Tips for Bed Bugs at Camp
Bed bugs can thrive anywhere where humans are. Summer camps -
particularly sleep-away camps - provide a perfect environment for
this pest. There are usually lots of hidings spots for bed bugs
inside cabins and belongings, and lots of campers to feed on. Bed
bugs can be brought into camp in the bags of campers, and carried
into new homes at the end of the camp. Here are the NPMA's tips to
prevent bringing bed bugs home from camp:
- Ask the camp administrators if they have had a bed bug
problem.
- Instruct your child to look over their bed and their roommates'
beds when they get to camp. They should pull back the sheets and
inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, for
telltale stains or spots.
- They should also thoroughly inspect the entire room before
unpacking, including behind the headboard and in
sofas/chairs. If any pests are spotted, they should inform
their camp counselor immediately.
- For the duration of their camp stay, they should place their
suitcase and bags in a plastic trash bag to ensure that bed bugs
cannot take up residence there prior to departure.
- When the children come home, you should inspect their suitcases
before bringing them into the house. Vacuum the suitcase thoroughly
before storing away.
- Make sure you wash all of the clothes - even those which have
not been worn - in hot water to ensure that any bed bugs that may
have made it that far are not placed into your
drawers/closet. Also make sure you dry the clothes on high as
bed bugs cannot withstand temperatures above 122 degrees
Fahrenheit.
- If a bed bug infestation is found, work with a professional
pest control company to treat the infestation and perform follow-up
inspections.