How to Avoid Bed Bugs in Hotels and Airports

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, offering the chance to try new foods, meet new people, and explore new cities. However, amidst the excitement of traveling, it’s easy to overlook a hidden risk: bed bugs. Bed bugs can be found in hotels, public transportation, and even airports, hitchhiking their way into your luggage and back into your home. Here’s how to avoid bed bugs while traveling and what to do if you suspect an infestation.

Inspecting for Bed Bugs at a Hotel or Airport

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. They can hide in tiny cracks and crevices in your hotel room or luggage. When checking into a hotel, inspect the mattress, headboard, and bedding for bed bugs or signs of their presence, such as tiny black stains (bed bug droppings) on sheets or mattresses. In airports, bed bugs can hitch a ride in luggage, so be cautious when handling your belongings.

How Do I Check for Bed Bugs at a Hotel? 

When staying in a hotel, checking for bed bugs can save you a lot of trouble. Begin by pulling back the bed sheets and inspecting the mattress seams for bed bug stains on sheets or small reddish-brown bugs. Inspect the headboard, especially in any cracks or seams. Bed bugs can also hide in furniture, so check nightstands, chairs, and even picture frames for any signs of activity. Bed bug registry websites or online reviews can also help you check for reported infestations at your chosen hotel.

How to Spot Bed Bugs in Airports

Airports and airplanes, with their constant flow of passengers and luggage, are prime locations for bed bugs to travel. To prevent bed bugs from getting into your luggage, try to keep your bags off the floor and away from crowded areas where bags are piled up. Using hard-shell luggage and packing clothing in sealed plastic bags can also help minimize the risk of bed bugs hitching a ride.

What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs While Traveling

If you suspect bed bugs in your hotel room or vacation rental, notify the hotel staff immediately. They will often relocate you to another room and take steps to resolve the issue. It’s also a good idea to inspect your luggage before moving to a new room to ensure you’re not bringing bed bugs along.

Steps for Reporting and Addressing a Bed Bug Problem

It’s important to remain calm if you suspect bed bugs while traveling. Report the issue to the hotel management or landlord as soon as possible so they can arrange pest control for bed bugs. Most hotels have a protocol for handling bed bug reports, and acting quickly can help prevent the problem from escalating.

How to Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Home

The key to avoiding a bed bug infestation at home after your travels is being proactive. When you return from a trip, inspect your luggage thoroughly, vacuum your suitcases, and wash all your clothing in hot water, even those that were unworn. Most importantly, consider scheduling routine pest control inspections. Certified pest control professionals, like the ones at Hulett, can come to the rescue with bed bug services before it turns into a serious problem.

Schedule a Bed Bug Inspection & Treatment with Hulett Today!

If you’re concerned about bed bugs, it’s time to call in the experts. As one of the best pest control companies in Florida, Hulett Environmental Services provides thorough bed bug inspections and treatment options, depending on the severity of the infestation. Trust our team of trained professionals to diagnose your issue and recommend the best solution to keep your home and family safe. Don’t let bed bugs ruin your travel experiences, and JUST CALL HULETT for a no-obligation inspection today!