bed bug prevention
Bed bugs have reemerged as a common issue within the hospitality industry in recent years due to increased international travel, the banning of the insecticide DDT, and the resistance that bed bugs have developed towards most major classes of insecticides. At Woodlands Camp, we prioritize the comfort and safety of our guests by taking a proactive approach to preventing bed bug incidents.
Understanding Bed Bugs
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are tiny, wingless insects that survive by feeding exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals. They are often confused with ticks or cockroaches. An adult bed bug has an oval-shaped body roughly the size of an apple seed, is brown to red-brown in color, lacks wings, and appears flat from top to bottom.
Where do bed bugs live?
Bed bugs can be difficult to locate, and they can remain undetected for weeks or even months in a space before being spotted. Their activity peaks before dawn, as they are primarily active during the night. Throughout the day, they seek hiding spots near areas where people sleep, utilizing their flat bodies to squeeze into small crevices, especially in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards. Unlike ants or bees, they don't build nests, but they tend to gather in regular hiding spots. Although they can't fly, they move swiftly across floors, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
How do bed bugs travel?
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers. They can easily be brought into hotels, camps, airplanes, or other locations by traveling on an individual’s luggage, clothing, or bedding.
Are bed bugs dangerous?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bed bugs are NOT known to transmit disease. They are considered more of a nuisance than a health concern. Bed bug bites are painless, and the individual bitten may or may not have a reaction to the bite. Typical reactions include welts that may become itchy/inflamed or red bumps on the skin. These bumps or welts typically last less than five days. The Georgia Department of Health notes that bed bugs cannot be diagnosed by the bite alone.
Our Proactive Approach
Woodlands Camp welcomes more than 20,000 guests annually, making it challenging to completely eradicate the risk of bed bugs. Nevertheless, Woodlands teams with general pest control and specific bed bug experts to implement treatment plans and protocols that significantly minimize the chances of bed bug incidents.
Woodlands partners with 120º Pest, a business that specializes in bed bug treatment and prevention. Canine teams that are specially trained to identify bed bugs are brought through our property on a regular basis. When bed bugs are identified visually or by the canine teams, the areas are heated to a temperature over 120ºF to eliminate any bed bugs that may be residing there. Bed bugs can become resistant to chemical treatments, but heat is their fatal flaw. The thermal death point of bed bugs is 118-122ºF.
Our Reactive Approach
When Woodlands receives a report of suspected bed bug activity, the following steps are initiated:
The sleeping area is thoroughly inspected by personnel trained to identify signs of bed bug activity.
Regardless of whether or not bed bugs are found:
The bedding on all three beds within the bunk will be cycled through a dryer to kill any insects that may be present.
The entire bunk will be chemically treated to eliminate any pests that may have escaped observation.
All three mattresses in the bunk will be replaced.
Additionally, if bed bugs are found:
The parent of the affected campers (during summer season) or the group leader (during retreat season) will be informed by our staff.
The cabin will be professionally treated with heat as soon as possible.
Any affected camper or retreat guest will be provided with black garbage bags to pack their luggage into and will be given instructions on how to ensure bed bugs are not transported into their home.
What You Can Do To Be Both Proactive and Reactive
Pretend that you have bed bugs both before arriving at camp AND when you get home from camp. Before camp, visually inspect all items for signs of bed bugs or eggs. Ensure that all items are properly washed and dried before they are packed for camp. Consider packing your camper’s clothing in a duffle bag or Rubbermaid tote. These items are generally easier to inspect and sanitize than hard-case luggage. The cubbies where Traditional campers will store their luggage at camp are each approximately 13.5” High x 36.5” Wide x 19.5” Deep. This 12-gallon tough storage tote from Home Depot or a similar-sized tote will fit perfectly into the cubbies. Pack extra garbage bags for your camper for their dirty clothes and linens.
After camp, visually inspect your camper’s luggage before bringing it into the home. Wash and dry all items that can be laundered. Vacuum any items that cannot be laundered, such as suitcases. Ensure that you inspect areas such as zippers, seams, and cracks, as bed bugs will often hide in these areas. We recommend leaving luggage in the sun before you bring it into your home, as bed bugs will die within one minute when exposed to temperatures of at least 122ºF.