fbpx

Have a SMART Start to 2023

2023 new year goal,plan,action concepts with text on notepad and office accessories.Business management,Inspiration to success

Have a SMART Start to 2023

For most, coming into a new year means new opportunities and a fresh start. For us, that means helping you achieve a happy and healthy year with a pest-free home so that you can meet your goals and stay protected. That is why we built out a list of tips for a SMART start to 2023! As you wind down from the Holidays:

  • Clean off décor prior to storing it to ensure that you’re not inviting or moving in pests.
    • Wipe down all hard surfaces with soap and water.
    • Vacuum any textured surfaces like wreaths and faux trees.
    • Wash any fabrics and run them through the dryer if possible.
  • Store décor in hard plastic containers rather than bags or cardboard that can be tempting to pests.
    • Be sure to store scented items separately, with the exception of cinnamon.
      • Did you know: Cinnamon is a natural pest repellent? You can add cinnamon sticks into your containers as an extra level of protection.
  • Deep clean any areas where you may have brought plants, like Christmas trees, into your home to avoid hatching from any eggs that may have hitched a ride in.
    • Bonus tip: strategically plan disposal of any trees, live garland, etc. While tossing these on the side of the road for garbage day may seem like a logical step, this creates harborage for pests and an invitation to your home.
  • Inspect all décor for any signs of pests, like frayed wires, droppings, webs, etc. Not only is this of importance for your safety but a sure sign that you already have existing pests in your home. If you do see any signs, call us for an inspection and we can build a plan together.
  • Properly dispose of any food-based items. Orange or popcorn garlands, gingerbread houses, cookie ornaments, and other items that are created with food should be properly disposed of rather than stored for use another year.
  • Deep clean your home after the holidays
    • Check that all food is stored properly
    • Clean out cracks, crevices, and pipes in the kitchen where food and scraps could be hiding
    • Rid your space of empty boxes and used wrapping paper
    • Wash any fabrics that may have been exposed to bed bugs
  • Speaking of bed bugs, if you have been traveling this holiday season, stop them at the door.
    • Store your luggage in the garage or another safe space and bring clothing in one load at a time.
    • For extra protection, dry all items for at least 45 minutes before washing to ensure that any bed bugs are eliminated.
  • Store any firewood correctly, at least 20 feet from your home, and brush it off before bringing it inside.
  • Utilize preventative, non-toxic, digital services. Most people store their holiday décor in low traffic areas like attics, garages, and sheds where pests tend to settle in. Did you know that we offer digital pest control that is designed for spaces just like this? Click here to learn more about SMART.
  • For a personalized list of recommendations, schedule your inspection today!

Have a SMART Start to 2023

Bedbug inspection

How to Know if Your Hotel Has Bedbugs

Upon entering a hotel room, do you typically reach for the tiny toiletries, take a leap onto the bed, or perhaps start by inspecting for bed bugs? Knowing what to look for is essential. Anticimex Carolinas Service Manager Christian Tweed has shared valuable insights on identifying bed bugs in your hotel room and preventing them from hitching a ride back home with you. And if bed bugs do become an unexpected part of your vacation, remember that Clark’s Pest Control is here to assist!



Q&A with a Pest Professional


How do bed bugs get inside hotels?


Bed bugs are primarily hitchhiking insects as opposed to foraging ones, meaning that they get carried around on people’s clothes and belongings. Someone with an active infestation in their home can easily bring bed bugs to their hotel, but they can also be picked up during travel (airplanes, taxis, and rideshare services) and brought to a hotel room.


What do people misunderstand about bed bugs in hotels?


From a probability standpoint, all hotels will deal with bed bugs at some point in time. If you think about a bed bug’s method of travel, there’s literally nothing a hotel can do to stop them from being carried in. What I have realized is that luxury hotels are more likely to have an aggressive response to dealing with a bed bug case once it’s identified as they tend to have a higher quality of service and a reputation to protect. While this isn’t always the case, it has been my experience more often than not.

Got bedbugs? Call Clark’s at 866-781-4991 today!

What do you recommend travelers do when they get to their room to check for bed bugs?


Most hotel headboards hang directly on the wall. I start my inspection here before even looking at the bed itself. I have found bed bugs, their exoskeletons, and the telltale black stains they leave behind around the edges of or in the crevices of headboards. If the headboard looks clean, move on to looking over the pillowcases and comforter for any signs or stains. You can dig into the bedding as deep as you want here, but I encourage people to look over the top layer of things at the very least.


What are some lesser-known signs of bed bugs in your hotel room?


The specifics of the black stains they leave behind, which as gross as it sounds, are just digested blood as that’s all that bed bugs feed on. If the stains are on a hard surface, they will be small dots as if left behind by an ink pen and will smear into a brownish gray when moisture is applied. If they’re on fabric, they will usually bleed along the fibers making a small diamond, square or X shape.


If there are bed bugs in your hotel room, can they travel home with you?


They absolutely can, however this is easy to prevent. While staying in a hotel, keep as much of your clothing and luggage off the beds as possible. Storing suitcases in the bathroom might sound odd, but it’s an effective method of prevention.

Don’t tackle bedbugs yourself, call Clark’s at 866-781-4991!

What should you do with your suitcase if you suspect your hotel has bed bugs?


When arriving home from a trip, leave your luggage in the garage or on a porch and bring your clothes in one load of laundry at a time. If the clothes are dirty, wash them like you normally would, if they’re clean then run them through the dryer for at least forty-five minutes. Once your suitcase is empty, vacuum over it meticulously (don’t forget to empty the vacuum when you’re done), or if you’re in the right climate, expose it to heat for a few days by placing it in your vehicle (parked in the sun) or for a few weeks in your attic.


The Clark’s Solution


If you brought bed bugs back to you home, Clark’s is here to help. Our Bedbug Control service is designed to eliminate bedbugs and create a safe, comfortable environment.


A Clark’s Pest Professional will do an inspection and recommend a plan of attack to get rid of bed bugs now and prevent them from hatching in the future. Call Clark’s at 866-781-4991 today for more information.




Scroll to Top