Across the U.S. families are gearing up for travel and outdoor adventures and while the warm weather and vacation plans are exciting, it’s important to be aware of pests you may encounter on your trips. This travel season, Hoffman’s Exterminating is educating travelers about common summertime pests like bed bugs, mosquitoes and ticks and the threats they pose.
“Whether it’s discovering bed bugs in your hotel room or rental property or being bit by a potentially disease-carrying tick or mosquito while on a camping trip, pests can cause some serious issues for travelers,” said, William T Hoffman, CEO at Hoffman’s Exterminating “When families head out on vacation, they can encounter pests that they wouldn’t normally in their own home or yard, making crucial that they’re aware of the threats before heading out.”
To help travelers stay protected, Hoffman’s Exterminating is sharing key information about common outdoor pests:
Bed Bugs: Bed bugs are elusive pests that can easily hitch a ride in luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. They are often found in hotels, motels, and vacation rentals and can cause itchy bites and sleepless nights.
- Pro Protection Tip: Always inspect your sleeping area for signs of these pests, such as shed skins or fecal spots on sheets. Carefully inspect luggage and belongings for hitch hiking bed bugs when returning home.
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are a common summer pest, especially in warm, humid climates but these pests are more than just an annoyance, they can transmit serious diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever.
- Pro Protection Tip: When traveling, especially to areas known for mosquito-borne diseases, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in accommodations with proper window screens or air conditioning to minimize exposure.
Ticks: Often found in wooded and overgrown areas, ticks are a common threat during hiking and camping trips. Most concerning about these pests is their ability to transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Pro Protection Tip: To protect yourself, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily, and conduct thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors. If you find a tick, remove it promptly and properly to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
While it’s important to stay vigilant for pests while traveling, it’s equally important to ensure your home is protected throughout peak pest season. If you encounter these pests on vacation or are concerned about a pest issue on your property, contact us today!
