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Should I Tell My Boss I Have Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are a pesky and hard-to-get-rid-of problem, especially when traveling. They’re great hitchhikers, meaning bed bugs travel easily with you in your luggage or clothing. Once you have bed bugs in your home, they can spread quickly without the right precautions. So what should you do if you think you may have brought bed bugs home from a trip? Should you tell your boss or colleagues? Read on to find out.

The Spread of Bed Bugs 

businessman is using a smartphone to get in business while waiting for a trip in the airport.Bed bugs are small insects that feed off human blood, so they’ll be drawn to any location with people living or sleeping there regularly. This means hotels and other places of lodging are particularly vulnerable to bed bug infestations. Unfortunately, bed bugs travel and hide away easily home with unsuspecting travelers in their luggage or clothing. Once they’re back home, these tiny creatures can start breeding exponentially, leading to an unexpected infestation that can take months (or even years) to eradicate. 

How Can I Avoid Bringing Home Bed Bugs?

When traveling, it’s important to be aware of the risks posed by bed bugs and take steps to minimize them as much as possible. Here are some tips for avoiding bringing back unwanted guests: 

  • Keep your suitcases off the floor when staying in a hotel. 
  • Check for signs of bed bugs (like black spots on the sheets) before settling into your room for the night.
  • Inspect all furniture and mattresses for signs of bed bugs before using them. 
  • Keep all clothes in sealed plastic bags until you get home and wash them immediately upon returning from your trip.
  • Wash all items that may have been exposed (such as laptop cases) with hot water and detergent before entering your house again.
  • Vacuum all luggage thoroughly before entering your house again.
  • Put all clothing in the dryer at high heat for at least 20 minutes after returning from a trip to kill any potential stowaways that may have snuck along for the ride.

Should I Tell My Employer if I Suspect I Brought Back Bed Bugs?

stressed business man talking on the phone in officeThe answer is yes – it’s important to disclose this information as soon as possible so that further steps can be taken to protect both yourself and others from infestation. Your employer has an obligation under health & safety laws to ensure their workplaces are safe for employees and customers alike – this includes taking reasonable steps to prevent pest infestations like bed bugs from occurring or spreading throughout the building(s). By informing management about suspected infestations, you will help ensure that appropriate measures can be taken quickly in order to keep everyone safe from harm caused by these pests. 

Protecting Yourself, Your Home And Your Workplace When Bed Bugs Travel

When it comes down to preventing a full-blown infestation in either place, there are several strategies you should consider implementing:  

  • Keep clutter around beds minimal – this will reduce hiding spots for bed bugs; avoid storing items under beds whenever possible
  • Inspect used furniture before bringing it into either location; vacuum regularly; use mattress covers; use insecticides judiciously
  • Call a professional exterminator if necessary
  • Launder fabrics frequently
  • Inspect items coming into either location regularly (especially secondhand items)
  • Seal cracks/gaps around windows/doors which could allow entry of these pests  

Keeping bed bugs out of both our homes and our workplaces is no small feat – but thankfully there are ways we can protect ourselves against them while still enjoying our travels. By following some simple guidelines such as inspecting hotels carefully prior to settling into our rooms for the night, washing clothes immediately upon returning home from a trip and informing employers about suspected infestations promptly, we can help limit exposure & spread of these pests while also ensuring workplace health & safety standards are always met. With proper knowledge & prevention techniques like these, we’ll be well on our way to keeping both ourselves & those around us free from unwelcome visitors.

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Are you concerned about bed bugs invading your home or workplace? Look no further than Bed Bug Barbeque. Our bed bug removal service utilizes high-heat treatments to effectively eliminate bed bug infestations without the use of harsh chemicals or pesticides. Our services are safe to use in homes, apartments, hotels, and workplaces. Get rid of bed bugs for good – Contact Bed Bug Barbeque today!

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