How to Treat Bed Bugs in Luggage

Travelling is meant to be an exciting adventure, but there’s nothing worse than coming home with unwanted passengers. Yes, I’m talking about bed bugs. These sneaky little pests can easily hitch a ride in your luggage and before you know it, they’ve made themselves comfortable in your home. At ThermoPest, we’ve seen it all, and trust me, the last thing you want is to deal with a bed bug infestation after a holiday.

The good news? You can tackle the problem quickly if you act fast. So, if you’re worried that bed bugs might have snuck into your suitcase, here’s your guide on how to treat bed bugs in luggage – and avoid bringing them into your house!

Why Bed Bugs in Luggage Are a Common Problem

Let’s face it, bed bugs are everywhere. They’ve become a lot more common over the years, especially in hotels and other places where people frequently come and go. And these pests are expert hitchhikers – they’ll cling to your clothes, hide in the seams of your suitcase, and before you know it, they’re travelling home with you. It doesn’t matter how clean your hotel room looks; bed bugs don’t discriminate.

Treating your luggage as soon as you suspect bed bugs is key. The longer they stay in your home, the harder they are to get rid of. And believe me, we’ve had calls from people who ignored the signs – it’s not pretty.

How to Detect Bed Bugs in Your Luggage

So, how do you even know if bed bugs have made their way into your bags? It’s not always easy, but there are a few things to look out for.

First, keep an eye out for actual bugs – they’re small, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown in colour. You might also see tiny black droppings or even eggs, which look like little grains of rice. If you open your suitcase and get a strange, musty smell, that’s another big red flag. Bed bugs are experts at hiding in zips, seams, and pockets, so make sure you check those areas closely.

Soft-sided luggage, in particular, is a favourite for bed bugs, as they can easily nestle into the fabric. If you’ve got a hardshell suitcase, you’re slightly better off, but it’s still worth checking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Treating Bed Bugs in Luggage

If you’ve found bed bugs in your luggage, don’t panic! There are steps you can take to handle the situation. Here’s a straightforward guide to treating your bags and making sure those bugs don’t make it into your home.

1. Unpack Carefully

First things first, don’t bring your suitcase into the house. Unpack it outside or in a garage if you can. This way, if any bed bugs do try to escape, they won’t be hopping into your bedroom. As you unpack, be mindful of where you put your clothes and other items – keep them in plastic bags until you can treat them.

2. Wash and Dry All Clothes

The easiest way to kill bed bugs on your clothes? Heat. Toss everything that can be washed into the washing machine on the hottest setting possible. Once that’s done, dry everything on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Bed bugs can’t survive the heat, so this should do the trick. If you’ve got items that can’t be washed, consider dry cleaning them or sealing them in a plastic bag until you can treat them properly.

3. Vacuum the Luggage

Next up, give your suitcase a thorough vacuuming. Bed bugs love to hide in seams, folds, and zips, so make sure you get into all those tight spots. If your vacuum has a nozzle attachment, use that to get into the smaller crevices. Once you’re done, be sure to empty the vacuum bag straight into an outdoor bin – you don’t want those bugs escaping back into your home.

4. Use Heat Treatment on Luggage

Just like your clothes, bed bugs can’t survive high heat. If you’ve got a large enough dryer or a heat chamber, you can place your empty suitcase inside and heat it up to around 50°C for at least 30 minutes. No heat chamber? No worries – you can use a handheld steamer to treat your luggage, focusing on the seams and any fabric sections. The heat will kill any lingering bed bugs or eggs hiding in there.

5. Apply Bed Bug Sprays or Powders

For an extra layer of protection, consider using a bed bug spray or powder. Look for products specifically designed to kill bed bugs and make sure they’re safe for use on luggage. Diatomaceous earth is a great natural option – it’s a powder that dehydrates bed bugs when they come into contact with it. Sprinkle a light dusting inside the suitcase, especially in the folds and crevices.

6. Seal and Store Luggage

After treating your luggage, it’s a good idea to seal it in a plastic bag or protective cover. This ensures that any remaining bed bugs are trapped inside and won’t have a chance to escape. Store the bagged suitcase away from your bedroom and living areas – somewhere like a garage or shed is perfect. Leave it sealed for a few weeks just to be sure.

Preventing Bed Bugs from Infesting Your Luggage

Now that you’ve treated your luggage, you’ll want to make sure this never happens again. Prevention is always better than treatment, right?

• Use bedbug-proof luggage liners: These liners act as a barrier, making it harder for bed bugs to get inside your suitcase.
• Inspect your hotel room: Before unpacking, always give your hotel room a quick check. Look at the bed, mattress seams, and any fabric furniture for signs of bed bugs. Better safe than sorry!
• Keep your luggage off the bed: Use the hotel’s luggage rack or place your suitcase on a hard surface. Bed bugs are less likely to climb onto it.
• Treat and inspect your luggage regularly: Now and then, give your suitcase a once-over and treat it with sprays or powders just to be safe.

When to Call a Professional

Now, if you’ve tried everything and you’re still finding bed bugs in your luggage, it might be time to call in the experts. At ThermoPest, we offer professional heat treatments and chemical options that can get rid of even the most stubborn bed bugs. Sometimes, DIY treatments aren’t enough, and a professional touch is needed to get the job done right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bed bugs survive a plane or car trip?
Yes, bed bugs can survive long trips in your luggage. They’re incredibly resilient and can live without feeding for several months.

How long can bed bugs live in luggage?
Bed bugs can live in your suitcase for weeks, even months, if they don’t have access to a blood meal. That’s why it’s so important to treat your luggage as soon as you suspect a problem.

Are there any natural alternatives to bed bug sprays?
Yes! Diatomaceous earth is a fantastic natural option. It’s non-toxic to humans but lethal to bed bugs. Just sprinkle it inside your luggage and let it do its thing.

Can freezing luggage kill bed bugs?
Yes, extreme cold can kill bed bugs, but it needs to be very cold – we’re talking -17°C or lower for several days. It’s not as practical as heat treatment, but it can work in a pinch.

Keep Your Travels Bed Bug-Free!

Travelling should be fun, not stressful, and the last thing you want to deal with is a bed bug infestation after a holiday. By following these steps, you can treat your luggage effectively and make sure no pesky critters follow you home. If things get too tricky, don’t hesitate to give us a call at ThermoPest – we’re here to help you keep your home bed bug-free!