Going on a trip is always exciting, but running into bed bugs can quickly turn all your plans around. These tiny pests thrive on human blood and are known to crawl into luggage, clothing, or personal belongings without being spotted.
Encountering them can quickly ruin your travel experience, and worse, you could unknowingly bring them back home, leading to a troublesome infestation. Along with second-hand shoppers and college students, travelers are one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to bed bug exposure.
If you’re asking yourself “how can I avoid bed bugs when traveling?” The good news is, there are a few simple actions you can take to help keep these pests away, and make your journey a lot smoother.
How to Avoid Bed Bugs in Hotel Rooms
Hotels may be comfortable and convenient, but they’re also one of the more likely spots to run into bed bugs. The steady flow of guests means there’s always the potential for bugs to hitch a ride in bags, clothing, or other items, which can lead to infestations.
Even the most pristine hotels aren’t immune. Bed bugs are drawn to humans, not filth. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs:
- Reddish-Brown Marks on Bedding: After feeding, bed bugs often leave behind tiny blood spots. Check for small, rusty-colored stains on sheets, pillows, and mattress seams.
- Small Black Dots: Their droppings look like peppery black flecks or smudges and tend to show up on mattresses, furniture, or walls, especially near hiding areas.
- Unpleasant Musty Smell: A heavy, musty odor in the room could be a sign of a larger infestation. This scent comes from bed bug pheromones and often signals their presence.
- Visible Insects: Adult bed bugs resemble apple seeds, flat, oval, and reddish-brown. They may be spotted crawling on bedding, walls, or furniture, especially in cracks or gaps.
- Shed Skins and Egg Casings: As they grow, bed bugs shed their skin and leave behind pale shells. You might find these around mattress edges, headboards, or along baseboards.
If you notice any of these red flags, alert hotel management right away and request a room change, ideally in a separate section of the building, since bugs can move from one room to the next. If you’ve already unpacked, you may want to heat-treat your clothes and bags to eliminate any potential tagalongs.
Taking a few proactive steps can go a long way in helping you avoid bed bugs during your hotel stay.
How to Avoid Bed Bugs in Airports and on Planes
Airports and airplanes are more prone to bed bugs than many travelers realize, thanks to the sheer volume of people and bags passing through. With luggage coming from all over the world, the risk of pests spreading is high. Tight seating arrangements on flights only increase the chance of contact.
To minimize your risk, give your bags a thorough check after going through busy areas, choose hard-shell luggage to make it harder for bugs to stick to them, and consider storing clothing in sealed plastic bags during transit.
By staying alert in airports and while flying, you’ll lower your chances of bringing home unwanted passengers.
Protecting Luggage From Bed Bugs
Your suitcase is one of the easiest places for bed bugs to hide while you’re traveling. Try these tips to lower the chances of an infestation:
- Choose Hard-Shell Suitcases: Smooth, rigid surfaces make it harder for bed bugs to attach themselves. A hard-sided case is a better option than soft fabric luggage.
- Seal Clothes in Bags: Store your clothing in resealable plastic bags or vacuum-sealed pouches. This provides a layer of protection that’s harder for bed bugs to penetrate.
- Keep Bags Off the Floor: Whether you’re at a hotel or airport, avoid placing your luggage on the ground or bed. Use stands or raised surfaces where bed bugs are less likely to climb on.
- Check Hidden Spots Often: Use a flashlight to inspect seams, zippers, and corners of your bag for any signs of bugs, look for stains, shed skins, or eggshells.
- Use a Luggage Cover: Wrapping your suitcase in a protective bag or plastic film adds another level of defense against stowaway pests.
These extra steps can make a big difference in preventing bed bugs from traveling home with you. A few minutes of precaution could save you the time and trouble of a larger infestation later on.
How to Avoid Bed Bugs After You Return Home
Unpacking once you return home might feel like a routine task, but taking a few additional steps can help stop bed bugs from becoming an unwanted souvenir. These pests are masters at concealing themselves in clothing and luggage, so it’s important to check and clean your items thoroughly once you’re back.
Here’s how to unpack carefully and reduce the chances of bringing bed bugs into your home:
- Examine Your Suitcase: Before bringing your bags indoors, take time to inspect them closely. Look inside seams, zippers, and small compartments for any signs of bed bug activity. If you spot anything suspicious, leave your luggage outside or in the garage until it can be cleaned or treated.
- Unpack in a Separate Area: If you can, open your luggage in an isolated space like a laundry room or garage, away from bedrooms or living areas. Avoid laying your belongings on carpets or upholstered furniture, which can give bed bugs more places to hide.
- Launder Clothes Right Away: Run all clothing, bedding, and other fabrics through a hot wash followed by a high-heat dryer cycle. This will help destroy any bugs or eggs that may have come along for the ride. Try washing your travel items separately from your regular laundry to avoid spreading any pests.
- Vacuum Your Bags and Items: Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean the inside and outside of your suitcase. Focus on seams, folds, and any tight corners where bugs might hide. Afterward, empty the vacuum’s contents into a sealed plastic bag and discard it outside your home.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Keep an eye out for symptoms of an infestation, such as small bites, rusty stains on sheets, or dark spots on furniture. If you notice anything unusual, contact a licensed pest control expert to identify and handle the issue quickly.
Want additional guidance? Look into professional bed bug control to keep your home protected.
Think Bed Bugs Came Home With You? Here’s What to Do
Though it may seem like a lot of extra work to protect yourself from bed bugs, don’t give up. It can feel like a hassle to take these extra steps, but a little caution goes a long way. If you’re diligent about checking for signs of bed bugs at your hotel, you’re less likely to end up with them in your home.
Still, even with precautions, it’s possible for bed bugs to sneak in. Once inside, they can hide in tight spaces, reproduce rapidly, and become difficult to remove without professional help.
At Bug Out, our bed bug specialists know exactly how to find and treat infestations effectively. If you think you may have brought one or two hitchhikers back with you, reach out to us for a free inspection. We’ll help you take control of the situation and restore peace of mind.
FAQs
What can I spray on my luggage to prevent bed bugs?
You can use specially formulated bed bug sprays designed for travel use. These products typically contain non-toxic, travel-safe ingredients that repel bed bugs. Spray along the suitcase seams, zippers, and exterior before and after your trip.
Look for options that offer residual protection, and always follow label directions for best results.
Does bed bug spray work for travel?
Yes, travel-specific bed bug sprays can help protect your belongings. These sprays form a barrier that either deters or kills bed bugs on contact. They’re great for use on luggage, hotel mattresses, and furniture.
However, they should be used in combination with other preventive practices like inspecting your room and using sealed clothing bags, not as a standalone solution.
How likely is it to get bed bugs from a hotel?
The odds of encountering bed bugs at a hotel vary based on how recently an infestation has occurred. Any hotel, regardless of price or quality, can experience them due to the constant turnover of guests.
To reduce your chances, inspect your room for signs of activity, such as tiny stains or insect shells. Being able to identify bed bug bites early can also help you act quickly if needed.
Is it common to get bed bugs from a flight?
While it’s less common than picking them up at a hotel, flights aren’t completely risk-free. Shared seats and close quarters, combined with constant luggage movement, create opportunities for bed bugs to spread between passengers.
To stay protected, avoid placing bags on the floor and check your belongings when you reach your destination.
How do I make sure my hotel doesn’t have bed bugs?
Before you settle in, take a few minutes to inspect the hotel room. Check mattress seams, headboards, and furniture joints using a flashlight. Look for signs like reddish stains, tiny white eggs, or cast-off skins. Use a luggage rack to keep your bags elevated, and avoid placing them on the bed or floor.
Reading recent hotel reviews before booking can also alert you to any past bed bug issues that guests may have reported.
