Many are preparing for the holidays, but they should not forget about the possibility of bed bugs coming into their homes with their kids who are returning from college or family from out of town, according to The Florida Times-Union.

One parent, Terry Devalle, told the news source that her 20-year-old son was away on a basketball trip, when he found bugs in his hotel room. She immediately started to wash all of his linens and luggage that he brought back. She stressed how important it was for parents to spring into action when their children report such concerns.

"Folks need to take this seriously," Devalle said. "Bed bugs are showing up in area hotels, schools, dormitories, and apartments, so the problem is real. They move around easily on students’ backpacks from their home, to school and then to your home."

There are a number of ways to get rid of bed bugs or to prevent them. People can wash and dry their linens in high temperatures, as heat is known to kill them. Also, individuals may want to purchase a mattress encasement, vacuum regularly and get rid of clutter, which all give bed bugs places to hide, Medline Plus reports.