Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite (no, really, don’t)
Recently Successful Meetings Magazine posted an article about the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry. Happy to note that Roger Helms was amongst the distinguished line up! But I must admit I was a bit taken aback that one of the 25 was not only NOT a person, but a bed bug – ugh! Apparently these little guys are the “most prolific event crashers in the history of the meetings industry.” 
According to the site Raveable, the number of reported bedbug incidents has risen more than 660 percent between 2011 and 2012. The site provides up-to-the-minute information regarding bed bugs and the hotels that they now call home. May not be a bad idea to check out the page before you book your next hotel. For a listing of the most notorious cities with hotel bed bug issues, check out this page.
There are some signs that the little buggers are about and some places you should definitely check out before checking in. Here is a quick list:
- As their name reveals, they will be found primarily around the bed. Check the sheets for red or black streaks.
- They hide out in the nooks and crannies; be sure to do a thorough check all around the various crevices in the bed. A small flashlight would come in handy for this inspection.
- Make sure to check the box spring, especially around the corners and seams.
- Other possible places to check are the electrical switch plates, behind baseboards, in any extra bedding left in the room and any furniture drawers.
- A good trick is to use a hair dryer, point the hot air toward any crevices, this will force them out of hiding (and force you into another room or possibly another hotel)!
The good news is that they are not known to transmit disease, but their bites may itch. Antihistamines or creams with hydrocortisone or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) will be helpful in easing the itchiness.
Either way, let’s face it, none of us are too keen on becoming some bugs’ meal! My wish for you is to have a good night and sleep tight and there not be any bed bugs around to bite you. Have any bed bug stories?
Please do share on my Facebook page.
