Bed bug nymph.

Summer in Portland brings much needed sunshine, longer days, and for many, an opportunity to travel. If you plan to take a trip, these simple steps from the Multnomah County Health Department can help ensure that bed bugs don’t join you on your summer vacation:

Before you go, be prepared

• Know what to look for: Appearance of bed bugs varies throughout the life cycle, but adult bugs are generally about the size of an apple seed, and are brown in color. Evidence of the bugs can also be indicated by small brown or black stains, which correspond to waste material.

• Pack a small flashlight to help you check the room.

During your trip, inspect your environment

• If you rent a vehicle, check the seats and upholstery for evidence of bed bugs before you leave the lot. Be attentive to cracks and beading, as bed bugs like to reside in tight places.

• If you stay in a hotel, inspect your room, bed and furniture thoroughly before unpacking your belongings. Use a flashlight to examine between the mattress and bedding, headboard and furniture. If evidence or live bugs are found, leave the room immediately and contact management and request a different room that is not adjacent to the affected unit. The University of Minnesota developed a helpful guide to aid in hotel room inspection, which can be found here.

When you get home, clean your belongings

• Wash all clothing and check your suitcase and belongings if you suspect you may have been in contact with bed bugs. A cycle in a hot dryer will eliminate any live bugs, nymphs or eggs.

Bed bugs are fairly easy to detect and prevent if you take the proper steps. If they are allowed into your home, the cost to eradicate them can be high. If you suspect that you have come into contact with bed bugs, visit the county’s website or call 503-988-BUGS for more information.