Since bed bugs need humans to survive, the insects follow them everywhere in pretty much the same ways people travel. Cardboard boxes are something of a Trojan Horse for the insects, as they are a great place for them to hide. To counter these advances, isolate the boxes in the best way you can. Use duct tape around all edges, for example.

People shop online all the time, but who knows where certain items — especially clothes — come from? Open packages outside, especially if they come in cardboard boxes. Doing so in daylight can save you the inconvenience of a bed bug infestation.

Bed bugs like to stay close to their meal source, which is the blood of people and animals. They wouldn’t be caught dead in hair as it’s too hot, but they settle in folded clothes, shoes and anything that can be removed from the body. Don’t put your clothes on soft surfaces until you’ve inspected them for stowaway bed bugs.

Bed bugs are experts at hiding. Briefcases are ideal for them because they have many small nooks and crannies that people may not be paying attention to. Don’t make the common mistake of putting a briefcase on the bed, couch or sofa, as an intrusive bed bug may see it as an open invitation.

The No. 1 advice to travellers who suspect that they may have brought bed bugs home is to wash and dry all clothes — even ones you haven’t worn — ideally at 60 degree temperature in a dryer to ensure that you kill them. A cold water wash will have no effect, the bed bugs and their eggs will survive.

Also, dirty belongings sitting too close to other unwashed garments is a recipe for invasion.

Adult Bed Bugs are about 4 millimeters in length, if your not looking they can easily be missed or hide in a seam. They are an easy infestation hot spot because they can lay get quick access to a feed and eggs can go undetected. Pillow case protectors can provide a barrier to your favourite pillow. 

Bed bugs can hide practically unnoticed in narrow cracks and seams which you may find in different kinds of furniture.

If you feel this is the case a chamber heat treatment may be the best solution.

As with a briefcase, backpacks have many small spots bed bugs can hide. Try to remember not to leave the bags on the bed, sofa or couch or leaning against a wall. Even better, seal your backpack in plastic to stop them from hopping on. Always keep the bags in high places such as luggage racks, on top of a TV or nightstands.

In 2014 New York City’s subway system faced an unprecedented bed bug problem? Some trains were even taken out of service. The insects can hide in the seat cushions or cracks in any buses, planes, trains or cars. Don’t put your clothes on the back of the seats and keep bags on your lap if possible.

Wrap your luggage and garment bags in plastic or garbage bags. Keep them away from the bed and dressers. If possible, keep your clothes in your suitcase, which should remain zipped and wrapped in plastic as well. Look around the zipper areas for eggs, live insects or black spots. When you get home, leave everything in the wrapped cases until you wash and dry them at a high temperature. Anything higher than 60 degrees C will kill them.

Whether you travel in economy or first class, the Bed Bugs don’t discriminate. The horrid pests love all seats and will hide there until they get a chance to get on your clothes or handbag and bite you as you rest.

Major Airlines have grounded planes after reported infestations. It isn’t always their fault but if Bed Bugs get on board Heat & Go have a unique heat system which is used globally. 

Have you ever found bugs in your laptop? There is no virus protection for Bed Bugs. Any item with small nooks and crannies can harbour a bed bug, Including keyboards, computers and lap top bags. You can put these devices in a zip lock bag and put your hair dryer inside for 15 minutes to eliminate trhe BedBugs. 

Bed bugs infestations occur close to where people sleep and hotels can be a hotspot.

No matter what the Star rating, all hotels are at risk from the next guest bringing them in, then they need trained staff to keep an eye out for them and a treatment protocol.

Even the best and most expensive accommodations have been plagued on occasion. 

If your thinking of attending a car book sale this weekend, think again.

You may find cheap items which can end up costing you a fortune if you fight bed bugs as a result.

Bed Bugs will hide in tables, chairs, electronics, nightstand lamps, picture frames. Don’t pick up things people left outside their houses, as there may be a good reason why they got rid of them in the first place.

There aren’t many bargains in life. . . .