Bed bugs do not care how nice the hotel is. They hide in mattress seams and furniture, then climb into bags and clothes to travel home with you.
A few minutes of checking can save you weeks of trouble.
At the hotel
Before you unpack, check the room:
- Pull back the sheets and look at the mattress seams and corners.
- Check the headboard and the edges of the bed frame.
- Look for small dark spots, tiny shed skins or live bugs.
- Keep your suitcase on the luggage rack, not on the bed or carpet.
What bed bugs look like
Adult bed bugs are flat, brown and about the size of an apple seed. Young ones are smaller and paler, which makes them harder to spot.
Itchy bites in a line or a small cluster after a trip are a clue worth taking seriously.
When you get home
- Unpack in the bathroom or on a hard floor, away from the bed.
- Wash all clothes on a hot cycle and tumble dry on high heat.
- Vacuum the suitcase, then store it away from bedrooms.
Quick tipBring a large plastic bag on your trip. Keep your suitcase inside it in the hotel room for extra protection.
If you think they came home with you
Bed bugs spread quickly and home sprays rarely reach where they hide. Call a professional early, before they move to other rooms.
