Yikes! Where did those red lumps on your body come from? You may not have realized it, but you may have been the victim of airborne bed bugs! No, they cannot fly, but they can infest airplane cabins.
If the mention of parasitic bed bugs crawling beneath your seat cushion freaks you out, then you’ll want to know what you can do about it. Read below to find out how to protect yourself from the creepy crawlies to ensure you’re bug-free in the skies.
Are There Bed Bugs Here?
You may be shocked to find that bed bugs aren’t only in beds, but anywhere they may find food—namely, human blood. These unwanted parasites can tag along in folded clothing, sealed luggage, or travel gear people bring along. Unfortunately, these pests also like to hop off from other passengers and passengers’ belongings and hide out in the safety of airline structures.
The best way to know if there are bed bugs on planes is to spot them yourself. Since these bugs are about the size of apple seeds, you may be able to see them with just your naked eye. Bed bugs are small, oval insects that look reddish-brown under the light.
If you don’t see any bed bugs in plain sight, then you’re already on the right track! These nasty pests are nocturnal, though, so they will run for cover at any sign of light. You’ll need to look for them in their hiding spaces if you really want to confirm they’re not present.
Before you sit down in your seat, take a minute to scan your seat cushion for signs of bed bugs. If you see small flecks of blood, then there is a good chance that these parasites are lurking nearby. Bed bugs also leave behind maroon-colored droppings as they crawl around, so follow the seat or side of the cushion for evidence.
Preventing and Defending Against Attack
If the thought of encountering bed bugs in your airplane seat frightens you, then get ready for war! They say that the best offense is good defense, so it’s imperative that you arm yourself with the right knowledge. Preventing bed bugs from ruining your trip is easy with the following tips.
Book During Daylight Hours
If you have the choice to choose the time of your flight, then you will be pleased to know that daylight hours are the best time to fly to avoid bed bugs. Bed bugs are nocturnal, so they naturally emerge from their hiding spots in the dead of night. Flying during the daytime minimizes your chances of encountering the creepy crawlies on your journey.
Select Your Seating Armor
Airlines install a wide range of seating types, styles, and arrangements that you can use to your advantage. Bed bugs thrive in fabric and cloth upholstery, which allow them to “hide & bite” and breed rapidly. If you have extra time to spare before your departure, look for leather or vinyl seating materials that make it difficult for bed bugs to survive.
Bring Your Own Seat
Airport restrooms often supply disposable paper seat covers for your convenience, but these miraculous innovations are also perfect for your plane seat! Disposable airplane seat covers provide a barrier between the bed bugs and you. Bring one for your flight and place it over your seat before sitting for peace of mind, then discard it at the end of the trip.
Avoid Airline Blankets and Pillows
Although airlines practice sanitary techniques for cleaning their blankets and pillows, it does not mean that those will stay clean once inside a plane compartment or mesh containment. A lot of time could pass before you ever reach the blanket, which gives bed bugs ample time to crawl inside of it. If you want to stay warm and free of bites, then either bring your own blanket or avoid airline blankets altogether.
Luggage of the Gods
If you really want to take all possible precautions, then put some time and effort into choosing a piece of bug-resistant luggage. Having the right type of luggage can prevent the nasty parasites from tagging along with you after exiting the flight.
Select a suitcase with a hard shell that bugs cannot latch on to. Choose a bright color that will reveal a stowaway with a single glance. Removing bed bugs is simple, too; if you do find an invader after landing, simply clear it away with a cleaning wipe.
Cryonite for a Bug-Free Flight Experience
People depend on your airline to take them to their destinations safely, and you can give them the best experience possible by removing any onboard invaders. Cryonite can wipe the slate clean and get your plane cabin back to service without any of the drawbacks of conventional pesticide treatments.
Safe for Passengers
Cryonite uses natural carbon dioxide to exterminate unwanted pests in your airplane cabin for a quick and safe treatment. Cryonite treatment is non-allergic and non-toxic, making it the best choice for airlines that put passenger safety first. Passengers can return to their seats almost immediately after the Cryonite application. Take a look at Cryonite being used on a plane here.
Odorless Pest Control
Airline staff and passengers can enjoy a pest-free flight without having to take in any lingering odors that pesticides may leave behind. Cryonite readily evaporates after treatment with no trace of sharp or musty odors afterward.
Safe on Airline Galley Carts
Airline staff and passengers will be thrilled to know that their meals are safe in the hands of Cryonite. Cryonite can work on galley carts and any food surface to get rid of parasites without endangering edibles within the nearby vicinity.
No Expensive Training or Licenses Needed
While pesticides may require staff to complete training and acquire licensing to use them, Cryonite requires neither. Airline crews can start almost immediately with minimal training and a starter kit.
Fly Bug-Free Today
Your airline is willing to offer the best possible experience for passengers, and Cryonite is with you on that! Our natural pest control treatment can help keep your airplane cabin bug-free and quickly get it back into service.
If you’re ready to take the leap, then click here to get started with the help of our supportive staff!