Be Wary of these Risk Pests on your Spring Break Trip

As you pack your bags and jet-off to a warm location for spring break vacation, Zika Virus and bed bugs may be greeting you upon your arrival. Zika Virus, transmitted by mosquitos, is prevalent in popular spring break destinations and is an ongoing threat that travelers should be aware of. In addition to Zika Virus, bed bugs are also a pest to be aware of while traveling as they can be found in hotels across the globe and can easily hitch a ride back home if you are not careful. To avoid these risk pests, read the tips below so you can relax on your spring break trip.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

As we reported in our previous post, Zika Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Infected mosquitos are spreading the virus throughout popular spring break destinations, including the Caribbean as well as Central and South America. The Zika Virus can cause illness in those who are bitten that can last for several days. The virus also has a possible link to microcephaly, a condition that causes babies to be born with brain damage and unusually small heads. Currently, there is no vaccine or medicine to treat Zika Virus. With recent outbreaks continuing, the number of Zika cases among travelers visiting or returning to the U.S. will likely increase.

Although Zika Virus is receiving the most publicity lately, mosquitoes are known to spread numerous other diseases too. In fact, mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on earth because they are responsible for more deaths than any other animals due to the diseases they carry. Other diseases tied to mosquitoes include Malaria, Dengue, West Nile, Encephalitis and Heartworm. Many of these diseases are common in popular spring break destinations too, so it’s important to stay diligent.

Below are some tips to protect yourself from mosquitos while on spring break:

• Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when the majority of mosquitos are most active.
• It is best to use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon-eucalyptus when outdoors.
• If possible, wear long pants and sleeves to protect skin.
• If traveling outside of the U.S., it is especially important to wear effective insect repellents and protective clothing. Mosquito-borne diseases that may be rare in the U.S. are common in many foreign countries.

Bed Bugs

Now that you know how to protect yourself from mosquitos outdoors, bed bugs are the pest to be aware of indoors. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky, 74% of pest control professionals reported encountering bed bug infestations in hotels and motels across the globe. Bed bugs are hitch-hikers as they can crawl into luggage and on to clothing and can easily spread with close contact. Although bed bugs do not carry diseases, they can be difficult and expensive to eliminate. Bed bugs can turn a relaxing vacation into a nightmare, especially if they return home with you.

Below are some prevention methods to avoid bed bugs while on spring break and arriving home:

• Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking by checking behind the headboard, next to the baseboard and behind the night stand
• Use a flashlight when looking for bed bugs for the best visibility
• Check the mattress and box spring seams for signs of bed bugs
• Set luggage away from walls and the bed
• Do not pile clothes or shoes next to or on the bed
• Notify the property management if you see anything suspicious
• Inspect your suitcases thoroughly before bringing them into the house and consider storing suitcases in a garage, not inside the home
• Wash all clothes, even those items that were not worn, in hot water and dry on high heat to remove any bed bugs or eggs that may have traveled home
• Place shoes, backpacks and dry clean only clothes in dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes after your trip

Hopefully these tips keep you away from mosquitos and bed bugs as you enjoy your fun in the sun!

For more information, please visit: http://www.wil-kil.com/mosquito-control, http://www.pestworld.org/news-and-views/pest-health-hub/posts/zika-virus-what-you-need-to-know/ or http://www.wil-kil.com/bed-bug-services

Shane McCoy is an Associate Certified Entomologist with 17 years of experience in Pest Management and is the Director of Quality and Technical Training for Wil-Kil Pest Control servicing the Upper Midwest. To learn more about Wil-Kil, visit http://www.wil-kil.com/ or contact your local office at 800-236-8735. Follow Wil-Kil on Facebookand Twitter (@WilKilPest).