Bed Bugs
Holiday Travel & Bed Bugs – How to Inspect, Prevent & Treat Them in Lake of the Ozarks, MO
| Oct 27, 2025
Why Holiday Travel Increases Bed Bug Risk
The Lake of the Ozarks draws families and tourists during every season. With countless hotels, cabins, and rentals turning over guests, bed bugs can easily hitch rides in luggage or clothing. Even spotless accommodations can have them—it’s about opportunity, not cleanliness.
Inspect Your Room When You Arrive
- Set luggage on a rack or hard surface, not on the bed or carpet.
- Pull back sheets and check mattress seams, box spring edges, and the headboard for dark specks or bugs.
- Use a flashlight to inspect crevices, nightstands, and picture frames.
- Check nearby upholstered furniture and drapes.
- If you find evidence, ask for a new room away from the infested area or find different lodging.
Keep Bed Bugs from Entering Your Lake Home
- Unpack luggage outdoors, in the garage, or laundry area before entering bedrooms.
- Wash and dry all clothes on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Vacuum suitcases, paying attention to zippers, wheels, and folds.
- Avoid unpacking directly on beds or couches.
- Store suitcases in sealed bins or away from sleeping areas.
Signs You Might Have Bed Bugs
- Itchy red bites on arms or legs, often in rows.
- Tiny black or reddish stains on bedding.
- Small shed skins or eggs near mattress seams or furniture joints.
- Live insects about the size of an apple seed are hiding in cracks or along headboards.
Professional Bed Bug Treatment in Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Over-the-counter sprays rarely solve bed bug problems. Our trained technicians use precise inspection, targeted products, and heat treatments to eliminate infestations completely—fast, safe, and effective.
Why Choose Plank Termite & Pest Control LLC
- Local experts familiar with seasonal pest activity around the lake
- Specialized bed bug detection and heat treatment options
- No unnecessary contracts—just straightforward service
- Residential and commercial bed bug control with fast response
Quick Travel Checklist
- Keep luggage off beds and carpet
- Inspect beds, furniture, and seams before settling in
- Hot wash and dry clothes immediately after travel
- Vacuum and store luggage away from bedrooms
- Call professionals at first sign of bed bugs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bed bugs infest vacation rentals at Lake of the Ozarks?
Yes, bed bugs can appear in rentals and hotels due to high guest turnover. Regular inspections prevent long-term infestations.
How can I check for bed bugs?
Inspect seams, corners, and furniture joints with a flashlight. Keep luggage elevated and wash clothes on high heat after trips.
What’s the best treatment?
Professional heat treatments eliminate all life stages safely and effectively—faster than chemical-only methods.
Do I need to throw out furniture?
Usually not. With professional treatment and encasements, most furniture can be saved.
Book an Inspection & Protect Your Holiday Season
Don’t wait until bites or signs appear. If you’ve traveled this holiday season or your home hosts frequent guests, consider scheduling a professional inspection to safeguard your Lake home.
📞 Call Plank Termite and Pest Control at 573-368-3333 or schedule an appointment online today.
