What to do With Unwanted Bed Bug Travelers

I am traveling from California to Florida and I am now in Jackson Ms. and I have bed bug bites. I will reach me destination tomorrow. What can I do to make sure I do not bring the bugs with me. My car is packed with stuff but only a few things have gone into the hotels with me. I know that temperatures above 120degrees will kill the bugs. Can I just leave the car packed and close it up an let the sun heat the car above 120 for a day to kill the bugs? Should I buy a steamer to clean every thing as I bring it out? I have not seen the bugs and have stayed in multiple hotels so I don't know exactly where the bugs were. I have not seen a bug.

Suggestion From OUr Editor

Hi,
Traveling with the concern of bed bugs is stressful, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of bringing them with you to your destination.

Can You Heat Your Car to Kill Bed Bugs?

While it’s true that temperatures above 120°F can kill bed bugs and their eggs, relying solely on your car heating up in the sun is not a guaranteed solution. Car interiors may not reach or sustain the necessary temperatures consistently throughout all areas (e.g., tightly packed items may insulate the bugs). For heat treatment to be effective, professional equipment or a controlled environment is typically required.

What You Can Do Before Reaching Your Destination

1. Inspect Your Belongings

- Carefully check any items that have been inside the hotel rooms. Focus on seams, folds, and hidden areas in luggage or clothing where bed bugs might hide. - Use a flashlight for a thorough inspection.

2. Separate and Seal Items

- Place potentially infested items in tightly sealed plastic bags to contain any bugs. - Keep “clean” items separate from those you’re uncertain about.

3. Consider Using a Portable Steamer

A steamer is a good idea for treating individual items, as the high heat will kill bed bugs and their eggs on contact. Focus on luggage, clothing, and fabric surfaces, but avoid overheating electronics or sensitive materials.

Once You Arrive in Florida

1. Heat Treatment

- For clothing and linens: Wash and dry them on the highest heat setting. The dryer is particularly effective for killing bed bugs. - For luggage: Use a portable steamer or consult a professional pest control service that offers heat treatment.

2. Clean and Inspect

- Vacuum your car thoroughly, paying attention to crevices and under seats. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister immediately. - Continue monitoring your belongings for signs of bed bugs, such as tiny black spots (feces) or live bugs.

Additional Tips

- Stay Vigilant in Hotels: Inspect mattresses, bed frames, and headboards at each stop for signs of bed bugs. Avoid placing your luggage directly on beds or floors. - **Use a Protective Encasement: Consider using encasements for your luggage to prevent bugs from hitching a ride.

It’s great that you’re being cautious. While heating your car may help, combining multiple methods like inspection, steaming, and laundering will give you the best chance of avoiding any unwanted hitchhikers.

Safe travels,
Jeff
Editor
Bed Bugs Handbook