We all love finding unique souvenirs to remember our vacations; unfortunately, some souvenirs, like bed bugs, find us instead. These apple-seed-sized pests are expert hitchhikers and can easily flip a dream vacation into a stressful nightmare. Bed bugs are notoriously easy to bring home as they travel on luggage, clothing, and personal items. They hide in hotel furniture, mattress seams, and public seating, waiting to hitch a ride.
You might not even realize you have a problem until you’re back home. Bed bug removal can be tricky, so it’s important to try preventative methods to keep these little pests out of your life. Luckily, you don’t need to stop traveling. Here are the steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk of a bed bug infestation.
Prepare to Prevent: What to Do Before Traveling
Bed bugs have a reputation for being difficult to get rid of, and not without cause. They are experts at hiding, resilient, and reproduce quickly. A few simple preparations can ensure they don’t come home with you in the first place.
Choose Your Luggage Wisely
Hard-shell suitcases offer fewer places for bed bugs to hide compared to fabric ones. Brightly colored luggage can also make it easier to spot these tiny, dark insects.
Protect Your Belongings
Pack your clothes and personal items in sealable plastic bags. This creates a barrier that bed bugs can’t penetrate, keeping your belongings safe even if they come into contact with an infested area.
Know the Signs of Bed Bugs
Become familiar with the signs of a bed bug infestation. Look for rust-colored stains on bedding, shed skins, tiny black dots (fecal spots), or live bugs about the size of an apple seed. Some people also report a musty-sweet odor in heavily infested rooms.
If you spot any of these signs at home, it’s time to call professional bed bug removal services to effectively solve the problem. If you’re traveling, ask to move to another room or a different hotel.
How to Inspect Your Hotel Room for Bed Bugs
Before you unpack and settle in, take a few minutes to inspect your hotel room. This is the most important step in preventing bed bugs from coming home with you.
Check the Bed First
Start with the mattress and box spring. Pull back the sheets and carefully inspect the seams, tufts, and corners for any signs of bed bugs. Don’t forget to check the headboard, as this is a common hiding spot.
Inspect Furniture and Upholstery
Examine sofas, chairs, and other upholstered furniture. Pay close attention to seams, zippers, and crevices where bed bugs could be hiding. Use the flashlight on your phone for a better view in dark corners.
Look in Less Obvious Spots
Bed bugs love hiding in surprising places. Check behind picture frames, along baseboards, inside curtain folds, and even in electrical outlets. A thorough inspection gives you the best chance of spotting a problem before it latches onto you.
Stay Vigilant During Your Vacation
Continue to take care even after the initial inspection. A few good habits during your stay can help minimize the risk.
- Keep luggage elevated: Avoid placing your suitcase on the bed or floor. Use a luggage rack, and keep it away from walls and furniture.
- Keep clothing sealed: Store your clothes in the plastic bags you packed them in. Don’t leave garments lying on upholstered furniture.
- Store items off the floor: Keep shoes, jackets, and personal bags on a shelf or in the closet, away from potential hiding spots.
How to Unpack Safely
The last, but arguably most crucial, step is to double-check you don’t bring any hitchhikers into your home. A careful unpacking routine helps.
Unpack in a Safe Area
Unpack your luggage in a garage, laundry room, or even a bathtub—anywhere with hard surfaces where you can easily spot a stray bug. Avoid unpacking on carpeted floors or your bed.
Treat Your Clothing
Immediately wash all your clothes—even the ones you didn’t wear—in hot water. Then, dry them on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat will kill bed bugs, whether egg, nymph, or adult.
Clean and Inspect Your Luggage
Vacuum your suitcase, both inside and out. Pay special attention to pockets, seams, and zippers. Dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag outside your home.
Store Luggage Smartly
Store your empty luggage in a sealed plastic bag or container in a garage, basement, or attic, away from your sleeping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bed bugs travel on clothes I’m wearing?
Yes, bed bugs can travel on clothing, but it is more likely that they will hide in items that are stationary for longer periods, like luggage or shoes tucked under a bed.
Can bed bugs survive on airplanes?
Bed bugs can survive in the cargo hold and cabin of an airplane. They can crawl from one piece of luggage to another, which is why protecting your belongings is so important.
How do I check my luggage for bed bugs?
Check your luggage with a flashlight, focusing on seams, zippers, and pockets. Look for live bugs, shed skins, or the small dark spots they leave behind.
Take the Bite out of Bed Bugs with Square Pest
Even if you are cautious, bed bugs can still sometimes find their way into your home. If you suspect you have an issue, professional bed bug removal is the most effective solution. DIY treatments often fail to address the entire population, leading to a recurring problem.
At Square Pest, we offer guaranteed bed bug removal treatment services. Our licensed technicians use proven methods, including heat treatments and targeted applications, to ensure complete removal. Don’t let the bed bugs disrupt your sleep. If you need help or are unsure, schedule an inspection with us today.