Unwanted Travel Companion? How to Check for Bed Bugs When You’re Traveling
While it can be a major inconvenience to become infested with bed bugs in your home, it’s even worse to discover them when you are far from home. Of all exterminator cases, 74% involve bed bugs found in hotels.
You may be unsure how to check for bed bugs in a hotel room or elsewhere. These bugs are hard to detect, after all.
By reading this guide, you’ll learn how to look for these insects and get the help you need if you notice something unusual. Keep reading to learn even more!
Inspect Before Unpacking
To avoid bringing home unwanted guests, check hotels for bed bugs as soon as you arrive. Keep your luggage off the floor and away from the bed.
If possible, put your luggage in the bathtub or luggage rack. It will help keep any bed bugs in your room from getting into your luggage and coming home with you.
Inspect the Mattress
Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress when you’re at your hotel. Look for any brown or red spots that indicate bed bug fecal matter.
You can also bring a small flashlight to help you inspect the mattress much better.
Look for Blood Stains
Bed bugs often leave behind small blood stains on sheets and pillowcases. Make sure to also check for small black dots on the sheets.
These are bed bug feces and can be a telltale of an infestation.
Alert the Hotel Staff
If you think you might have bedbugs, alert the hotel staff right away. They will know how to deal with the situation and will likely be able to switch your room.
You should also call a pest control company as soon as possible. Bed bugs are difficult to get rid of on your own and can spread to other areas. A pest control company can identify and treat the problem.
Aside from bed bugs, there are also other pests that can cause problems or attach to your luggage. Make sure to do some research to find out more.
Seal Your Clothes in a Plastic Bag
Before you pack your bags, seal your clothes in a plastic bag. It will keep any bed bugs in your clothes from getting out and infesting your luggage.
Hot-Wash Your Clothes After
Bed bugs can attach themselves to your clothes and travel home without you even knowing it. To prevent this from happening, wash your clothes in hot water as soon as you get home from your trip.
Checking for bed bugs can help prevent pest infestation in your home.
How to Check for Bed Bugs in a Hotel
If you’re worried about bringing home some unwelcome guests from your travels, follow these tips on how to check for bed bugs in your hotel room. Inspect the mattress, sheets, and headboard for any signs of red spots.
Pay close attention to any cracks or crevices where the bugs could hide. When you’re packing to come home, put all your clothes in sealed plastic bags to prevent hitchhikers from tagging along, and hot-wash your clothes afterward.
If you’re worried about bed bugs, follow these tips to check for them before you settle in for the night.
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