Why Are Summer Travelers at Higher Risk for Bed Bugs?
Summer Travel Is Booming—And So Is Bed Bug Activity
Summer is a busy season for travel. Whether you’re visiting family, booking a beach rental, or heading out of town for the Fourth of July, there’s a chance you’ll encounter one of the less-talked-about hazards of vacation: bed bugs. At Evergreen Pest Solutions, we see an uptick in bed bug activity all summer, and many of the cases we treat can be traced back to recent travel.
Hotels, Airbnbs, and even transportation hubs give bed bugs the perfect opportunity to spread from one place to another—and often, travelers carry them unknowingly. These pests don’t stay behind when the trip is over. They come home with you.
More Hotel Stays Mean Higher Risk
High turnover in hotels and other commercial lodgings during summer creates ideal conditions for bed bugs. With guests checking in and out daily, these pests can spread quickly from one room to another. Bed bugs don’t care how clean or upscale a hotel is—if there’s a human host and a hiding place, they’ll take advantage.
They tuck themselves into mattress seams, furniture joints, and headboards, staying hidden until night. If your suitcase or personal items come into contact with an infested surface, you may not notice anything until they’ve followed you home.
Vacation Rentals Aren’t Always Inspected
Short-term rentals have surged in popularity, especially in scenic Pennsylvania destinations. But unlike hotels, many private vacation rentals don’t get routine pest inspections. A well-meaning host might not recognize the signs of bed bugs or even know they’re present.
And because rentals often use soft furniture, rugs, and throw pillows that aren’t washed between every guest, these items can quietly harbor bed bugs long after someone has checked out.
Transportation Can Be a Hidden Risk
Bed bugs show up in airplanes, buses, and even trains. All it takes is a fabric surface and a little time for these pests to catch a ride. Luggage stored close together in overhead bins or cargo areas provides another chance for bugs to move between travelers’ belongings.
It’s not unusual for homeowners to call us after a summer trip, unsure how bed bugs ended up in their homes, until we trace the infestation back to a vacation taken weeks earlier.
Bed Bugs Hide, Wait, and Multiply
Bed bugs don’t always show themselves right away. They can live for weeks without feeding, and signs like bites or stains may take time to appear. By the time you realize there’s a problem, the infestation may already be growing.
Once inside, bed bugs spread quickly. They can hide in wall cracks, behind baseboards, and even inside electronics and outlets. DIY treatments rarely reach all the hiding spots—this is where professional help becomes critical.
How Evergreen Pest Solutions Helps
At Evergreen Pest Solutions, bed bug control is one of our specialties. When you come home from vacation and something doesn’t feel right, we’re the local team you can trust to take quick, effective action. Here’s how we help:
Detailed Bed Bug Inspections
Our trained technicians know what to look for—and where to look. We inspect beds, furniture, baseboards, and other key areas where bed bugs tend to hide. Our goal is to catch the problem early, before it spreads.
Customized Treatment Plans
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all pest control. Every home is different, and so is every infestation. Based on what we find during your inspection, we’ll build a bed bug treatment plan using proven methods that eliminate bed bugs at all life stages, including hard-to-reach eggs and nymphs. We use industry-best products and application techniques designed for maximum effectiveness.
Local Experience You Can Rely On
Our team of pest control specialists lives and works right here in Scranton and the surrounding areas. That means we understand how bed bugs spread in our region, what types of homes are most at risk, and how to respond quickly when pests show up. Our team is known for our friendly, professional service and our commitment to doing the job right the first time.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Support
Bed bugs are persistent. We stay in communication and follow up after our initial service to ensure they’re completely gone.
Discreet, Hassle-Free Bed Bug Removal
Dealing with bed bugs is stressful enough. We take care to deliver services discreetly, with minimal disruption to your home and schedule. We’re here to solve the problem, not add to your headache.
Smart Travel Habits Can Help Prevent Bed Bugs
- Inspect hotel mattresses, headboards, and nightstands before unpacking
- Keep luggage off the floor and bed—use a luggage rack
- Store dirty clothes in a sealed plastic bag during your trip
- Wash and dry all clothes on high heat after returning
- Vacuum your suitcase and consider storing it in a sealed container
Worried Bed Bugs Came Home With You? We’re Ready to Help
If you’ve just returned from a trip and something seems off—or you want peace of mind that your home is bed bug-free—Evergreen Pest Solutions is here. Summer travel should be about making memories, not dealing with infestations. Let our local team handle the problem quickly, completely, and professionally.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn about our bed bug treatment options.
