Bed Bug Safety Tips for Your AirBnB Rental

Between 2020 and 2021, most people in New York were doing very little traveling. With fewer people going in and out, most of us forgot about how, in 2019 and the years prior, bed bug infestations were becoming an increasing concern, with a large number of phone calls from those who suspected or found evidence of these biting parasites.

Once the pandemic hit and fewer people were traveling, things seemed to die down. Bed bugs spread from house to house by hitching rides on visitors, and without visitors, these same pests became less likely to find their way into homes, offices, and hotels.

But people are starting to travel again with a vengeance and, unfortunately, most people have stopped checking for bed bugs while they’re away. This means that people are once again starting to bring bed bugs with them in their luggage or on their clothes, allowing these pests to spread quickly from place to place and person to person.

Bed Bugs at AirBnBs

The more people that stay in a single room or building, the more likely there are going to be bed bugs. That is the case not only with hotels, but also with AirBnBs. Because AirBnBs are also run by individual homeowners instead of experienced businesses, many people that own AirBnBs do not know to check for bed bugs and do not have anyone on hand that knows what to look for.

That means that it’s up to you.

It is always a good idea to check the AirBnB for signs of bed bugs, and to take necessary steps to stay protected. Some of the signs to look out for include:

• Unexplained Dark Stains on Sheets – Sheets that have unexplained dark stains may have bed bugs. Those stains may be bed bug droppings or bugs that have been accidentally crushed. Always lift the mattress as well to see if there are any stains that are hidden.
• Discarded Skins and Dead Bugs in Crevices – Check both the bed frame and small crevices, like uncaulked baseboards, to see if there are signs of a bed bug infestation.
• Check for a Musty Smell – AirBnBs can start to smell musty because of poor ventilation or old sheets, but if those are accounted for, a musty smell could indicate a severe bedbug infestation.

Also, if at any point you see a bedbug while investigating, it almost always means there is a far more severe infestation hiding elsewhere.

Unfortunately, many people are not aware of a bed bug problem until there are bites. But any time you have a moment in the AirBnB, looking for the above signs can help prevent problems and make it easier to eliminate the infestation.

If you need help with NYC bedbugs, call 24 Hour Pest Control NYC today. We are one of the only companies in NYC that offers 24 hour bedbug removal services.