Floating down the Current River or the Meramec is a classic Missouri tradition. Every summer, thousands of locals head to the Ozarks for a weekend of camping and canoeing. It is a great time for relaxation and sunshine.

However, there is a hidden hitchhiker that could ruin your trip and follow you home. Bed bugs are becoming a bigger concern for people who use river outfitters and rental cabins. These pests do not care if you are in a fancy hotel or a rustic shack.

If you are not careful, your fun weekend on the water could turn into a major problem for your house. Staying alert is key when sharing gear and lodging.

Reliable Pest Solutions understands these local risks and can help you protect your home if these tiny travelers sneak into your luggage.

The Risk of Shared Rental Gear in Missouri

When you visit an outfitter in Missouri, you are sharing more than just the river. Rental items like life jackets and seat cushions can host bed bugs. These insects are masters at hiding in the seams of fabric.

A life jacket used by an infested group earlier in the day might be handed to you next. Most outfitters try to keep things clean, but the high volume of people makes it hard to catch everything.

Even the seats in a shuttle bus can hold bugs left behind by a traveler’s backpack. It is always a good idea to give your rental gear a quick look before you put it in your car.

Bed Bugs in Missouri River Cabins

Many float trippers prefer staying in a cabin rather than a tent. These cabins often see a new group of people every few days, all summer long. This high turnover creates a perfect environment for bed bugs to spread.

They hide in the cracks of wooden bed frames or in the folds of curtains during the day. Since many Missouri river cabins are older, they have lots of small crevices for bugs to stay safe.

Even if the room looks clean, these pests stay out of sight until the lights go out. Checking the seams of the mattress and the area behind the headboard is a smart move as soon as you check in.

How Pests Hitch a Ride Home

The biggest danger of bed bugs is how easily they travel. They do not fly or jump, but they are great at crawling into bags and clothing. If you set your duffel bag on a cabin floor, a bug can easily slip inside.

Once they are in your gear, they will stay there until you get back to your home. They can survive for a long time without a meal, so the drive home will not bother them at all. Once you unpack in your bedroom, they will find a new hiding spot in your own mattress or carpet.

Protecting Your Stuff While Floating

If you are worried about pests, there are simple ways to keep your things safe. Keep your clothes and sleeping bags in sealed plastic bins instead of fabric bags. Bed bugs have a hard time climbing smooth plastic surfaces.

When you are at the campsite or in a cabin, keep your bags off the floor. You should also keep your gear away from the walls.

Avoid bringing your own pillows if you can, as this is just one more way for bugs to travel. If you do bring your own bedding, keep it inside a sealed bag until you are ready to sleep.

Cleaning Up After Your Missouri Float Trip

After your Missouri float trip, unpack carefully to avoid bringing pests inside. Open your bags in the garage or laundry room instead of the bedroom. Dry all clothing on high heat for 30 minutes to kill any hidden bugs or eggs.

You should also vacuum your car and wash your gear with soapy water. If you suspect an infestation, Reliable Pest Solutions offers professional inspections and treatments to keep your Missouri home safe.