Many hotels receive visitors regularly. From tourist seasons like summer to off-peak travel periods, many travelers search for a place to stay as long as they need. Vacancies come and go, but if these hotel rooms are not adequately cared for, permanent residents may reside there. Yes, we’re talking about bed bugs.
Since some hotels may not be proactive in their pest control, whether they are budget options or luxury resorts, encountering bed bugs is not always out of the question. It can reach a point where you bring home an unwanted souvenir of their presence, meaning they can move right into your home as well. This guide will help you protect yourself from bed bugs in hotels, so let’s begin with what you need to know.
What Are Bed Bugs And Why Do Hotels Have Issues With Them?
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects. Because they are nocturnal, you won’t see them in broad daylight; they hide in small, dark crevices. When they come out at night, they bite you, as human blood is their preferred food. Even more alarming is their ability to survive for months without being fed.
Hotels are often places where you can find them due to high guest turnover. For this reason, hotel staff, including housekeeping, must remain vigilant in preventing such issues. What you might not know is that even the cleanest hotels can have a pest problem that goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
How to Check a Hotel Room for Bed Bugs
Conducting a bed bug inspection might not be high on a traveler’s to-do list after arriving at their hotel. They’re likely exhausted from a long flight or just want to move on to the next part of their trip. Still, it’s a good idea to take a proactive approach for your own peace of mind. Here are the steps to inspect your hotel room for bed bugs:
- Keep your luggage outside your room: Choose a designated area, such as a bathroom or a hard surface. Keep it away from fabric surfaces if you can.
- Inspect the mattress and bed frame: This task may be challenging, depending on the room’s lighting conditions. However, you’ll want to inspect the mattress seams, including the area near the head of the bed. Be on the lookout for any small brown or red stains as it can be blood or even droppings. Also, look for tiny white eggs or even live bugs. Use the flashlight on your phone for better lighting, if necessary.
- Check the nightstands and headboards: Because bed bugs love small cracks and crevices, these areas can be excellent places for inspection. Go behind and around the headboard, the wall edges, and inside drawers.
- Don’t forget the luggage rack: If you’re using one, check the joints and straps for damage.
- Upholstered furniture and curtains: If your room features a fabric chair or sofa, inspect the cushions and seams carefully. Curtains are also something to consider because bed bugs can use them to climb up and search for small places to hide.
What Are The Common Signs of Bed Bugs?
Knowing the common signs of bed bugs can be your best defense against bed bugs. Especially when the last thing you need is to take them home with you (albeit unintentionally). Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Stains that are a rusty or reddish color
- Dark spots that are very small in size
- Tiny white eggs or egg shells that measure around 1mm in size
- Musty odors are emitted from scent glands. This is an indication of a large infestation
- Live bed bugs in seams and crevices
If you notice any of these in your hotel room, notify the staff as soon as possible. Taking action now, rather than never, can make a massive difference between leaving bed bugs behind and risking an infestation in your own home.
What If Your Hotel Has Bed Bugs: Actions To Take
If bed bugs or any signs of their presence have been confirmed, you’ll want to take the necessary actions as soon as possible. Delaying can be a massive mistake on your part. Here’s what you need to do:
- Document the evidence: Make sure you take clear photos or videos of any evidence you find. This includes live bed bugs, stains, or bites. You can use this to request a room change or file a complaint.
- Report it immediately: By notifying hotel management, they’ll be made aware of the problem and promptly make arrangements for room changes. Be sure to request a room on a different floor, as bed bugs can infest the adjacent rooms on the original floor through the walls and ceilings.
- Inspect your belongings before moving them: Never move your luggage to your new room without first performing a thorough inspection. Bed bugs love to travel. The only difference is that one of their modes of transport is your luggage.
- Launder everything upon arrival home: wash all your clothes in hot water. After transferring them to the dryer, set it to high heat. Bed bugs die if the temperatures exceed 120 degrees (F).
- Contact EasyPM: If you suspect that you have brought bed bugs home, it’s essential to contact a bed bug expert who can provide effective heat treatment. EasyPM offers a safe solution to eliminate bed bugs and eradicate infestations in a single treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you see bed bugs with the naked eye?
Yes, you can see bed bugs. However, they may be tiny in size, measuring approximately 4 to 5 mm in length. However, they typically elongate after feeding.
Should I leave a review if I find bed bugs?
The short answer: yes. You want the review to be polite but honest. This will ensure that future travelers are informed about the situation. At the same time, give the hotel a chance to handle the issue accordingly.
Do bed bugs only live in beds?
No. As mentioned earlier, they will typically take up shelter in small crevices and cracks. These will generally include electrical outlets, baseboards, and other types of furniture.
Let EasyPM Handle The Bed Bug Problem You Didn’t Want To Bring Home
If you have traveled recently to a hotel with bed bugs, your next step is to contact us immediately. At EasyPM, we handle bed bugs with a heat treatment that is guaranteed to kill them. Regardless of whether it’s the eggs, nymphs, or adults, no bed bug survives after we address the issue. In the meantime, use this guide to inspect your hotel room for bed bugs and determine the necessary actions to take if you discover them. For more information on how we can assist you, contact EasyPM today.
