, as another poster wrote, never put any of your belongings on the bed. I usually put my stuff far from the bed, up high, on a slick surface. I use the luggage rack thingamjig if one is available. If not, I bust out the ironing board. Here's a great link on bed bugs:
Bed Bugs - About Bed Bugs and Travel and How to FInd and Kill Bed Bugs

Most importantly, take DryMotorBoatin's second bit of advice.

Hang your clothes. Don't use the dresser drawers. Sleep in the nude (so they don't end up in your PJs or skivvies) and shower in the morning. They don't ride on the body like lice.

Invest in a Beagle trained for bed bug detection and bring him along with you...

NooB -

Here are a few other threads on the subject to help you out.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/ha...-bed-bugs.html

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/pi...-bed-bugs.html

USMCFLYR

Always my preference.

But I doubt it'll go over well with the others in the crash pad / Hostel / Dumpster / Where-ever it is that I can find to rest-up.

Oh yeah, FlyJSH....thanks for making me worry about lice, now, too.

I'll just sleep in the tub....grr cant do that either. I'll get athletes foot (etc)

Sheesh.... back to rack'n in a poncho liner. like the good ole days in green....but I was so much younger back then. lol