The unwanted souvenir: Bedbugs

Salt water taffy for your  secretary, fudge for Grandpop, but the only critter you want tagging along for the ride is a hermit crab...but even that is a giant maybe.

The bedbug buzz is getting louder than ever...these sneaky little creatures are rampant and are expert hitchhikers.  No one is immune. High end hotels are infested as well as quaint B&B's.

First and foremost, as "skeevy" as these little blood suckers are, they do not carry disease.  But as with any break in the skin, there is risk of a secondary infection from scratching or exposure to another germ.

This summer could wreak havoc on your dermatologic health if certain considerations aren't made.  The shore is a meeting place for people of all walks of life and from diverse geographical locations.  Who knows what "friends" vacationers pack along with them?

First thing is first, before you rent ask the property owner if they have had any issues with infestations of any kind, and if they have, what they have done about it. Of course, never take their word for it! 
There are a number of things you can do to check before you lay claim to the joint and bring your belongings inside.  Leave your luggage in the CAR and carry a flashlight to the property.  First, carefully remove the sheets, take care and don't allow them to touch your body, hair or clothes.  Then, check the mattresses.  You know that seam that runs around the entire mattress?  Look inside the seam on the top of the mattress as well as the flip side..You aren't necessarily looking for the bugs themselves, but what they leave behind...poop and blood. Yes gross, but that's why we are checking, aren't we? 

Since you can never be sure that a rental is free of bed bugs, you should still follow some simple precautions if you don't find evidence upon your initial inspection.  Keep your luggage off the floor...if available, use the luggage racks.  The bathtub is a great option too, bedbugs have a hard time scaling the slippery surface.  Lastly, once you get home...do laundry..right away. 

Once you have checked the bed, you need to check everything else too for signs of the little critters.  Nightstands, drapes, artwork, are all cozy little spots for bedbugs to hide.

http://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/#identify  <-----Great site to see photos of what you are looking for


So, investigate before you book your trip.  Assess the situation once you arrive.  Keep your luggage off the floor, away from the bed, or in the bathtub.  The best answer, sit on the beach all day and burn those little suckers before they get you!