No one wants to deal with bed bugs after a vacation, but these tiny pests are surprisingly good at sneaking into your luggage. The last thing you want is to bring home an unexpected souvenir that starts multiplying in your bed. Here’s some tips from the bed bug control experts on how to keep your travels bed bug-free so you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of worrying about your next hotel room or Air B&B.
Inspect Your Room Immediately
Bed bugs are sneaky little creatures, and they love to hide in places you’d never think to check. When you walk into your new accommodation, don’t just throw your stuff on the bed and relax. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure you’re not unknowingly inviting any bed bugs to stay with you:
- Start with the Bed: Pull back the sheets and check the seams of the mattress and box spring. Look for any blood spots, dark stains, or tiny eggs—bed bugs love to hide here. Don’t forget the bed frame; give it a good look, especially the joints and cracks.
- Check the Headboard: Many times, bed bugs hide in the nooks and crannies of headboards. If possible, gently lift or push it away from the wall to check the back.
- Examine the Furniture: Take a close look at any upholstered furniture like chairs and couches. Use your phone flashlight to spot anything tucked into cracks or creases.
- Inspect the Walls and Floor: Look along the edges of the floor, baseboards, and behind curtains for any signs of bed bugs. They’ll often find refuge in cracks or small holes.
- Don’t Forget the Luggage Rack: Bed bugs will get on your luggage if they’re in the same room. Make sure the rack isn’t hiding any unwanted guests before you set your bag down.
If you do spot bed bugs or think you’ve found evidence of them, don’t panic—just act fast. Alert the front desk or management immediately, and request a room change. Make sure they know why, so they can take care of the issue properly. And if you feel uncomfortable staying in the same hotel, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask for a refund or to be moved to a different property.
Take Precautions with Your Luggage
As we mentioned, bed bugs can sneak into your luggage without you even knowing and travel home with you. This is definitely preventable. First and foremost, consider using hard-shell luggage rather than soft-sided bags, which are more likely to have tiny crevices where bed bugs can hide. Plastic bags are another good option to store your clothing separately inside, offering an extra layer of protection in case bed bugs infiltrate the bag. Keeping your clothes separated makes it harder for any pests to make a home in your items.
Once you arrive at your destination, keep your luggage off the floor. Bed bugs love to crawl up from the carpet, so use a luggage rack or place your bags on a countertop (after checking, of course). This simple step can help reduce your chances of an infestation and keep your clothes free of unwanted critters.
Use Bed Bug-Resistant Products
If you travel often and are really serious about keeping bed bugs at bay, consider investing in a few bed bug-resistant products. Start with mattress encasements—these zip around your mattress and box spring to create a barrier that bed bugs can’t get through, no matter how hard they try. For your luggage, bed bug-proof liners are a smart move to make sure nothing sneaks in while you’re on the go.
Even more extra peace of mind can be found with traps. Whether or not you are suspicious of bed bugs being present, portable bed bug traps can be placed under your luggage or even your bed to catch any critters before they make a move. Alternatively, you can make an investment into bed bug repellent sprays. A quick spritz on your bags and belongings can add a layer of protection against these pesky invaders. It’s like armor for your suitcase—plus, travel-sized bottles are perfect for tossing in your bag without taking up much space or causing any hassle with liquid-restrictions.
Stay Informed About Bed Bug Outbreaks
Staying informed can save you from a nasty surprise. Use bed bug tracking apps or websites that report recent infestations in hotels or travel destinations to help you avoid problematic spots. Also, always check reviews and ratings before booking—previous guests will often mention bed bug issues if they’ve experienced them, giving you a heads-up before you even unpack. Knowledge is one of your best defenses!
Bug and Pest Control Experts
Traveling should be about fun and relaxation, not worrying about bed bugs. If you’re concerned about pests or need help with prevention, contact Bug Control Specialist today!