How to Detect Bed Bugs in Hotels

Traveller’s Guide

By ThermoPest – Your Local Pest Control Experts

Imagine this: you’ve just arrived at your hotel, looking forward to relaxing after a long day of travelling. The last thing on your mind is bed bugs, right? But here’s the thing—they could be lurking in that hotel bed, just waiting for you. Don’t worry, though. With a little know-how, you can spot the signs of bed bugs early and avoid bringing these nasty critters home with you. Let’s take you through how to check for bed bugs in hotels, so your trip stays stress-free.

Why Do Bed Bugs Thrive in Hotels?

Hotels are perfect for bed bugs. Why? The constant turnover of guests provides them with plenty of opportunities to hitch a ride on luggage, making it easy for bed bugs to spread from room to room or even from one hotel to another. With so many guests coming and going, it’s easy for an infestation to slip under the radar. Bed bugs are sneaky and can hide in the smallest cracks and crevices, meaning a room can look spotless but still harbour these pests. They’re also excellent travellers themselves and can hitch a ride on your suitcase without you even noticing!
If you’re dealing with bed bugs, check out our dedicated bed bug detection services, which can help keep your home or business bed bug-free.

Common Bed Bug Hiding Spots in Hotel Rooms

When you check into a hotel, the last thing you want is to share your bed with uninvited guests. Bed bugs are small, but they’re not invisible. Knowing where they like to hide can make all the difference.

Bed Area

The bed is ground zero for bed bugs. Start by carefully checking the mattress seams, especially around the edges and corners. These pests love to hide where the mattress fabric folds. Don’t forget to lift up the sheets and check the pillows and pillowcases too. One time, I stayed at a hotel in Paris and spotted tiny dark spots along the mattress seams—a warning sign.

Upholstered Furniture

Hotels often have comfy chairs and sofas that can be just as cosy for bed bugs as they are for you. Take a close look at the seams of any upholstered furniture in the room. If there are cushions, lift them and check the seams underneath. Bed bug detection is vital for such tricky hiding spots.

Curtains and Carpets

Curtains and carpets are often overlooked but can be great hiding places for bed bugs. Have a look at the folds in the curtains and along the edges where the carpet meets the walls. Bed bugs love dark, undisturbed spots, so pay extra attention to these areas.

Luggage Racks and Wardrobes

You’d think the luggage rack would be a safe spot, right? Wrong! Bed bugs can easily crawl into the cracks of wooden or metal luggage racks. Inspect these before placing your bags on them. The same goes for wardrobes or closets in your room—check inside before unpacking.

How to Inspect for Bed Bugs Upon Checking In

Here’s the bit where you can take charge. Inspecting your hotel room for bed bugs doesn’t have to be complicated, and it only takes a few minutes. It’s worth it to avoid a much bigger headache later.

Step-by-Step Bed Bug Inspection:

Start with the bed: Pull back the sheets and blankets, and use your phone’s flashlight to check along the mattress seams and under the pillows. Look for any dark spots, eggs, or even live bugs.
Check the headboard: Bed bugs can also hide in cracks and crevices in the headboard or any wooden furniture near the bed.
Inspect furniture: Don’t forget to check any upholstered furniture, paying close attention to seams and under cushions.
Look in corners and crevices: Use your torch to inspect window sills, curtain folds, and along the edges of the carpet.

For more detailed help, you can refer to our bed bug monitoring services.

What to Look For:

Live bed bugs: Adult bed bugs are small, brown, and about the size of an apple seed.
Blood stains: These could appear on the sheets or mattress.
Dark spots: Bed bug faeces can leave dark spots on bedding or furniture.
Eggs: Bed bug eggs are tiny and white, usually found in clusters.

If you’re concerned about bed bugs at home or elsewhere, consider our effective heat treatment services.

What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs in Your Hotel Room

So, what happens if you do find bed bugs? Don’t panic—there are steps you can take to sort it out.

Reporting the Infestation

First things first, notify hotel management immediately. Be polite but firm, and explain the situation. Most hotels will be responsive and should offer to move you to another room. But here’s a tip: don’t just move next door. Bed bugs can spread quickly between rooms, so request a room on a different floor or at least far from the infested one.

Preventing Bed Bugs from Coming Home with You

Even if you’ve found bed bugs in your hotel room, there are ways to keep them from hitching a ride home. Before you leave, inspect your luggage carefully. Keep your clothes sealed in plastic bags, and when you get home, throw everything straight into the wash and run it on the hottest setting possible. You’d be surprised how much difference a simple wash and dry cycle can make.

To prevent such issues in the future, get familiar with bed bug treatments, like those we offer in London, Southampton, Reading, and other areas.

Bed Bug Infestations in London: What You Need to Know

London is a bustling city with a high volume of tourists, residents, and business travellers. Unfortunately, this makes it a hotspot for bed bugs. The high density of hotels and shared accommodation in London creates an environment where bed bugs can spread quickly from one location to another.

Bed bugs thrive in places with a constant flow of people, and London’s busy hotels, hostels, and public transportation can be breeding grounds for these pests. Whether you’re visiting for a short stay or living in the city, it’s essential to be vigilant.

At ThermoPest, we offer specialised services for the unique challenges London presents. We are experts at dealing with bed bug infestations in high-traffic areas like hotels and residential buildings. If you’re in London and suspect a bed bug issue, contact us immediately for professional help. Our team is ready to handle infestations, whether small or large and help you reclaim your space from these persistent pests.

Trust Thermopest to Keep Your Home Bed Bug-Free

At Thermopest, we specialise in comprehensive bed bug treatments to ensure these pests don’t follow you home from your travels. Our expert team is here to help you detect, eliminate, and prevent bed bugs, so you can sleep soundly, whether you’re at home or away. If you’re dealing with bed bugs or want to safeguard your home, avail our services for fast, effective solutions. We’ve got you covered, wherever you are!