Eugene (KMTR)- The bed bugs are biting all across the country, and it's more than experts have seen in 50 years. "We've gone from a call about every ten years to ten to 12 calls a month," says Dave Ottovich, "The Bug Man" with Eugene's Pest Management Services.
Ottovich says the infestation likely happened because of an increase in world travel. People bring the bugs to the United States in their luggage when coming from countries where hygiene standards aren't up to ours. The bugs then get into motel and hotel rooms where they climb into other people's luggage, and the infestation spreads.
While people may think that staying in a more expensive place will lessen the chance of bed bugs, that's not the case. "It used to be bedbugs were skid row, filthy conditions... Now we're finding them in the cleanest of hotels, the most expensive hotels. So it's definitely a travelers problem and I can't emphasize enough to check your bed, check your room," Ottovich says.
Before traveling, experts recommend spraying the outside of your luggage with the same kind of bug repellent you put on your skin, since you'll be touching the bags a lot.
The experts also suggest carrying a small magnifying lens with you when you travel. Then when you check in- inspect your room. Look for bed bug evidence in dark areas- the folds in the sheets, behind the headboard, and in cracks and crevices of furniture. "Sometimes it almost looks like somebody took spices and just threw it and they stuck," says Ottovich. If you find evidence, ask for a different room.
Once you get home, wash your clothes in hot water- a temperature of 105 to 110 degrees kills the bugs. If it's something you can't wash, like a suitcase, Ottovich recommends putting the items in a black garbage bag and putting it in the sun.
After discovering bed bugs, a lot of people want to go take a shower or clean up, but experts say that's a psychological thing. The bugs are nocturnal and don't live on people.
