By Mehmet Oz
Has your energy level been low? Have you felt exhausted, despite regulating your sleep and stress? If so, you're not alone. Nearly one-third of primary care patients report significant fatigue, accounting for 7 million office visits every year. Learn four surprising reasons that could account for your exhaustion, along with Dr. Oz's unusual-but effective-cures. Of course, if your energy level is unusually low, get your blood checked by your physician
Bad Bacteria in Your Gut Prevent Deep Sleep
Two-thirds of the world's population--over 4.5 billion people--have bad bacteria known as H. Pylori living in their stomach. This harmful bacteria can be a major source of fatigue. Your stomach's inner lining produces acid to digest food, while simultaneously creating protective mucus to guard from this acid. H. pylori bacteria invade the stomach, destroying your protective mucus layer and leaving you vulnerable to ulcers, or tiny sores on the stomach's lining. While you sleep, acid can escape the stomach through these ulcers and flow up into your esophagus, causing a sore throat and ruining your ability to get deep, restorative sleep. Additionally, as blood escapes from the ulcers, it may cause anemia, further lowering your energy throughout the day.
Fortunately, H. Pylori infection is easy to detect and treat. A simple breath test from your doctor will detect the bacteria. Antibiotics can kill the bad bacteria and acid-reducing medications will treat the ulcers. You can also try taking antacids before bed; if they seem to lead to a better night's sleep, it may indicate the presence of H. Pylori.
Phlegm Build-Up May Clog Airways
Healthy breathing draws oxygen through your nose and down to your lungs, giving your body the energy it needs. But as you sleep, phlegm can build up in the back of your throat, blocking the passage of oxygen from the nose to the lungs. You may compensate by breathing through the mouth, but a recent study shows that doing so is correlated to a significantly lower blood-oxygen level, which can lead to fatigue. Gargling every morning, whether with mouthwash or salt water, can help clear the throat's phlegm, allowing more oxygen to reach the lungs which boosts your energy.
Your Morning Coffee Could Be Making You More Tired
Many of us turn to coffee or tea for a morning pick-me-up, but it could be the cause of your fatigue for two reasons. First, when consumed in excess, coffee causes a surge in your metabolism, followed by a crash. Second, caffeine has a dehydrating effect. When you wake up, you tend to already be dehydrated from not drinking water for hours. If you don't consume any other beverages, your coffee could cause further dehydration and drain your energy. The key is to drink caffeine in moderation and to drink a full 8-ounce glass of water around the same time as your morning cup of joe to stay hydrated.
Your Clothes May Be Too Comfy (and the Wrong Color)
Getting too comfortable may actually make you more tired. Baggy and stretchy clothing makes it much easier to slouch, which strains your joints and muscles as they work extra hard to distribute oxygen throughout your body. Dressing up not only prevents slouching, but also boosts confidence. Confidence, in turn, tends to improved posture, allowing for healthy breathing.
The color of your clothing may also be tiring you out. Dark colors like black, navy and brown stimulate the secretion of melatonin--the chemical that makes you sleepy. The good news is that studies show there are many colors to keep you energized. White clothes suppress sleep-inducing melatonin and boost serotonin--the feel-good chemical in your brain. Red is good for an aggressive kind of energy. It's also been shown to increase blood flow and stimulate adrenal glands. Yellow has been proven to stimulate the brain, build self-confidence, and encourage optimism.
Unexpected Cures for Your Fatigue
Eggs and Cantaloupe
Even though it may be an unusual combination, eggs and cantaloupe could be a winning duo to beat your fatigue. Eggs are an inexpensive and low-calorie source of protein on their own, but they're even better when paired with a complex carbohydrate like cantaloupe. The protein in the eggs helps slow the absorption of the fruit's sugar, preventing sugar spikes and sustaining energy throughout the day.
Cordyceps Mushrooms
Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that naturally grows on the head of a caterpillar. An animal study determined cordyceps helped improve metabolism, which can alleviate fatigue and increase physical endurance as you age. In 1993, two female Chinese athletes beat world records for the 1500-, 3000-, and 10,000-meter runs and attributed their success to cordyceps supplements. Try 3g per day. They're available for about $7 at health food stores.
Nopal Cactus
Normally, cacti are best admired from a distance, but the Nopal cactus, also known as "prickly pear," can be an effective cure for your fatigue. It's sold fresh, dried, and in jams for use in Mexican and South Western cuisines. Nopal is also available as a supplement. It's packed with antioxidants that can help the liver detoxify the body and reduce inflammation-related fatigue. Try 1000 mg with a full glass of water per day. You can buy Nopal cactus for about $12 at health food stores.
"The Walrus" Exercise
Although you may get a few looks at the gym, this unusual exercise is a great way to boost your energy. First, lie on your stomach with your arms outstretched on the floor in front of you. Plant your palms and use the strength of your arms and core to pull yourself forward and upright. Hold that position for a second, then lower your body, extend your arms. Repeat this while traveling across the floor like a walrus on the move. As with all exercise, "the walrus" speeds up your metabolism. Additionally, by working often-neglected muscles, you'll be activating new areas of your brain involved in coordination and muscle memory. Most importantly, this back-arching exercise is a great way to stretch, improve circulation, and relieve the muscle tension that could be bringing your energy level down.
Friday, 18 May 2012
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
15 TIPS FOR AVOIDING HOTEL BEDBUGS
By Amanda MacMillan
If you're sleeping somewhere other than home, beware. Bedbug prevalence is on the rise, and hotels and motels are some of their favorite hangouts.
These pesky critters can cause severe itching and welt-like bites, and it's costly to get rid of them if they follow you home. What's more, research suggests they can cause financial distress, anxiety, and social isolation.
But no need to get depressed just yet. With these easy tips, you can cut your chances of critter trouble while on the road.
Before you check out your hotel room's minibar or oceanfront view, give it a thorough bedbug inspection
Inspect the bed-
Here's how to check for a bedbug infestation: Pull back the linens, and check all the way around and under the mattress and behind the headboard.
Look for blood stains or small black dots that look like mold or ground pepper, says Christine Johnson, PhD, a behavioral ecologist in the American Museum of Natural History's Division of Invertebrate Zoology, in New York City. Check for the critters too. Bedbugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed, and you may find them hiding in corners or seams of the bedding.
If you see any suspicious signs, alert the hotel staff immediately. less
Here's how to check for a bedbug infestation: Pull back the linens, and check all the way around and under the mattress and behind the headboard.
Look for blood stains or small black dots that look like mold or ground pepper, says Christine Johnson, PhD, a behavioral ecologist in the American Museum of Natural History's Division of Invertebrate Zoology, in New York City. Check for the critters too. Bedbugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed, and you may find them hiding in corners or seams of the bedding.
If you see any suspicious signs, alert the hotel staff immediately. less
Check the room-
Next, broaden your bedbug search to the area immediately surrounding the bed: behind picture frames, under the telephone and alarm clock, and even in books, says Johnson.
Studies have shown that most bedbugs are found in or within 15 feet of a bed, but some may still be further away. Check in the cushions and seams of any couches or soft chairs, and in the closet before putting your clothes away.
Keep luggage off the ground-
Leaving suitcases and bags on the floor-or on a second spare bed-may be one way to bring home an unwanted souvenir, says Henriksen.
"Bedbugs can travel (from) room to room, so even if initially you don't have them, they could be in the room next to yours and they may come looking for meal sources," she says.
For the duration of your trip, keep your bags on the desktop, on top of the dresser, or on a luggage rack in the room. (Don't leave clothing lying out, either!
Keep luggage off the ground-
Leaving suitcases and bags on the floor-or on a second spare bed-may be one way to bring home an unwanted souvenir, says Henriksen.
"Bedbugs can travel (from) room to room, so even if initially you don't have them, they could be in the room next to yours and they may come looking for meal sources," she says.
For the duration of your trip, keep your bags on the desktop, on top of the dresser, or on a luggage rack in the room. (Don't leave clothing lying out, either!) less
Wrap suitcases in plastic-
For extra protection, keep your suitcase encased in plastic during your trip, says Henriksen. Storage and luggage retailers also sell zip-up bags specifically for this purpose.
"I've even seen people traveling with garbage bags wrapped around their suitcases," Henriksen says.
This precaution can protect your belongings not only in your hotel room, but also in transit; bedbugs can also hide in airplanes, trains, and taxis
retailers also sell zip-up bags specifically for this purpose.
"I've even seen people traveling with garbage bags wrapped around their suitcases," Henriksen says.
This precaution can protect your belongings not only in your hotel room, but also in transit; bedbugs can also hide in airplanes, trains, and taxis. less
Photo by: Getty Images
Teach kids hotel protocol-
Tell your children why you're inspecting the hotel room and what you're looking for. "We teach kids our concerns about other insects, like bees and mosquitoes; bedbugs should be on that list as well," says Henriksen.
Also watch for traces of white powder, says Johnson; it could be a pesticide used to treat a previous problem.
"Insecticides aren't good for anyone, especially young children, and you might want to ask for another room or switch hotels if you think you're being exposed."
Move two floors away-
Any suspicious marking or evidence of bugs should be enough to warrant a new room, and when it comes to a bedbug scare, hotel staff should be more than willing to oblige.
Request that your new room be at least two floors away from the initial room, says Henriksen, since chances are good that the bugs may spread via the wallboards or electrical sockets.
Speak up-
If you don't like to make waves, it may be tempting to stick with the room you've got, despite a little dirt on the mattress.
But there are potential consequences. Bedbugs, unlike mosquitoes and ticks, do not actively transmit diseases, but a 2011 Canadian study found that they could carry germs from one person to another-including the antibiotic-resistant germ, MRSA.
"Now's the time to be a little bolder and ask the right questions," says Henriksen. "You do not want to be a victim, especially when most hotels will move you without question and will do a proper inspection right away. They don't want their guests to leave the hotel with bedbugs and they don't want the problem to go untreated, either."
Ask about bedbug prevention plans-
Prior to check-in, ask the hotel what practices they've put in place to deal with bedbug prevention and treatment.
"The overwhelming majority of businesses in the hospitality industry are doing a great job in having an action plan in place to protect themselves and their guests," says Henriksen. Many hotels conduct proactive inspections and work with pest management companies to quickly remedy any problems
Prior to check-in, ask the hotel what practices they've put in place to deal with bedbug prevention and treatment.
"The overwhelming majority of businesses in the hospitality industry are doing a great job in having an action plan in place to protect themselves and their guests," says Henriksen. Many hotels conduct proactive inspections and work with pest management companies to quickly remedy any problems
Read reviews (cautiously)-
With a little Internet research, it's easy to find out if bedbugs have been reported at your hotel: The Bed Bug Registry, for example, is a free online database of user-submitted reports across North America. Travel sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp may also offer clues in their customer reviews.
Don't put too much stock in these resources, though, warns Henriksen. "There's no accountability for what people are posting," she says. "It could be a disgruntled employee or a competing property. And even if the hotel does have a room with a problem, they will jump on it right away. Just because one guest room has a problem on Saturday, it certainly doesn't mean they'll be there on Wednesday or that it's a hotel-wide problem."
With a little Internet research, it's easy to find out if bedbugs have been reported at your hotel: The Bed Bug Registry, for example, is a free online database of user-submitted reports across North America. Travel sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp may also offer clues in their customer reviews.
Don't put too much stock in these resources, though, warns Henriksen. "There's no accountability for what people are posting," she says. "It could be a disgruntled employee or a competing property. And even if the hotel does have a room with a problem, they will jump on it right away. Just because one guest room has a problem on Saturday, it certainly doesn't mean they'll be there on Wednesday or that it's a hotel-wide problem."
Pitch a tent-
One way to make sure bugs aren't lurking in your bed on vacation? Bring your lodging with you. "Bedbugs are hitchhikers," says Henriksen. "They come into your life based on you being somewhere else where they are." Because of this, there's little chance you'll come in contact with them if you're pitching a tent in the woods, for example, or traveling in your own mobile home.
Don't feel compelled to avoid hotels forever, though. Wherever you are, there's a chance you could pick up and bring home bedbugs while you're out and about, Henriksen adds.
But if you've planned a camping trip, your chances of encountering bedbugs will likely be lower
One way to make sure bugs aren't lurking in your bed on vacation? Bring your lodging with you. "Bedbugs are hitchhikers," says Henriksen. "They come into your life based on you being somewhere else where they are." Because of this, there's little chance you'll come in contact with them if you're pitching a tent in the woods, for example, or traveling in your own mobile home.
Don't feel compelled to avoid hotels forever, though. Wherever you are, there's a chance you could pick up and bring home bedbugs while you're out and about, Henriksen adds.
But if you've planned a camping trip, your chances of encountering bedbugs will likely be lower. less
Photo by: Getty Images
Have a post-vacation plan-
When you return home from vacation, wash all your clothing-even the items you didn't wear-in hot water. Bedbugs can't survive in temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit, says Henriksen, so this will assure they don't take up residence in your drawers and closets. (Sending delicates to the dry cleaner will work, too.)
Inspect and vacuum out your suitcases before storing them away, as well-and if you've invested in a plastic luggage case, keep it sealed up until you need it next.
When you return home from vacation, wash all your clothing-even the items you didn't wear-in hot water. Bedbugs can't survive in temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit, says Henriksen, so this will assure they don't take up residence in your drawers and closets. (Sending delicates to the dry cleaner will work, too.)
Inspect and vacuum out your suitcases before storing them away, as well-and if you've invested in a plastic luggage case, keep it sealed up until you need it next.
Watch for bedbug bite marks-
Bite marks are one sign that you may have brought bedbugs home with you, says Henriksen. "They often bite in a line-shaped pattern, in threes: In the industry we call that breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
Itching or bites alone aren't enough to confirm an infestation, however. If you experience these symptoms, you'll need a professional home evaluation before you can seek treatment.
Bite marks are one sign that you may have brought bedbugs home with you, says Henriksen. "They often bite in a line-shaped pattern, in threes: In the industry we call that breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
Itching or bites alone aren't enough to confirm an infestation, however. If you experience these symptoms, you'll need a professional home evaluation before you can seek treatment.
Call a professional-
"Bedbugs are not a do-it-yourself pest," says Henriksen. If you suspect that you've brought home bedbugs from a recent vacation, call a pest-management service to conduct an inspection.
A professional will look around your bed for signs of the insects, and may use a bedbug-sniffing dog if he can't identify the source. Once an infestation is confirmed, he may use heat, freezing, vacuuming, or steaming methods to clear your home.
"Bedbugs are not a do-it-yourself pest," says Henriksen. If you suspect that you've brought home bedbugs from a recent vacation, call a pest-management service to conduct an inspection.
A professional will look around your bed for signs of the insects, and may use a bedbug-sniffing dog if he can't identify the source. Once an infestation is confirmed, he may use heat, freezing, vacuuming, or steaming methods to clear your home.
Don't make yourself crazy-
Bedbugs have been found in all 50 states, in many locations-rural, urban, and suburban. "They're an equal-opportunity pest," says Henriksen. "They can be in budget properties as well as four-star resorts."
But there's no reason to douse yourself, your kids, or your home with insecticides, says Johnson.
"Panic and paranoia doesn't help at all," adds Henriksen. "Vigilance is the most important thing-following the checklist, doing an inspection-and those are the things that are going to minimize your likelihood of an infestation."
If you're sleeping somewhere other than home, beware. Bedbug prevalence is on the rise, and hotels and motels are some of their favorite hangouts.
These pesky critters can cause severe itching and welt-like bites, and it's costly to get rid of them if they follow you home. What's more, research suggests they can cause financial distress, anxiety, and social isolation.
But no need to get depressed just yet. With these easy tips, you can cut your chances of critter trouble while on the road.
Before you check out your hotel room's minibar or oceanfront view, give it a thorough bedbug inspection
Inspect the bed-
Here's how to check for a bedbug infestation: Pull back the linens, and check all the way around and under the mattress and behind the headboard.
Look for blood stains or small black dots that look like mold or ground pepper, says Christine Johnson, PhD, a behavioral ecologist in the American Museum of Natural History's Division of Invertebrate Zoology, in New York City. Check for the critters too. Bedbugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed, and you may find them hiding in corners or seams of the bedding.
If you see any suspicious signs, alert the hotel staff immediately. less
Here's how to check for a bedbug infestation: Pull back the linens, and check all the way around and under the mattress and behind the headboard.
Look for blood stains or small black dots that look like mold or ground pepper, says Christine Johnson, PhD, a behavioral ecologist in the American Museum of Natural History's Division of Invertebrate Zoology, in New York City. Check for the critters too. Bedbugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed, and you may find them hiding in corners or seams of the bedding.
If you see any suspicious signs, alert the hotel staff immediately. less
Check the room-
Next, broaden your bedbug search to the area immediately surrounding the bed: behind picture frames, under the telephone and alarm clock, and even in books, says Johnson.
Studies have shown that most bedbugs are found in or within 15 feet of a bed, but some may still be further away. Check in the cushions and seams of any couches or soft chairs, and in the closet before putting your clothes away.
Keep luggage off the ground-
Leaving suitcases and bags on the floor-or on a second spare bed-may be one way to bring home an unwanted souvenir, says Henriksen.
"Bedbugs can travel (from) room to room, so even if initially you don't have them, they could be in the room next to yours and they may come looking for meal sources," she says.
For the duration of your trip, keep your bags on the desktop, on top of the dresser, or on a luggage rack in the room. (Don't leave clothing lying out, either!
Keep luggage off the ground-
Leaving suitcases and bags on the floor-or on a second spare bed-may be one way to bring home an unwanted souvenir, says Henriksen.
"Bedbugs can travel (from) room to room, so even if initially you don't have them, they could be in the room next to yours and they may come looking for meal sources," she says.
For the duration of your trip, keep your bags on the desktop, on top of the dresser, or on a luggage rack in the room. (Don't leave clothing lying out, either!) less
Wrap suitcases in plastic-
For extra protection, keep your suitcase encased in plastic during your trip, says Henriksen. Storage and luggage retailers also sell zip-up bags specifically for this purpose.
"I've even seen people traveling with garbage bags wrapped around their suitcases," Henriksen says.
This precaution can protect your belongings not only in your hotel room, but also in transit; bedbugs can also hide in airplanes, trains, and taxis
retailers also sell zip-up bags specifically for this purpose.
"I've even seen people traveling with garbage bags wrapped around their suitcases," Henriksen says.
This precaution can protect your belongings not only in your hotel room, but also in transit; bedbugs can also hide in airplanes, trains, and taxis. less
Photo by: Getty Images
Teach kids hotel protocol-
Tell your children why you're inspecting the hotel room and what you're looking for. "We teach kids our concerns about other insects, like bees and mosquitoes; bedbugs should be on that list as well," says Henriksen.
Also watch for traces of white powder, says Johnson; it could be a pesticide used to treat a previous problem.
"Insecticides aren't good for anyone, especially young children, and you might want to ask for another room or switch hotels if you think you're being exposed."
Move two floors away-
Any suspicious marking or evidence of bugs should be enough to warrant a new room, and when it comes to a bedbug scare, hotel staff should be more than willing to oblige.
Request that your new room be at least two floors away from the initial room, says Henriksen, since chances are good that the bugs may spread via the wallboards or electrical sockets.
Speak up-
If you don't like to make waves, it may be tempting to stick with the room you've got, despite a little dirt on the mattress.
But there are potential consequences. Bedbugs, unlike mosquitoes and ticks, do not actively transmit diseases, but a 2011 Canadian study found that they could carry germs from one person to another-including the antibiotic-resistant germ, MRSA.
"Now's the time to be a little bolder and ask the right questions," says Henriksen. "You do not want to be a victim, especially when most hotels will move you without question and will do a proper inspection right away. They don't want their guests to leave the hotel with bedbugs and they don't want the problem to go untreated, either."
Ask about bedbug prevention plans-
Prior to check-in, ask the hotel what practices they've put in place to deal with bedbug prevention and treatment.
"The overwhelming majority of businesses in the hospitality industry are doing a great job in having an action plan in place to protect themselves and their guests," says Henriksen. Many hotels conduct proactive inspections and work with pest management companies to quickly remedy any problems
Prior to check-in, ask the hotel what practices they've put in place to deal with bedbug prevention and treatment.
"The overwhelming majority of businesses in the hospitality industry are doing a great job in having an action plan in place to protect themselves and their guests," says Henriksen. Many hotels conduct proactive inspections and work with pest management companies to quickly remedy any problems
Read reviews (cautiously)-
With a little Internet research, it's easy to find out if bedbugs have been reported at your hotel: The Bed Bug Registry, for example, is a free online database of user-submitted reports across North America. Travel sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp may also offer clues in their customer reviews.
Don't put too much stock in these resources, though, warns Henriksen. "There's no accountability for what people are posting," she says. "It could be a disgruntled employee or a competing property. And even if the hotel does have a room with a problem, they will jump on it right away. Just because one guest room has a problem on Saturday, it certainly doesn't mean they'll be there on Wednesday or that it's a hotel-wide problem."
With a little Internet research, it's easy to find out if bedbugs have been reported at your hotel: The Bed Bug Registry, for example, is a free online database of user-submitted reports across North America. Travel sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp may also offer clues in their customer reviews.
Don't put too much stock in these resources, though, warns Henriksen. "There's no accountability for what people are posting," she says. "It could be a disgruntled employee or a competing property. And even if the hotel does have a room with a problem, they will jump on it right away. Just because one guest room has a problem on Saturday, it certainly doesn't mean they'll be there on Wednesday or that it's a hotel-wide problem."
Pitch a tent-
One way to make sure bugs aren't lurking in your bed on vacation? Bring your lodging with you. "Bedbugs are hitchhikers," says Henriksen. "They come into your life based on you being somewhere else where they are." Because of this, there's little chance you'll come in contact with them if you're pitching a tent in the woods, for example, or traveling in your own mobile home.
Don't feel compelled to avoid hotels forever, though. Wherever you are, there's a chance you could pick up and bring home bedbugs while you're out and about, Henriksen adds.
But if you've planned a camping trip, your chances of encountering bedbugs will likely be lower
One way to make sure bugs aren't lurking in your bed on vacation? Bring your lodging with you. "Bedbugs are hitchhikers," says Henriksen. "They come into your life based on you being somewhere else where they are." Because of this, there's little chance you'll come in contact with them if you're pitching a tent in the woods, for example, or traveling in your own mobile home.
Don't feel compelled to avoid hotels forever, though. Wherever you are, there's a chance you could pick up and bring home bedbugs while you're out and about, Henriksen adds.
But if you've planned a camping trip, your chances of encountering bedbugs will likely be lower. less
Photo by: Getty Images
Have a post-vacation plan-
When you return home from vacation, wash all your clothing-even the items you didn't wear-in hot water. Bedbugs can't survive in temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit, says Henriksen, so this will assure they don't take up residence in your drawers and closets. (Sending delicates to the dry cleaner will work, too.)
Inspect and vacuum out your suitcases before storing them away, as well-and if you've invested in a plastic luggage case, keep it sealed up until you need it next.
When you return home from vacation, wash all your clothing-even the items you didn't wear-in hot water. Bedbugs can't survive in temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit, says Henriksen, so this will assure they don't take up residence in your drawers and closets. (Sending delicates to the dry cleaner will work, too.)
Inspect and vacuum out your suitcases before storing them away, as well-and if you've invested in a plastic luggage case, keep it sealed up until you need it next.
Watch for bedbug bite marks-
Bite marks are one sign that you may have brought bedbugs home with you, says Henriksen. "They often bite in a line-shaped pattern, in threes: In the industry we call that breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
Itching or bites alone aren't enough to confirm an infestation, however. If you experience these symptoms, you'll need a professional home evaluation before you can seek treatment.
Bite marks are one sign that you may have brought bedbugs home with you, says Henriksen. "They often bite in a line-shaped pattern, in threes: In the industry we call that breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
Itching or bites alone aren't enough to confirm an infestation, however. If you experience these symptoms, you'll need a professional home evaluation before you can seek treatment.
Call a professional-
"Bedbugs are not a do-it-yourself pest," says Henriksen. If you suspect that you've brought home bedbugs from a recent vacation, call a pest-management service to conduct an inspection.
A professional will look around your bed for signs of the insects, and may use a bedbug-sniffing dog if he can't identify the source. Once an infestation is confirmed, he may use heat, freezing, vacuuming, or steaming methods to clear your home.
"Bedbugs are not a do-it-yourself pest," says Henriksen. If you suspect that you've brought home bedbugs from a recent vacation, call a pest-management service to conduct an inspection.
A professional will look around your bed for signs of the insects, and may use a bedbug-sniffing dog if he can't identify the source. Once an infestation is confirmed, he may use heat, freezing, vacuuming, or steaming methods to clear your home.
Don't make yourself crazy-
Bedbugs have been found in all 50 states, in many locations-rural, urban, and suburban. "They're an equal-opportunity pest," says Henriksen. "They can be in budget properties as well as four-star resorts."
But there's no reason to douse yourself, your kids, or your home with insecticides, says Johnson.
"Panic and paranoia doesn't help at all," adds Henriksen. "Vigilance is the most important thing-following the checklist, doing an inspection-and those are the things that are going to minimize your likelihood of an infestation."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)