--- title: "The Worst Vacation Souvenir: Avoiding Bed Bugs While Traveling" description: Traveling this summer? Don't let the bed bugs bite. Here's how to avoid bringing bed bugs back to your Massachusetts home. image: https://blog.burgesspest.com/hubfs/BED%20BUGS/BED%20BUG%20MAGNIFYING%20GLASS.jpeg --- [![Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png](https://blog.burgesspest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Burgress_Oct2018/Images/Blog/Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png?width=468&name=Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png "Burgess-and-Capeway-logo.png")](https://www.burgesspest.com) 508-587-4309  |    [Customer Login ](http://login.burgesspest.com/) - - - - - Residential - [Pad Protection Plans](https://www.burgesspest.com/pad-protection-plans/) - [Ant Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-ant-control/) - [Tick & Mosquito Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-tick-mosquito-control/) - [Rodent Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-rodent-control/) - [Bee Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-bee-control/) - [Insulation Cleanouts](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-insulation-cleanouts/) - [TAP® Insulation](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-tap-insulation-installer/) - [Wildlife Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-wildlife-control/) - [Schedule an Inspection](https://www.burgesspest.com/schedule-an-inspection/) - Commercial - [Partnering with Burgess](https://www.burgesspest.com/partnering-with-burgess/) - [3-Part Plan](https://www.burgesspest.com/inspect-detect-correct/) - [A Higher Standard](https://www.burgesspest.com/higher-standard/) - [Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/services/) - [Disinfectant Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/disinfectant-services/) - [Sanitation Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/trash-chute-elevator-pit-cleaning/) - [Pest Management for Food Services](https://www.burgesspest.com/food-services-pest-management/) - [Pest Management for Warehousing & Distribution](https://www.burgesspest.com/warehouse-distribution-pest-management/) - [Our Guarantee](https://www.burgesspest.com/our-guarantee/) - [Pest Management for Healthcare](https://www.burgesspest.com/healthcare-pest-management/) - Termites - [Termite Control](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-termite-control/) - [The Sentricon System](https://www.burgesspest.com/the-sentricon-system/) - [Schedule an Inspection](https://www.burgesspest.com/schedule-a-termite-inspection/) - Bed Bugs - [Identifying Bed Bugs](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-bed-bug-control/) - [Heat Treatments](https://www.burgesspest.com/bed-bug-heat-treatments-in-massachusetts/) - [Let’s Talk!](https://www.burgesspest.com/lets-talk-bugs/) - Resources - [Our Blog](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog) - [Video Library](https://www.burgesspest.com/video-library/) - [SDS](https://www.burgesspest.com/sds/) - [Consumer Bulletins](https://www.burgesspest.com/consumer-bulletins/) - Company - [Our Story](https://www.burgesspest.com/our-story/) - [Careers at Burgess](https://www.burgesspest.com/careers-at-burgess/) - [Service Areas](https://www.burgesspest.com/service-areas/) - [Customer Reviews](https://www.burgesspest.com/customer-reviews/) ## Our Blog # The Worst Vacation Souvenir: Avoiding Bed Bugs While Traveling By [Admin](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/author/admin)| Aug 27, 2021 12:00:00 PM |[0 Comments](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/dont-bring-bed-bugs-home-massachusetts#comments-listing) # Whether traveling out of state or staying local, here’s how to avoid bringing bed bugs to your Massachusetts home. With [Labor Day](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/diy-cookout-pest-control-tips-massachusetts) around the corner, many New England families are planning their “last hurrah” vacations before school begins and the unofficial end of [summer](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/keeping-south-shore-summer-pest-free)arrives. It's a great way to regroup before the constant activity of the school year-- Unfortunately, one of the most feared pests in existence also benefits from our eagerness to travel: [Bed bugs](https://www.burgesspest.com/massachusetts-bed-bug-control/). Whether your vacation plans are grand, or of the “staycation” variety, bed bugs are a real threat, and not a desirable souvenir. Here are some tips to avoid bringing bed bugs into your Massachusetts home. **![Bed Bugs in Massachusetts](https://blog.burgesspest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BED%20BUGS/BED%20BUG%20MAGNIFYING%20GLASS.jpeg?width=371&name=BED%20BUG%20MAGNIFYING%20GLASS.jpeg)** **Reduce Clutter:** Bed bugs, like many pests, prefer warm, dark spaces. Keep things tidy, especially around headboards and nightstands and beneath beds, to reduce [bed bug hiding places](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/hide-seek-with-bed-bugs). **Wash Often:** Regularly launder sheets, comforters, and dust ruffles, as well as curtains and tapestries that hang near beds, and pajamas. This is especially important if you have had guests staying over. **Vacuum Regularly:** While vacuuming won’t eliminate a [bed bug](https://blog.burgesspest.com/blog/bed-bugs-debunked) infestation, vacuuming frequently can help to reduce or prevent populations. **Check Your Bags:** Bed bugs are skilled hitchhikers. They do not fly and are not accomplished jumpers; rather, they crawl into suitcases, purses, backpacks, and any other luggage with dark, tight spaces like seams and pockets, or cozy spaces inside folded clothing, bedding, towels, or pillows. Consider packing these items in sealed plastic bags. **Keep it Up:** Do not place luggage on the floor when you reach your destination; leave it in the car, use the luggage rack, or even place it in the bathtub until you’ve inspected your accommodations. **Know What to Look For:** Inspect bedding for signs of activity such as blood spots, shed light brown skins, or the obvious live bed bug. Carefully pull back bedding and any mattress pads or covers. Check all corners and seams of the mattress, as well as along the headboard for evidence of activity. Inspect curtains, closets, furniture, and inside drawers. If you find any indication of a bed bug problem, report it immediately. **Be Vigilant:** Keep a close eye for any red spots or welts on your body that may be bug bites. Bed bug bites may itch, but that is not the case for everyone. **Upon Returning Home:** Inspect your suitcases before going inside, launder clothing and bedding, and continue to monitor your body. --- Should you find that you’ve brought some unwelcome guests home, or if you suspect you have, [call a professional](https://www.burgesspest.com/lets-talk-bugs/). Bed bugs are difficult to treat, and it is not recommended to use over-the-counter products. The experts at [Burgess Pest Management](https://www.burgesspest.com/) come armed with nearly a century of experience and the latest technology, so bed bugs don't stand a chance. 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