There's nothing like Thanksgiving in Georgia—the smell of turkey roasting, laughter around the table, and the joy of finally being together again. Whether you're packing up the car for a road trip or catching a flight to see family, the holiday season always brings a rush of movement, celebration, and, unfortunately⦠a few unwanted travelers.
And no, we're not talking about that cousin who always forgets to RSVP.
We're talking about hitchhiking pests—tiny stowaways that can slip into your luggage or clothing during your Thanksgiving trip and turn your post-holiday glow into a full-blown infestation.
But don't panic. BREDA Pest Management is here to help you keep your home protected before, during, and after your travels—with proactive, not reactive, pest control solutions that fit right into your busy holiday season.
Why Holiday Travel Puts Your Home at Risk
The Thanksgiving travel season is one of the busiest times of the year. According to AAA, nearly 55 million Americans travel more than 50 miles for the holiday—and every single one of them is coming and going through airports, hotels, Airbnbs, and relatives' homes.
That's a lot of luggage. A lot of beds. And a lot of opportunities for pests to catch a free ride.
Bed bugs, cockroaches, and pantry moths are three of the biggest culprits when it comes to holiday pest control in Atlanta, GA. These pests thrive in warm environments and spread easily through fabrics and travel gear. Once they find their way into your luggage, it's a short trip to your home—and a long, frustrating cleanup if you don't catch them early.
If you want to learn more about how bed bugs spread and what they look like, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers helpful FAQs on bed bugs that every traveler should review before hitting the road.
The good news? A few small precautions can make all the difference in keeping your post-Thanksgiving home pest-free.
Before You Leave: Start Smart
Preparation is your first line of defense when it comes to travel pests prevention in Atlanta, GA. BREDA recommends a few simple steps before you even step out your front door:
Inspect your luggage. If possible, use hard-sided suitcases—they're much harder for pests to hide in than soft-sided ones.
Pack smart. Keep clothes and personal items sealed in plastic bags or packing cubes to limit exposure.
Bring a flashlight. It may sound excessive, but it's your best tool for quick inspections at hotels or relatives' homes.
Think of it as your pest control packing checklist—a little bit of planning that helps ensure your Thanksgiving trip only brings back leftovers and good memories, not bed bugs.
During Your Stay: Stay Alert
Whether you're staying in a hotel, guest house, or at your aunt's place, there's one rule to remember: trust, but verify. Even clean, well-kept spaces can harbor hidden pests.
Here's what to do during your stay:
Check the room. Look over the mattress seams, headboard, and nearby furniture for dark spots or tiny shed skins. These are common signs of bed bugs.
Keep your luggage elevated. Use a luggage rack or hard surface—never the bed or floor.
Seal your dirty laundry. Store worn clothes in plastic bags. Pests are drawn to body odor and warmth, so sealed storage reduces attraction.
Following these Atlanta pest control tips for travelers can help stop pests before they ever get a chance to make your suitcase their new home.
Before You Head Home: Inspect Again
You've had your fill of turkey, caught up with the cousins, and survived another family debate at the dinner table. Before you head home, take a few minutes to make sure your luggage and clothes are pest-free:
Inspect and shake out everything. Check clothing, shoes, and bags before repacking.
Examine your luggage carefully. Look inside seams, zippers, and pockets for any bugs or eggs.
It's easy to rush through packing when you're eager to get home, but skipping this step could mean bringing back more than just leftovers.
Even a single unnoticed bug can multiply quickly once it's in your home—and by the time you spot one, you might already have an infestation on your hands.
Once You're Home: Unpack Wisely
The trip may be over, but your pest control after vacation in Atlanta shouldn't end just yet. BREDA recommends a few simple steps for a clean return home:
Unpack outside or in a garage/laundry area. Avoid bringing suitcases directly into bedrooms.
Wash and dry clothes immediately. Use hot water and high heat to kill any lingering pests.
Vacuum your luggage. Focus on seams and folds, then discard the vacuum bag immediately afterward.
Store luggage properly. Place it in sealed plastic containers or keep it in non-living spaces like basements or garages.
Taking these precautions might feel tedious after a long trip, but they're one of the best ways to prevent bringing pests home to Atlanta, Georgia—and they could save you hundreds of dollars and countless headaches later.
How BREDA Helps Protect Georgia Homes Year-Round
While there's plenty you can do to prevent hitchhiking pests on your own, professional inspections offer peace of mind that DIY methods can't always guarantee.
At BREDA Pest Management, our team uses advanced infrared technology to detect pest activity behind walls, under floors, and in other hard-to-see areas—so you know exactly what's going on in your home.
We offer comprehensive Atlanta home pest inspection services designed to catch early signs of activity before it becomes a full-blown infestation. Whether you've just returned from holiday travel or simply want to stay ahead of seasonal pest issues, our team makes prevention easy and affordable.
What sets BREDA apart is our proactive approach. Instead of waiting for pests to appear, we help homeowners stay ahead of them with customized treatment and monitoring plans that are safe for your family and effective against a wide range of invaders.
And since BREDA has served Metro Atlanta for over 50 years, our technicians know exactly what pests are most active during each season—and how to keep them out of your home for good.
Why Post-Travel Inspections Are Worth It
Most people schedule pest control after they see a problem. But by that point, pests have already found their way in and made themselves comfortable.
That's why scheduling a quick post-travel inspection is such a smart move. Even if you don't notice signs of activity, a professional can check hidden areas and catch issues early.
A short visit from your professional pest control team in Atlanta, GA can give you peace of mind after the busiest travel season of the year.
Plus, if you're already a BREDA client, adding a holiday inspection to your existing service plan is simple—and might even help you avoid bigger treatments later.
Bonus: Travel Smarter Next Time
Here are a few Atlanta pest control tips for travelers to keep in mind for your next trip:
Don't store luggage under hotel beds or couches.
Use travel-size pest repellent sprays for added protection.
Avoid unpacking onto upholstered furniture when visiting family.
Pack dryer sheets inside your suitcase—they help deter certain pests naturally.
When in doubt, ask your host or hotel about their pest control schedule.
These small habits, combined with a proactive home protection plan, can make a big difference in keeping your home safe no matter where your travels take you.
Your Home Deserves a Fresh Start This Holiday Season
Thanksgiving travel is about connection, celebration, and making memories—not about stressing over pests.
By taking a few preventive steps before and after your trip, you can protect your home from the hidden hitchhikers that love to sneak in this time of year. And if you ever need backup, BREDA Pest Management is here to help you every step of the way.
Whether you're looking for holiday pest control in Atlanta, GA, or year-round protection, our team offers state-of-the-art inspections, transparent pricing, and a service guarantee that's earned the trust of thousands of Georgia homeowners.
Because when it comes to keeping your home safe, clean, and pest-free—you deserve a partner who's as proactive as you are.
If you're tired of wondering what the pests in or around your home are doing and just want them gone, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to protect your home and keep it protected—no matter the circumstances. Schedule an inspection online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
