New Products Keep Trips Free From Bed Bug Bites

By: Valarie D'Elia

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Bed bugs can as much a hazard on the road as they are in the home, but a recent expo in Manhattan displayed products can help travelers stay protected. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

First come the bed bugs, and next come the products marketed to protect consumers from an infestation during travel. After a very cold winter, researchers say bed bugs will be making a comeback in a big way when it warms up.

At the National Bed Bug Prevention Expo held recently in Manhattan, a group of experts came together to spread the word on how to prevent the pesky critters from hijacking your travels.

"The trick is to be a detective and to look for some of these hiding places," says research entomologist Gretchen Paluck.

"Check the mattress, the box spring, the footboard and the headboard, and also look in the closet on the clothes hangers," says Genma Holmes, the so-called "Bug Lady."

Some products on the market aim to give consumers even more peace of mind, such as an organic spray made from botanical oils that is safe enough to eat.

"You spray it around the beds, you could spray it around the suitcase or luggage racks and it provides you 100 percent repellency for up to eight hours," says Steven Bessette of Ecosmart.com. "It's [Transportation Security Administration]-approved, 2.7 fluid ounces. It is a repellent, not a pesticide, so it's covered as a personal care under TSA standards."

Apart from leaving the suitcase in the protective confines of the tub or shower, travelers may consider keeping luggage in plastic wrap.

"BugZip is a plastic luggage encasement designed to prevent bringing bed bugs home when you travel," says Adam Greenberg of BugZip.

Since bed bugs are sneaky travel companions, travelers might not know they have them until it is too late. So a dissolvable laundry bag might come in handy.

"What this does, is when you come home, you put the clothes that you wore, or even the clothes that you didn't wear, in this bag and place this bag directly in the washing machine," says Danny White of Bedbugcentral.com.

There are a couple of ways to find out in advance whether a hotel has had reports of bed bugs. Simply ask the hotel staff, or check bedbugregistry.com.

As is common practice in the travel industry, Travel With Val often receives complimentary travel or reduced "media" rates at hotels, resorts and attractions, including those that may be featured in these reports. Such consideration is not taken in exchange for any express or implied promise or understanding of any nature, particularly regarding the content of these reports. These reports only feature travel providers personally recommended by Valarie D’Elia in the exercise of her independent editorial judgment, and do not represent the endorsement of Time Warner Cable or any third party.