10-Minute Home Inspection After Travel Prevents Pests

Homeowners can prevent significant post-travel issues by conducting a swift 10-minute inspection immediately after returning from a trip. This proactive approach can identify potential threats such as pest introductions and hidden maintenance problems, potentially saving thousands of dollars in future repairs. Skipping this brief check may lead to discovering serious damage weeks later, when repairs are more extensive and costly.

Preventing pest introductions, particularly bedbugs, should begin with a thorough examination of luggage. Bedbugs are adept at hiding in seams, pockets, and zippers, making a superficial glance insufficient. Entomologist Jim McHale, president of JP McHale Pest Management, advises using a flashlight for a detailed inspection, especially after stays in hotels, purchasing fabrics, or sitting on upholstered furniture. Allan Bossel, operations expert at Bed Bug Exterminator, emphasizes the need to look very carefully in small spaces.

Regardless of whether pests are immediately visible, all luggage should be emptied and vacuumed. This cleaning process is best performed in a garage to avoid bringing potential infestations directly into living spaces. Following vacuuming, luggage can be washed directly in a washing machine. If washing is not an option, Bossel suggests leaving luggage in the sun for several hours and then applying diatomaceous earth (DE), available at home improvement stores.