This Summer American Travelers May Unknowingly Bring Home Stowaways; Travelers Are Warned to Protect Themselves from Bed Bugs.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Americans will hit the road this summer, visiting hotels, motels and resorts, but when they check out, some travelers may bring home unwanted souvenirs - bed bugs.

Bed bugs are insects that lurk in the cracks and crevices of mattresses, box springs, headboards and furniture and emerge at night to feed on the blood of their sleeping victims. Small enough to stowaway in the cuff of a pair of pants, these hitchhikers are spreading throughout the United States by crawling into luggage and clothing that pass through high-traffic areas such as hotels, airplanes and cruise ships.

Encounters with the bloodsuckers used to be extremely rare, but according to the National Pest Management Association, bed bug-related calls have jumped fifty-fold in the last few years.

"Bed bugs were once thought to be just a part of a childhood rhyme, but American travelers are learning the hard way that bed bugs are more than a myth," said Stoy Hedges, entomologist and director of technical services for Terminix. "In the last year, we've seen bed bug cases in all 46 states that we service, and even four- and five-star hotels aren't immune."

Although the nocturnal pests were prevalent in the United States in the first part of the 20th century, the development and use of DDT and other potent chemicals nearly eradicated them. Contributors to the bed bug's resurgence in America include shifts to insecticides that are not as long-lasting, increases in international travel and changing policies in pest control procedures.

"It's no surprise that bed bug populations are increasing in the United States," said Tom Turpin, a Purdue University entomologist. "These pests have remained prevalent in many parts of the world. So with the increased movement of luggage into and out of infested areas, bed bugs have taken advantage of more opportunities to hitch a ride into the States."

Some mistakenly think bed bugs are a sign of unsanitary conditions, but experts agree the stealthy vermin are not a reflection of cleanliness. These bloodthirsty critters can make themselves at home in the swankiest of hot spots.

Encounters aren't known to spread disease, but bites can leave painful, itchy welts. Unfortunately for victims, doctors commonly misdiagnose the bites, confusing them with other insect bites or general skin ailments.

Because their victims are generally asleep when they feed, bed bugs can be difficult to catch in the act. However, an obvious sign of their presence is blood spots on the bedding, and in heavily infested areas a musty odor may develop.

Travelers can protect themselves by doing the following:

--Check around headboards, mattresses and box springs for bed bugs and the dark fecal spots they leave behind.

--Avoid keeping luggage or briefcases on the bed.

--Don't allow luggage to sit on the floor next to the bed.

--Hang all clothes. Leave nothing lying on bedding or furniture.

--Store suitcases off the floor and on the opposite side of the room from beds.

--When returning home, leave luggage in the garage or basement until you are able to thoroughly inspect it for bed bugs.

Terminix is the world leader in termite and pest control, serving more homes and businesses than any other company. With a national network of more than 450 service centers using the latest technologies, our resources in the fight against termites and pests are unmatched. Our dedicated workforce of over 12,000 associates nationwide deliver superior service and the strongest guarantees in the industry. To learn more about Terminix, visit terminix.com or call 1-800-Terminix.