A decade ago, bed bugs were little more than creepy crawlers we sang about or heard in stories. Today, they’re an all-too-real concern. These parasitic insects feed on our blood after hitching a ride in luggage or clinging to a host to spread. We’re here to show you how to avoid getting bed bugs while traveling and keep these pests out of your home.
Here are seven essential tips on how to avoid getting bed bugs while traveling. Spend less time worrying about blood-sucking pests and focus on enjoying your time away from home!
Do Your Homework Before Traveling
Before booking a hotel or accommodation, we recommend that you do your research. If there are any reports of previous infestations within the past six months, consider choosing a different place to stay.
To gather more information, leverage word-of-mouth opinions and online reviews. For a comprehensive resource, visit the Bed Bug Registry, which provides a platform to check past reports and share your own experiences. This tool helps you identify potential bed bug hotspots and make informed choices for your next holiday.
Pack Your Bags with Bed Bug Prevention in Mind
Opting for hard-shelled luggage can make a significant difference in preventing bed bugs. These cases have fewer crevices where pests can hide and can help you stop an infestation before it begins. While you don’t need to replace your current luggage, it’s something to consider when shopping for new bags.
To further protect your belongings, pack clothes and toiletries in resealable plastic bags. This makes it much harder for bed bugs to latch onto or hide in your items. If you’re really concerned about bed bugs, consider wrapping your suitcase in a plastic cover!
Ask the Hotel Staff About Bed Bugs
It’s perfectly reasonable to ask the front desk about current or past infestations. If there’s been an issue, request a room as far away from the affected area as possible.
You can also ask to see the hotel’s pest control log book, which typically records the details of treatments, including which rooms were treated and when. This is especially important if you have chemical allergies or sensitivities. Keep in mind that they may refuse, but it’s worth a shot!
Leave Your Luggage at the Door and Inspect the Room
Once you’ve checked in, leave your luggage by the door and inspect your room for any signs of bed bugs or previous treatments. While you might not be a professional, a thorough check with a flashlight and a keen eye can go a long way.
What to Look For When Inspecting for Bed Bugs
- Live or dead bed bugs
- Shed bed bug skins
- Bed bug eggs
- Bed bug fecal pellets and stains
- Chemical dust applications
Where to Look for Signs of Bed Bug Activity
- Headboard
- Mattress and box spring
- Bed frame
- Bedding
- Sofas and upholstered furniture
- Behind wall decorations (e.g., pictures)
How to Avoid Getting Bed Bugs While Traveling
Begin your inspection with the bed—the most likely place to find bed bugs. Using a flashlight, carefully examine the bedding by pulling back each layer, focusing on folds and creases where bed bugs might hide.
After inspecting the bedding, move on to the mattress and box spring. Pay special attention to the tufts of the mattress and the folds of the box spring, as these are common areas for bed bug evidence.
Next, examine the bed frame and headboard. If you don’t find any evidence on the bed, move your search to nearby furniture and other upholstered pieces, with a focus on cracks, crevices, and seams.
If you find bed bugs, immediately contact the front desk and request a room change or to receive a refund for your room.
Don’t Put Your Luggage on the Bed or Furniture
To minimize the risk of picking up bed bugs, avoid placing your luggage on the beds or upholstered furniture. Use the luggage rack provided by the hotel to keep your bags off the ground and away from potential infestations.
Bed bugs can easily hitch a ride on your belongings, so it’s wise to keep your luggage elevated and away from surfaces where they might be hiding. Additionally, resist the temptation to unpack your items into hotel dressers or closets. Doing so can give bed bugs a perfect opportunity to move from your luggage to these storage areas.
Instead, keep your clothes and personal items in your suitcase and live out of it while traveling. This will reduce the risk of bed bugs spreading to your personal belongings and help you enjoy your stay stress-free.
Immediately Launder Your Clothing
As soon as you return home from a vacation or business trip, head straight to the laundry room. Unpack all your clothing and any other fabric items like blankets or towels directly into the washing machine. Wash everything in hot water, ideally at a temperature of at least 120°F (49°C), to kill any bed bugs or eggs.
If you have items that can’t be washed, like dry-clean-only clothing or non-washable items, place them in a dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. The heat will help kill any bed bugs or eggs that may be hiding.
Double-Check your Suitcase
Once you’re in the laundry room, don’t forget to inspect your suitcase and other luggage. Just as you carefully check the hotel room, give your luggage the same attention. Use a vacuum to clean the seams and creases, ensuring no bed bugs or eggs are hiding.
With bed bugs becoming a growing concern, these tips will help you avoid bringing them home from your travels. If you have any questions or need expert advice, contact us! For residents in Tacoma, Seattle, Puyallup, or anywhere in the Puget Sound area, Sentinel Pest Control is your premier bed bug exterminator. Contact us today!