Protecting against Bed Bugs While Staying at Hotels
When staying at hotels these days, it’s important to not only protect against COVID-19 and other potential infections but also against another threat: bed bugs. A recent bed bug infestation in Paris serves as a stark reminder of the need to take precautions.
“Bed bugs can be found in any hotel, regardless of how expensive the rooms may be. In fact, we’ve been informed by a pest control company that all the calls they’re receiving lately are from higher-priced properties,” says Jeff White, chief product officer at SenSci, a pest control manufacturer.
White adds, “While bed bugs tend to be a bigger problem in lower-socioeconomic settings for various reasons, it can vary greatly from property to property. Roadside hotels and motels, where extended-stay residents are more common, often have a higher incidence of issues compared to upscale hotels.”
If you’ve ever dealt with a bed bug infestation, you know how unpleasant it can be. It’s a good idea to stay vigilant while traveling to avoid bringing these pests back home with you.
“Bed bugs affect people differently, but for most individuals, they can cause extreme anxiety, panic, and worry,” says Matt Kelley, president of Prodigy Pest Solutions. “This can significantly disrupt a person’s sleep cycle. Additionally, bed bugs are challenging to treat. Identifying an infestation in a hotel before bringing bed bugs home can save you money and anxiety in the long run.”
While you can’t guarantee a bed bug-free experience, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure and bringing them back with you. We asked Kelley, White, and other experts to share their best tips for checking for bed bugs in hotels and taking protective measures as a traveler.
Know the signs
“It is impossible to completely prevent bed bugs from entering a home because they are incredibly small and adept at hiding in cracks and crevices,” says Brittany Campbell, an entomologist with the National Pest Management Association. “However, it’s worth inspecting for bed bugs when staying in a new place if you know what signs to look for, such as live bed bugs, fecal staining, cast skins, and eggs. Catching them early can prevent them from hitchhiking in your luggage and coming home with you.”
In most cases, bed bugs are large enough to be seen with the naked eye, even though they typically hide during the day. Kelley explains that this is true at every stage of their life cycle. “In addition to live bugs, bed bugs leave behind distinct evidence such as droppings, cast skins, and eggs,” he adds.
Inspect the bed
Since bed bugs are often found in and around beds, checking the bed is essential. “Start by inspecting the visible areas such as the mattress edges, box spring, and headboard without moving furniture around,” advises White. You should also inspect the pillows, sheets, and comforter for stains or spots that may indicate bed bug activity.
While this type of inspection can identify more significant infestations, it may not detect a smaller population of 10 or fewer bed bugs. For a more thorough inspection, which involves moving the mattress and box spring, you should ask for permission from the hotel.
Check the rest of the room
After inspecting the bed and surrounding areas, don’t forget to check other upholstered furniture. “Look on the undersides of couches or chairs, between cushions, and along the seams,” advises Kelley.
Before unpacking, do a thorough inspection and notify the hotel immediately if you find anything suspicious. Consider changing rooms or finding another establishment if necessary. Being proactive is crucial in identifying and addressing any problems early on.
Change rooms if needed
If you discover a bed bug during your inspection, Kelley recommends capturing it carefully and documenting it with photos or videos. “This documentation will help you and hotel management determine the next steps for your stay,” he says. If you choose to switch rooms within the same hotel, make sure to avoid adjacent or directly neighboring rooms to the suspected infestation. Bed bugs can easily travel through housekeeping carts, luggage, and even wall sockets.
Protect your suitcase
Even if your visual inspection doesn’t reveal any signs of bed bugs, it’s still important to take precautions to prevent any unseen pests from coming home with you. One effective measure is to keep your luggage protected during your trip. “Consider placing your suitcase in a plastic bag or protective cover to ensure that bed bugs cannot infest it before your departure,” suggests Campbell. Some travelers also choose to keep their suitcases in the bathroom or bathtub, away from carpeting and upholstery.
Inspect and clean your belongings at home
Protecting against bed bugs doesn’t end when you leave the hotel. Whether or not you found evidence of bed bugs, it’s a good idea to take precautions when you return home. “Remember, bed bugs travel by hitchhiking. After your trip, inspect your suitcases before bringing them into the house,” advises Campbell. “Thoroughly vacuum your suitcase and consider using a garment hand steamer to kill any bed bugs or eggs that may have hitched a ride.”
Campbell also suggests drying all the clothes from your luggage on high heat for at least 20 minutes to eliminate bed bugs and eggs. If you suspect an infestation in your home, seek professional assistance. “Bed bugs are difficult to control and not a DIY pest,” Campbell warns. “Homeowners should immediately dry bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing on high heat and vacuum the infested area. Then, contact a licensed pest control professional for proper inspection and treatment.”
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
