How to Avoid Bed Bugs in Hotel Rooms

Just when we all thought of bed bugs as a thing of the past, they've made an awful comeback. We've all heard about them in the news and media, so what can you do to avoid bed bugs? One of the primary ways bed bug infestations are acquired is after vacations or travels.

Remember, bed bugs are not a product of filth. They don't care whether you're staying in a cheap motel or 5-star resort. They are also very small, so you have to know what to look for, and where.

There's a lot you can do to mitigate your risk of bringing these unwanted pests home with you after your next family vacation or business trip, so take follow these simple steps and with a little precaution your home can remain bed bug-free!

#1. Do your research!

Of course, the best way to avoid bed bugs during your travels is to avoid accommodations where there are bed bugs. Check popular travel review sites like TripAdvisor and The Bed Bug Registry before you choose your hotel. Take advantage of the information you have available to you and make an informed decision.

#2. Pack smart!

Hard-shell luggage is the best choice to avoid bed bugs. Cloth-sided luggage is inviting to bed bugs to hide away in. Regardless of what type of luggage you have, repack everything inside your suitcases in large resealable plastic bags. Keep them closed through your entire stay except when you are taking out items. After you wear clothes, back them away in separate bags. Then, when you get home, wash them in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any bed bugs you may have carried home.

#3. Inspect the room!

Bring a small flashlight with you when you first visit the room. Bed bugs are nocturnal so if you're checking in during the day they can be especially hard to spot. Lift up the mattress and look around the edges and corners of the box spring. Adult bed bugs are oval and brown to red in colour. They leave droppings and shed their exoskeletons, so it is often easier to spot these signs of bed bugs than the actual bed bugs themselves. Look especially closely around the seams, piping and any folds or ruffles in the mattress or box spring.

Follow these simple steps and you should be bringing home just memories. If you do find that bed bugs have gotten into your home, the most important thing to do is to act fast. Call Nimby Pest Management right away!