When you’re traveling, the last thing you want is to share your room with bed bugs. These tiny pests are expert hitchhikers, and if you’re not careful, they can climb into your luggage and follow you home. That’s why it’s so important to know how to check your hotel room before settling in. Taking a few minutes to inspect can save you the stress and expense of dealing with an infestation later, even one that might require highly recommended pest control services.
Why Checking for Bed Bugs Matters
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. They hide in dark cracks and crevices, coming out at night to feed on human blood. While their bites are itchy and uncomfortable, the real problem is how easily they spread. A single bug in your suitcase can turn into a full infestation back home. Luckily, you can avoid this by doing a quick but thorough room check.
Step 1: Don’t Unpack Right Away
Before you even start your inspection, keep your luggage safe. Place your suitcase in the bathroom or on a hard surface like a tile floor. Bed bugs have a harder time crawling across smooth surfaces, so this gives you a chance to inspect the room without risking your belongings. Avoid putting your bags on the bed, carpet, or luggage rack until you’re sure the room is clear.
Step 2: Check the Bed First
The bed is the most common hiding place for these pests. Pull back the blankets, sheets, and mattress cover. Look closely at the seams, corners, and tufts of the mattress for dark spots, reddish stains, or tiny white eggs. Shed skins, which look like thin, yellow shells, are also a giveaway.
Don’t forget the box spring and bed frame. Use a flashlight or even your phone light to see into cracks and crevices. Bed bugs often squeeze into tight spaces near where people sleep.
Step 3: Inspect the Headboard and Nightstands
Bed bugs love to hide close to the bed, so shine a light behind the headboard and along the edges of nightstands. Pay attention to screw holes, joints, and the undersides of furniture. If you notice small black spots or see a live bug scurrying away, it’s a red flag.
Step 4: Examine the Rest of the Room
Move beyond the bed area and take a look at other furniture, curtains, and wall décor. Check the seams of couches or chairs, especially around zippers or cushions. Straighten out curtains and scan the folds for any spots or casings. Lift framed pictures or artwork off the wall if possible bed bugs sometimes hide behind them. Even the luggage rack should get a quick check before use, since other travelers’ belongings could have left bugs behind.
Step 5: Watch for Signs on Yourself and Belongings
Bed bug bites often appear as small, red, itchy welts in a line or cluster. Not everyone reacts, but if you wake up with bites you didn’t have before, it could be a sign. Also, pay attention to your clothing and luggage. Bed bugs are more attracted to dirty laundry than clean clothes, so keep worn items in sealed plastic bags until you can wash them.
Step 6: What to Do if You Find Bed Bugs
If you see any signs of bed bugs, don’t panic but don’t stay in the room. Take photos for evidence, gather your belongings, and let the front desk know immediately. Ask for a new room in a different part of the hotel, or consider moving to another location entirely.
When you return home, take precautions even if you didn’t notice bugs. Unpack in a well-lit area like a laundry room or garage. Wash and dry clothes on the highest heat setting safe for the fabric. Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly, paying close attention to seams and pockets.
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs can turn a relaxing trip into a nightmare, but with a little vigilance, you can protect yourself. Always inspect your hotel room before unpacking, keep your luggage elevated, and wash your belongings as soon as you get home. These simple steps can keep pests from following you back and give you peace of mind while you travel.
