Hi everyone. I recently discovered my family has gotten bed bugs. We're working on treating it now, but can't exactly hire an exterminator right now due to cost (I know it's necessary to get one).
I'm posting because in about a month and a half I will be staying in an (out of town) hotel for four nights. I don't have a choice in the matter, I'm going for a convention and have spent too much money to get any refunds. I'm trying not to spread bed bugs when I go. I discovered this thread which sounds pretty sound. Temporarily while I'm gone.
http://bedbugger.com/2006/11/02/faq-how-not-to-spread-bed-bugs-to-others-when-you-visit-their-homes/
I'll be doing everything it says. My concern though is about my luggage. I have a soft medium sized rollaway bag and a small one. I'm trying to figure out the best way to treat those the day that I leave so I can make the risk as minimal as possible while staying at the hotel.
Currently I have anything that I'm taking (mostly newly clothes that have been in the bags since I bought them) in plastic bags inside the luggage. Then I have the luggage inside a trashbag that is tightly tied.
This is just a temporary set up until I get some giant Ziploc bags to put all my things (separated) into, then putting all of that into my luggage. I will keep the luggage in the trashbag until I leave.
I want to figure out a way to 'treat' the bag before I leave. I know eggs are the main concern really since they can be hard to detect. I've heard rubbing alcohol does not work and a hairdryer isn't very effective either. I don't own a steamer and can't obtain one on such close notice.
Is it best to just check the bag a dozen times in the bath tub (the 'safe zone') with a magnifying glass and using a business card to go against all the crevices before I leave? I can do that.
While at the hotel, I was planning on keeping my luggage in trashbags since I unfortunately can't afford the luggage covers/liners and keeping that in the bathub/room, which is hopefully not carpeted.
Any help on this is really appreciated, I've been watching this form for the pas week and finally wanted to post because I seriously need help. I know it's irresponsible to travel when my house has bed bugs, but I don't have a choice in it.