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Bed bugs are rated as one of the 5 worst things that can happen during a trip. When traveling, you can often encounter these tiny, blood-sucking insects in hotels, hostels, or public transportation.
However, this shouldn’t by any means stop you from going on a vacation. You’ll only need to learn how to avoid bed bugs before traveling, which isn’t actually difficult.
Licensed bed bug control specialists from Fantastic Pest Control are here to share some tips to integrate as a part of your travel routine the next time you set off exploring.
1. Research Your Travel Location
Before you embark on your next trip, research your travel destination well. Don’t look only for famous sights and fancy restaurants.
Find some information about previous bed bug cases in the area. You can use the bed bug registry website or research old travel posts and forums discussing the topic.
2. Pack Smartly
Bed bugs are extremely good hitchhikers, which means they can crawl into your luggage, clothing, and other personal items, and you’ll bring them home without even knowing. Fortunately, you can take bed bug prevention precautions before your trip begins.
- Pack your clothes in plastic bags or travel luggage bags Besides that, prepare a big bag where you can put your suitcase once you’ve arrived in the hotel or hostel room.
- If you tend to bring bedding with you, reconsider this Don’t bring your own pillow, as it can give bed bugs another place to hide and a chance to come home with you.
- A light-colored plastic suitcase is the best option. Bed bugs are less attracted to plastic, and the lighter color makes them easier to spot. If your suitcase is dark colored or made of cloth, enclose it in a white plastic garbage bag and seal
3. Carry a Bug Spray
Travel-sized bug spray can be of great help. It’s recommended to buy a non-toxic one, preferably with natural ingredients. Spray the hotel or hostel bed, the nightstand, and the area around your suitcase.
You can also use the repellent when you are on public transportation. Keep in mind that if you only have carry-on luggage at the airport, the amount of bug spray you bring with you cannot exceed 100 mL, or it will be confiscated.
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4. Inspect Your Room
An essential bed bug preventative measure is to perform a complete inspection when you first enter your hotel or hostel room.
- Place your travel bags in the bathroom as it’s the area that’s the least likely to be For extra safety, put your luggage in the bathtub if there is one.
- A tile floor away from any upholstered furniture is the best place to store your luggage until you’re sure the room is clean of bed
- Check the sheets, pillows, mattress, covers, nightstands, and drawers for signs of bed Slowly lift each corner of the mattress and examine the creases of the mattress and box spring.
Check behind the headboard, the bed frame and legs, and the wall behind the bed. Look for small dark red or brown spots, along with eggs or the bugs themselves. If you’ve never seen bed bugs or their eggs before, google some images in advance.
- Use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the closet, paying special attention to any cracks or
- Take your luggage out of the bathroom once you’re sure there aren’t any signs of bed
- Place your shoes in an open area during your Don’t store anything under the bed.
- Keep your clothes in your suitcase or travel bag instead of on the furniture for extra
If you can, use metal luggage racks. Bed bugs can’t easily climb metal surfaces, so they’re your suitcase’s ideal overnight storage spot. Keep the rack away from the walls and wooden furniture.
5. Check Your Body for Bed Bug Bites
After the first night in the room, you’re staying in, check for any red marks on your skin. Bed bug bites can sometimes cause an allergic reaction, which results in swollen, red rashes all over the body. If you notice anything unusual, inform the hotel management as soon as possible, and they can give you another room.
However, the best course of action is to ask for a refund and look for another hotel or hostel. If there’s an infestation in one of the rooms, the chances are that there’s another one in the next room you’ll be given.
6. Do an Inspection When You Return from Your Trip
As a preventative step, do a final, thorough inspection of your belongings once you’ve returned home.
- Place your luggage on a hard surface away from any places bed bugs can crawl into and hide before bringing it inside your house, and check it
- Unpack your clothing and inspect personal items, such as your hairbrush and cosmetic case, for signs of bed
- Wash all your clothes and fabric items in hot water, regardless of whether you’ve worn them or
- Dry non-washable items in the dryer at the highest temperature for 30
- Vacuum your suitcase, seal the contents in a garbage bag, and throw it right Wash the vacuum cleaner brush or nozzle attachments in hot water with detergent.
Bottom Line
Don’t take bed bug prevention measures lightly, and follow the above tips for a pest-free vacation so you don’t accidentally bring back bed bugs as a souvenir from your travels. Even just a few of them can start an infestation.
If you suspect a bed bug outbreak after you’ve returned, don’t just take things into your own hands. It’s best to hire a pest control expert with the knowledge and skills to deal with it efficiently and safely.
