How to Check for Bed Bugs in a Hotel Room During Your Summer Vacation

When you go on a vacation, the last thing on your mind is going to be the thought of any pests waiting for you in your hotel or lodging facility. Also known as “hitchhikers,” bed bugs are elusive and sneaky pests that can hide out in mattresses, bed frames and other parts of a room just waiting for new hosts to arrive. While this pest is not known to transmit disease, they are known for leaving behind itchy bites by feeding on the blood of unsuspecting human hosts, which can be quite upsetting. 

To ensure a fun, relaxing vacation this summer, follow these steps on how to check for bed bugs in a hotel room, vacation rental, hostel or other lodging facility:  

• Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, for telltale stains or spots. 
• Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in sofas/chairs. Keep your suitcase in the hall or right inside the door away from where any bed bugs could be. 
• Carry a small flashlight or use your phone flashlight to assist you with visual inspections. 

• If you spot a bed bug or any of the signs of bed bugs, alert staff and change rooms immediately. Do not stay in a room adjacent to the infested room. 

This pest is small and its eggs are sticky, so it is also possible bed bugs could find their way home with you even if they weren’t seen during your stay. When you return home, unpack your suitcase outdoors and immediately throw clothes in the dryer on high heat. Vacuum the outside and insides of luggage and bags and take another look for signs of bed bugs before bringing anything into the home.  

What to Do if You Bring Home Bed Bugs from Vacation 

If you’re unfortunate enough to bring bed bugs home with you, please know that a few stowaway bed bugs can quickly cause a full-blown infestation. Bed bugs are one of the most difficult pests to eradicate and are not a DIY (do-it-yourself) pest, making it critical to work with a licensed pest control professional quickly if an infestation is suspected.