(NC) Warmer months are quickly approaching, which means vacation time and long-awaited travels are just around the corner. Before you head off to your dream destinations, it's important to be aware of one travel keepsake you'll want to leave behind—bed bugs.

“Homeowners are particularly vulnerable to bed bug infestations when they are not being cautious travellers,” explains Dr. Alice Sinia, resident entomologist for Orkin Canada. “Most cases of home infestations begin with a hitch-hiking bed bug from a recent travel experience.”

Sinia recommends the following simple tips to help defend against bed bug souvenirs:

Inspect. Immediately inspect your hotel room for signs of bed bug activity, like case skins and the ink-like, dark reddish stains they leave behind. Check mattresses, box springs, upholstery, gaping wallpaper, and behind hanging wall art.

Elevate. When staying in a hotel room, keep your luggage off the ground and away from the bed and wall. A good place to keep your suitcase is on top of an inspected luggage rack or in a dry bath, where bed bugs are less likely to migrate.

Double check. Even if you haven't found any evidence of bed bugs in your room, examine your luggage and items when repacking. Bed bugs are skilled hitchhikers and will often sneak a ride home with you via clothes, suitcases or even on you.

Unpack strategically. When arriving home, unpack your luggage in the garage or a utility room. Immediately put all packed clothes in the dryer on the hottest setting for about 20 minutes. Vacuum and brush the inside of suitcases thoroughly prior to storing away, paying particular attention to seams, folds, pockets and zipper lines. Once cleaned, store suitcases away from your bed, such as in an attic or basement.

Once bed bugs are introduced and established in your home, they are extremely difficult to eliminate. Call a licensed pest management professional immediately if you suspect bed bugs have followed you home.

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