Bed bugs. Two words that can strike fear in the hearts of even the hardiest travelers. Nobody likes sharing their bed with unwelcome pests. But bed bugs bring a special kind of nightmare. Not only do their nighttime blood feasts leave you itchy and blotchy, but you can also carry them home without realizing it.
After they've hitched a ride, they can quickly infest your home for continuing discomfort. Even worse—they're notoriously difficult to get rid of. As the old saying goes, prevention really is better than cure when it comes to dodging bed bugs.
Enjoy your vacation and keep your home safe from nasties by following several easy but effective tips.
01 Thoroughly research accommodations before booking
With unpleasant hidden surprises potentially lurking between the sheets, it's not enough to simply compare price points and marketing pictures when deciding where to stay on your travels. For the best chances of avoiding bed bugs, scour reviews on sites like TripAdvisor to see if anyone's reported recent problems. The Bed Bug Registry can also increase peace of mind before you book.
And remember: if the bugs are in one room, they're sure to be in others!
02 Invest in Bounce Dryer Sheets and essential oils
If you do unwittingly end up sharing your room with bed bugs, it's vital that you don't carry them away with you. You don't want to ruin other travelers' experiences by being the person responsible for bringing beasties to other accommodations. Even worse (for you), you definitely don't want to invite the blood-sucking critters into your home!
Line your luggage with Bounce dryer sheets and give your sheets and clothes a hearty spray of lavender or peppermint essential oil. Bed bugs hate these fragrances, and it should deter them from coming along for the ride.
03 Inspect your hotel room with a flashlight
Upon arrival at your temporary residence, use a flashlight to check mattress seams, headboards and upholstered furniture for signs of bed bugs. They can also scuttle away and hide behind loose wallpaper and hanging pictures. Nowhere is truly safe from bed bugs! While you likely won't spot actual bugs, telltale signs to look out for include black specks of fecal matter and small dried spots of blood.
You should also keep your eyes peeled for dead bugs and tiny white eggs. A flashlight gives you a better view of dark corners and crevices. Take a deep breath, too—a sweetish, musty odor may also be a sign of unwanted roomies.
04 Use a metal luggage rack
Never place your bags or clothes on the bed. If there are bugs present, this gives them the perfect opportunity to stow away without you noticing. Unfortunately, suitcase seams and backpack pockets are ideal hiding spots for small creatures. Always use a metal luggage rack, placed away from furniture and walls, to store your belongings. Bed bugs find it tough to climb metal.
If your room doesn't have a luggage rack and you suspect bugs are hiding, the next best option is to keep your bags in the bathtub. Not only is the surface difficult to climb, but you're also more likely to spot black bugs walking across a light background.
05 Pack clothes in vacuum-sealed bags
As a matter of routine, keep your clothes in vacuum-sealed bags. The tight surroundings make it all but impossible for bugs to penetrate and take up residence in your clothing. Plus, vacuum-sealing your clothes can protect them from moisture, moths and other insects.
And, if that isn't enough, you'll also enjoy the space-saving benefits of packing in this way. There is even more room for souvenirs!
06 Treat your luggage with non-toxic bed bug spray
Although you wouldn't knowingly check into a place infested with bed bugs, spraying your luggage beforehand with TSA-approved bed bug spray helps you avoid the worst-case scenario and enhances your peace of mind. After all, by the time you realize there's a problem, it's often too late to protect yourself. Make sure sprays are non-toxic so as not to harm your health or those around you.
When you return home, before opening your front door, give your bags another blast to make doubly sure you're not about to carry critters into your private space.
07 Keep luggage in the bathroom
Bed bugs are far less likely to hang out in bathrooms than in bedrooms. After all, bathrooms generally don't have as much feasting material for the nocturnal bugs. Plus, the bugs strike when you're sleeping … and you're not very likely to take a snooze in the shower! If you're worried about bugs, keep your bags in the bathroom. Just make sure not to splash them while bathing.
Perhaps also consider keeping extractor fans running at all times to reduce moisture from building up, which can make your clothes damp and smelly.
08 Use trash bags for dirty laundry
While you're probably cautious with your clean, fresh clothes, it's all too easy to overlook dirty laundry. Don't toss worn clothes into a corner to deal with on the last day. Instead, put them immediately into sealed trash bags to prevent bed bugs from getting cozy. Bagging your clothes up as soon as you've worn them can also make packing up and checking out much quicker and hassle-free.
09 Inspect and treat clothes upon returning home
Although the good-time vibes might fade as soon as you get home, your bed bug awareness shouldn't! It's worth inspecting and treating your luggage and clothes when you return home whether you saw bugs or not, but it's particularly crucial if you spotted bed bugs or experienced bothersome bites. Shake out your garments, preferably outside, and then wash everything in as hot water as possible. Throw in everything, even items that you packed but didn't get around to wearing. After, dry everything on high heat.
If your clothes aren't suitable for drying or you worry that high temperatures will damage them, hang them outside in the sunshine to air.
10 Vacuum and steam-clean your suitcase
Alongside washing and drying your clothes, it's important not to neglect your luggage post-trip. Thoroughly vacuum your suitcase or backpack to remove bugs and eggs, using a small handheld attachment to make sure that you get deep into the folds and creases. Follow up by using a travel steamer to kill any remaining baddies hiding away in the crevices. If you live in a hot place, you could also consider leaving your bags outside under the hot sun for even greater chance of removing any stowaways.
11 Avoid secondhand furniture and clothing
Everyone loves a bargain, and thrifting is definitely good for the planet. However, if you don't know where goods came from, exercise extreme caution when it comes to used clothing and furnishings. For all you know, they may have come from a bed bug-infested property, with tiny bloodsuckers just waiting to set up their new home in your residence.
Essentially, you should be careful when inviting beasties into your house. If in doubt, avoid it. Always inspect and clean items before bringing them inside.
12 Utilize portable bed bug detectors
Various forms of technology now exist to find bed bugs, whether at home or away. It can be well worth investing in such devices for greater peace of mind and protection. Some actively monitor rooms for the presence of creepy crawlies, alerting you to take immediate action. Some also work as traps, luring bugs out of their hiding spots. You could also consider using disposable detectors and traps when you travel.
13 Take precautions on public transportation
Most people consider the possibility of bed bugs in hotel rooms and holiday rentals, but few think of picking up bugs on public transport. However, buses, trains, taxis and even planes can harbor bed bugs. Indeed, bed bugs can lurk anywhere with upholstery and a human food supply … think movie theaters, restaurants, private living rooms and bars. Try not to place bags on the seats or floors of public transport or places with lots of seating. Instead, if possible, utilize metal racks and hooks or hold smaller items.
14 Recognize and report bed bug sightings
Although knowing the signs of bed bugs might not help you avoid them completely, it alerts you to consider switching rooms or accommodations. It also helps property managers control problems before they become unmanageable, protecting themselves and future guests. As soon as you notice evidence of bed bugs, such as droppings or blood, make sure you tell someone in charge. Speak up, too, if you experience bites.
Bed bug bites often form in lines of three, sometimes jokingly referred to as the breakfast, lunch and dinner feed. Unfortunately, some people have allergic reactions to such bites, whereby they are swollen and incredibly itchy.
15 Maintain a bed-bug-free home environment
Make your home as inhospitable as possible for bed bugs at all times, not only when you've just returned from a trip. Regularly clean, dust and vacuum, making sure to reach hidden spots. This can remove stray bugs or eggs before an infestation can take hold. Regularly decluttering and keeping junk to a minimum also reduces the number of places pesky bugs have to hide.
Taking protective measures, knowing the signs to look for, and being proactive in avoiding bed bugs are vital for any traveler. Bed bugs can plague people anywhere — whether you're staying in a cheap and cheerful hostel, a home-from-home apartment or a luxurious five-star hotel, there's always a risk of unwanted roommates. Follow the above tips for greater comfort and bed bug-free travels.
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