Travelling is an exciting adventure, but the last thing you want to bring back from your trip is abed bug infestation. These tiny, blood-sucking pests are expert hitchhikers and can easily catch a ride home with you if youโre not careful. Whether youโre staying in a luxury hotel or a budget hostel, bed bugs can be found anywhere. Luckily, with a few preventative steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home with you.
Hereโs how to prevent bed bugs when travelling and ensure that your home stays pest-free when you return.
1. Research Your Accommodation Before Booking
One of the easiest ways to avoid bed bugs is to research the hotel or rental property youโre considering. Even if itโs a five-star hotel, it doesnโt hurt to double-check for past bed bug issues.
Read reviews: Check recent reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Google, looking for any mentions of bed bug infestations. Guests often report these issues in detail.
Bed bug registry: In some countries, there are websites and apps where travellers report bed bug encounters. Check these registries before booking your stay to see if your chosen accommodation has had past problems.
2. Inspect the Room Upon Arrival
When you first arrive at your hotel or rental, donโt immediately toss your luggage on the bed. Take a few minutes to thoroughly inspect the room for signs of bed bugs before you settle in.
Check the mattress: Pull back the sheets and check the seams and corners of the mattress for dark spots (bed bug excrement), shed skins, or live bugs.
Inspect the headboard: Shine a flashlight behind and around the headboard, where bed bugs often hide during the day.
Look at the furniture: Bed bugs can also hide in upholstered chairs, couches, and curtains. Check the seams, folds, and cushions for any signs of activity.
If you find any evidence of bed bugs, request a new room immediatelyโpreferably one far from the affected room.
3. Keep Your Luggage Safe
Your luggage is one of the easiest ways for bed bugs to travel home with you. To prevent bed bugs from getting into your bags, take these precautions:
Use a luggage rack: Always store your suitcase on a luggage rack, preferably one made of metal (as bed bugs find it harder to climb smooth surfaces). Keep the rack away from walls or furniture. Avoid placing your bags on the bed or floor.
Seal your suitcase: Consider keeping your luggage closed and zipped up at all times. You can also use large, sealable plastic bags to encase your suitcase during your stay.
Use hard-sided luggage: If possible, opt for hard-shell suitcases rather than soft fabric ones, as bed bugs find it more difficult to penetrate hard surfaces.
4. Protect Your Clothes
Bed bugs are small and can easily hide in clothing, so itโs important to take steps to protect your clothes during your trip.
Use sealable bags: Store your clothes in resealable plastic bags or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent bed bugs from getting into them.
Keep dirty laundry in a sealed bag: Bed bugs are attracted to the scent of humans, so store your dirty clothes in a plastic bag until you can wash them.
5. Be Cautious With Luggage When Returning Home
Once your trip is over, donโt assume that youโre in the clear. Bed bugs can still be lurking in your luggage, so itโs essential to be cautious when unpacking.
Inspect your luggage: Before bringing your suitcase inside, thoroughly inspect it for any signs of bed bugs, including live bugs or small black spots. Use a flashlight to check the seams, zippers, and pockets of your luggage.
Unpack in a garage or laundry room: If possible, avoid unpacking in your bedroom. Instead, unpack in a garage or laundry room, and inspect your clothes and other items for any signs of bed bugs.
Wash everything immediately: Wash all of your clothesโeven those you didnโt wearโin the hottest setting. Bed bugs canโt survive high temperatures, so a hot wash and dry will kill any that may have hitched a ride.
There are a few additional products you can use while travelling to reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home:
Bed bug-proof luggage liners: These liners can be placed inside your suitcase to create an extra barrier between your belongings and any potential bed bugs.
Portable bed bug sprays: You can carry a small bed bug spray with you to treat your luggage or the room if youโre concerned about an infestation.
7. Check Your Bed at Home After Traveling
Even after taking all these precautions, itโs a good idea to monitor your home for any signs of bed bugs in the weeks following your trip. Bed bugs can go unnoticed for some time, so catching them early is essential.
Inspect your mattress and bed frame regularly for signs of bed bugs, such as dark spots, shed skins, or live bugs.
Use bed bug monitors: Consider placing bed bug interceptors under the legs of your bed frame to detect any bed bugs that may have made it back with you.
Final Thoughts
Travelling doesnโt have to mean risking abed bug infestation. By being proactive, you can reduce the chances of encountering bed bugs and bringing them home. From inspecting your room on arrival to keeping your luggage secure, these simple steps can help ensure your trip is bed bug-free. If you suspect youโve brought bed bugs back despite your efforts, act quickly by washing all items andcontacting a pest control professional if necessary. Safe travels!
