Summer is finally here, and that means many of us will be taking to the skies for vacation. Before you do, there’s something you should know about…
We have all heard the terror of “Snakes on a Plane” thanks to Samuel L. Jackson, but what is even more horrifying (and actually happens) are bed bugs on planes.
In fact, summer is the most likely time to encounter the creep-crawly pests because the insects are drawn to the heat. While we often cringe about the tiny critters living in hotels, classrooms, or apartment complexes, these bugs are becoming an increasingly common problem on airplanes, and they can make for very uncomfortable summer travel. In this read, we will go through 3 key things; how to spot bed bugs, how to avoid bed bugs, and what to do if you see them after your flight.
How To Spot Bed Bugs On Planes
Many think that just because they are called ‘bed bugs,’ these icky critters are only found in mattresses, beddings, or chairs. However, they can be anywhere, even on airplanes. Bed bugs make everything uncomfortable, and their favorite places include:
- The cracks and crevices of your airplane seat
- Between the cushions of your chair
- The seams of your bag
- In your personal items
- On the floor
That said, here are some tell-tale signs that there may be bed bugs on your plane seat:
- Small brownish or red spots on the seats or armrests. These are their dried excrement and blood stains from their previous meals.
- Shed skin. Bed bugs shed their skin as they grow larger.
- Eggs or eggshells. You may find these in the crevices of your seat.
- Crawling bed bugs. Bed bugs are oval-shaped, flat, and reddish-brown. If you see one out in the open, it’s likely there are more hiding nearby.
These little creatures spread fast and can take an emotional toll on you, so it’s best to be on the lookout for them before your flight. You, however, might be wondering, how do these bed bugs find their way in the first place?
How Do Bed Bugs Get On Planes?
There are a few ways bed bugs can end up on board an airplane. The most common is when they hitch a ride from passengers. These travel bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can easily hide in clothing, luggage, or shoes. They can also hide in personal items such as:
- Purses
- Blankets & Pillows
- Backpacks
- Laptops
- Phones
- Books
- Stuffed Animals
- Cracks & Crevices
How To Avoid Bed Bugs On Planes
The best way to avoid getting bed bugs on a plane is by being vigilant. Inspect your seat before sitting down and look for any of the signs mentioned earlier. If you see anything suspicious, alert a flight attendant immediately.
You should avoid placing your luggage on the floor. If possible, keep it on your lap or under the seat in front of you. When you get home, unpack your bags outside and inspect them for travel bugs. Wash all your clothes on the hottest setting and vacuum your luggage to get rid of any pests that might be hiding.
What To Do If You See Bed Bugs On A Plane
If you spot bed bugs on a plane, the best thing to do is immediately alert a flight attendant. They will most likely ask you to move seats and will notify the pilot. The only other option is to give Samuel L. Jackson a call, but we doubt he will show. 😉
Bed bug treatment is vital to get rid of these pests; the sooner you start, the better. Express Facility Management offers commercial Pest Control and Integrated Pest Management to ensure that your facility is pest-free. We can take care of anything from planes, trains, & automobiles (see what we did there), to any other type of property.
Give us a call today!
