As you begin to make this year’s holiday travel arrangements I expect the last thing on your mind is bed bugs. But the holiday season is the busiest travel time of the year, and that seasonal increase in travel means an increased risk for bed bug encounters. So before you book your flights and hotel rooms we need to talk a little about protecting yourself from bed bugs as you celebrate the festive season.
Research Your Accommodations Before Booking
Once you’ve decided on a destination you should take time to research where you plan to stay. Check out some online reviews of potential hotels or resorts, with an eye towards those mentioning cleanliness or pest problems.
Websites like TripAdvisor and Bed Bug Registry offer reports from guests who have encountered bed bugs during their stay. Remember, even high-end hotels and resorts can experience occasional bed bug infestations. But those that respond quickly to customer complaints and demonstrate a history of rigorous cleanliness standards are typically a safer option.
If you are renting through a platform like Airbnb or Vrbo, check for recent feedback or contact the hosts directly. Ask about their pest control history and practices. Asking if they rely on professional inspections and treatments is good way to gauge how seriously they take the comfort and welfare of their guests.
Inspect Your Room
After a long trip the first thing you want to do is check into your hotel, throw your luggage on the bed, and unpack. But it’s important to take some time to inspect your room first. Place your bags in the bathroom while you perform a quick inspection. Bed bugs prefer fabric and wood, not smooth tiled surfaces, so right now the bathroom is the safest place for your luggage.
Examine the bed and surrounding areas first. Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress, particularly along the seams and near the headboard. Look for small reddish-brown stains (dried blood or fecal spots), shed skins, or living bed bugs. Don’t forget to check behind the headboard, along the bed frame, and around any nearby furniture.
If you find any signs of bed bugs request a new room in a different part of the hotel. Moving to a room next to the one you’re vacating may not protect you, as bed bugs can easily travel to neighboring rooms.
Keep Your Luggage Protected
Even in clean rooms it’s smart to take precautions with your bags and belongings. Use a luggage rack instead of placing your suitcases on the bed or the floor. Keep the rack away from walls and upholstered furniture, as these are prime hiding spots for bed bugs.
For added security you might consider using luggage liners to store clothing and personal items while traveling. If possible choose a hard-shell suitcase as opposed to soft fabric bags. These are more difficult for bed bugs to cling to and hide on. If at all possible, hang your clothes rather than keeping them in hotel drawers where bed bugs may be hiding.
Use Caution as You Travel
Bed bugs aren’t only a problem in hotels and resorts. They can also be found in buses, trains, taxis and airplanes. During your journey avoid placing your bags and other personal items on upholstered seats or carpeting. When flying try to keep your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment rather than under your seat where bed bugs may be hiding.
If you check your luggage, remember that baggage handling areas see thousands of bags daily. It’s all too easy for pests to transfer from one bag to another. Consider sealing your suitcase in a protective cover before checking it in, and wipe it down upon arrival to remove any potential hitchhikers.
Promptly Launder Your Clothes When Returning Home
Once your trip is over, take steps to ensure you didn’t bring any unwanted passengers home. Avoid unpacking in your bedroom or on carpeted areas. Instead, unpack in a laundry room or on a hard floor where bugs are easier to spot.
Wash all of your clothes, whether they were worn or not, in a hot wash. Dry everything on the highest setting. Bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive high temperatures, so this should kill off any strays you may have picked up on your travels.
Before you put your luggage away, be sure to vacuum your suitcases thoroughly. Pay close attention to seams and pockets, and dispose of the vacuum cleaners contents in an outdoor trash bin.
Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season
Bed bugs are expert travelers, but with a little awareness and preparation, you can keep them from joining in on your holiday travels. Researching your lodgings, inspecting your hotel rooms, and careful handling of luggage can help reduce your risk for bed bugs. The key is to stay alert without letting the prospect of bed bug interactions spoil your holiday cheer.
Published by Scott Palatnik
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