I must stay at a YMCA this weekend and I've heard there Might be bed bugs. What methods of prevention might you suggest? Essential oils? Garlic? Pagan circles? Steak? :) ...but seriously....help?
I recommend sleeping on the floor, with a sleeping bag/pillow you bring with you. A severe bed-bug infestation can cause you problems. My sister her husband were in Japan for 2 years, during his military stay, and contracted bed-bugs from the place they stayed (NOT on the military bas,,,obviously); and they had such skin rash bites they each had to be treated with antibiotics and toopical skin creams. Why even subject yourself to the bed at the Y if you don't have to? Sleep on the floor!
There is no real prevention you can take. Bed bugs are quite insidious---they are very tough to get rid of. You can use a sleeping bag, but be willing to throw it away when you are done with it. Bed bugs can be in the entire room---in pillows, couches, RUGS/ CARPET. Bed bugs have been know to get into suitcases/backpacks, etc., and be carried home after a trip, and then be transferred to your bed at home. Because there is much more awareness of the HUGE problem of bed bugs, many top Hotels are becoming proactive to prevent them. Bed bugs can give you lots of itchy little bumps, but it is not life threatening.
washed clean sheets. Bedbugs don't like that.
