Pests Abroad

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We all know that some pests stateside can be of serious annoyance, and even come with some health complications.  However, pests abroad can be a great danger to both you and your family, especially in underdeveloped areas.  Whether you’re a student planning to study overseas this coming semester, or a family looking for a vacation, here are a few things to keep in mind when traveling abroad.

One of the biggest overseas pest out there is the bedbug.  Bedbugs were never native to the United States, and hitched rides on immigrants coming over in recent years.  With this being said, you can expect bedbugs to be fairly common on your trip.  This is why it is extremely important to check your bed for bedbugs BEFORE doing anything else to the room.  A simple check is to peel back the corners of the mattress pad and look for small red dots.  In addition, it would be most beneficial to check the carry-on compartments on planes and trains for signs of bedbugs before putting your luggage in there; the little suckers can easily slip their way into your belongings.

Another pest you need to watch out for overseas are biting insects, such as mosquitos and ticks.  In the United States, the government employs several methods to control the mosquito population, and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria.  However, in some countries, the government cannot provide for such control, and viruses like malaria—and now Zika—are ever prevalent.  If you plan to travel to Africa or South America, be sure to watch out for these airborne bloodsuckers.  The same goes for ticks.

In addition to the common pests, you are going to have to look out for the uncommon pests too, or the ones native to the region you are traveling to.  For example, if you are planning to go to South America, East Asia, or Australia, do not be surprised if you wake up one morning to see a giant tarantula crawling around your dwelling.  Not only that, but several species of wasps, hornets, and spiders can be extremely venomous, and can cause extreme health complications in those bitten.  Do yourself a favor and wear protective clothing in areas that can be inhabited by some of these creatures—it just might be the difference between a ride back to the resort and a ride to the hospital.

Finally, in ensure the safety of our clients when abroad, we do have one more tip—do not drink the water.  Many countries do not purify their water to the same standards that the U.S. does, which can lead to many health complications.  In developed countries, like most European nations, the drinking water should be fine, but in other areas, like South America, it is best to stick to bottled water or drinks that have been boiled, such as coffee or tea.

No matter what your reason is for traveling abroad, we want you to be safe while doing it.  Pests are an overlooked topic when it comes to traveling abroad, but neglecting them can lead to bringing back home so much more than just memories.

Stay safe out there, Tri-County Pest Control Fans!

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