COMMONLY KNOWN PLACES
Bedbugs got their name for a reason, they tend to live on or very close to beds. These pest typically live within eight feet of where people sleep according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). But in less common cases, bedbugs can infest areas with no beds at all, think public transit, movie theaters and libraries. Those cases are all the more concerning given that bedbugs have been spreading rapidly across the US, Canada and parts of Europe the CDC notes. The reasons for this surge still aren't clear, though increased travel, bedbug resistance to household pesticides, ineffective pest control and lack of knowledge about bedbugs could all play a role, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). No matter the cause, its good to be aware of the many places bedbugs make appearances. Here's a guide to some of the most unexpected places bedbugs hide.
HOTEL ROOMS A clean hotel room can still hide bedbugs OK, maybe it's not surprising that bedbugs can live in hotel rooms. But it's good to remember that bedbugs can infest clean hotels. After all, these bugs aren't attracted to dirt. They're attracted to warmth, carbon dioxide and human blood. These things are found anywhere humans sleep. If you stay in a hotel room that's infested, there's a good chance bedbugs could end up inside your suitcase. And since the critters are expert hitchhikers that can live for months without a blood meal, there's a chance you could bring home live bedbugs. When traveling we suggest keeping your suitcase off the bed and floor and instead stow it in hotel bathtub. Keep your suitcase zipped up whenever you're not using it. A recent study reports that bedbugs are attracted to dirty cloths and will travel across a room to congregate on them. We also recommend when you finally get home, don't store your luggage underneath your bed. Instead place them in your garage or basement. LIBRARY Recent news reports show that bedbugs have made their way into libraries and library books all across the country. Libraries aren't a common bedbug hot spot — remember that they tend to live very close to where people sleep — but there is some evidence that this type of infestation is on the rise. In 2015, 17% of US pest professionals said they encountered bedbug infestations in libraries— up from 12% in 2013. according to surveys conducted by the National Pest Management Association. The Public Library Association even has a webinar aimed at helping libraries prepare for and deal with infestations. We suggested flipping through books and checking their spines before and after borrowing to minimize the potential spread of the bugs. MOVIE THEATERS Terrifying but true: Bedbugs have occasionally been reported in movie theaters across the US. But don't let these reports keep you from the enjoying your regular movie dates. Just as with libraries, infestations in non-residential areas are still considered uncommon, according to the EPA. UNDER CONSTRUCTION |
Theaters
Boxspring frame
Mattress
Likely hiding places
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