Traveling is exciting, but it’s also when you’re most likely to encounter bed bugs. These tiny hitchhikers thrive in places with high turnover—hotels, buses, even luggage carousels.
While they don’t transmit diseases, bed bugs are masters of disruption. The bites, the itching, and worst of all, the risk of bringing them home are enough to turn any trip into a nightmare.
But here’s the good news: a few simple precautions can save you a lot of trouble. Let’s dive into how to prevent bed bugs when traveling so you can enjoy your journey without unwanted stowaways.
Before You Hit the Road
A little preparation can go a long way. The key to staying bed bug-free starts with how you pack and prepare for your trip.
Choose the Right Luggage
Bed bugs aren’t picky, but they prefer fabric over hard surfaces. Opt for hard-sided luggage to make it harder for them to latch on. Bonus: it’s also easier to clean if you suspect exposure.
Pack Smart
Seal your clothes in airtight, resealable plastic bags. Not only does this keep bed bugs out, but it also gives you peace of mind knowing your clothes are protected. Pack extra bags for any souvenirs you pick up along the way.
Add a Flashlight to Your Travel Kit
A small flashlight is invaluable for inspecting your accommodations (more on that later). Even the fanciest hotels can harbor bed bugs, and a quick check can save you a headache later.
Skip DIY Sprays
Pesticides on your luggage or clothes? Not a great idea. These sprays are rarely effective against bed bugs and could irritate your skin or respiratory system. Stick to proven methods instead.
Bed Bugs: How to Avoid Them at Your Destination
Once you arrive, staying vigilant is crucial. Hotels, motels, and vacation rentals can all host bed bugs if proper precautions aren’t taken. Here’s what to do:
Ask About Bed Bug Protocols
Don’t shy away from asking about bed bug prevention measures. A well-managed property will have regular inspections and access to professional pest control services.
Keep Luggage Elevated
Bed bugs are ground dwellers. Avoid placing your bags on the floor or upholstered furniture. Use a luggage rack or, in a pinch, put your bags in the bathroom until you’ve inspected the room.
Stay Organized
Keep your clothes in those sealed bags you packed earlier. This not only keeps bed bugs out but also makes unpacking a breeze.
How to Inspect a Hotel Room for Bed Bugs
You don’t have to be an expert to spot bed bugs—just know where and how to look. Follow these steps:
Start With the Bed
Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams, corners, and tags. Bed bugs leave behind clues like tiny black spots (their droppings), shed skins, or reddish-brown stains.
Check the Headboard
Shine your flashlight around the headboard and nearby wall. Bed bugs often hide in crevices during the day.
Examine Furniture
Inspect upholstered chairs, couches, and even curtains. Focus on seams and folds where bed bugs love to nest.
Look Inside Drawers
Bed bugs don’t just hang out in beds—they can also hide in nightstands and dressers. Open drawers and give them a quick check.
Demand a New Room If Necessary
If you find any signs of bed bugs, notify the hotel staff immediately. Request a new room, and make sure it’s not adjacent to the infested one—bed bugs can travel through walls.
During Your Stay
Even if your initial inspection comes up clean, don’t let your guard down. Bed bugs are sneaky, and consistent vigilance is your best defense.
Keep Bags Zipped
Always keep your luggage zipped closed when not in use. This simple habit minimizes the chances of anything crawling inside.
Avoid Overpacking
The less you unpack, the less exposure your belongings have to potential pests. Consider keeping most of your items in your suitcase throughout your stay.
Coming Home Without Unwanted Guests
Your trip may be over, but you’re not out of the woods yet. Bed bugs are notorious for sneaking into luggage and hitching a ride home. Here’s how to make sure that doesn’t happen:
Unpack Strategically
Unpack your bags in a bright, easy-to-clean area like your bathroom or laundry room. The light-colored surfaces make spotting bugs easier.
Inspect Your Luggage
Check seams, zippers, and pockets for any signs of bed bugs. If you’re worried, vacuum your suitcase with a crevice tool and empty the vacuum contents outside.
Launder Everything
Wash all your clothes in hot water and dry them on the highest setting the fabric allows. Heat is deadly to bed bugs, so don’t skip this step, even for unworn items.
Steam Clean Non-Washables
For items that can’t go in the washer, like shoes or your suitcase itself, a handheld steamer is a great option. Bed bugs can’t survive high heat, making steam a reliable choice.
What to Do If Bed Bugs Follow You Home
Despite your best efforts, bed bugs can sometimes make it back. If that happens, don’t panic. EasyPM specializes in heat treatment—a proven method that eradicates bed bugs at all stages of their life cycle, including eggs.
Unlike chemical treatments, which can take multiple sessions, our heat treatment works in a single session and reaches even the most hidden spots. Plus, our discreet service ensures your neighbors won’t know what’s happening.
Why Heat Treatment Works
Here’s the science: bed bugs can’t survive temperatures above 120°F. EasyPM’s heat treatments safely raise the temperature to 140°F to eliminate bed bugs without damaging your belongings.
With a 98% success rate and a six-month warranty, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected. And if they do return? We’ll retreat the area free of charge.
EasyPM Is Your Trusted Solution for Bed Bugs
Travel doesn’t have to mean worrying about bed bugs. Now that you know how to prevent bed bugs when traveling, you can protect yourself, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
And if bed bugs ever do become a problem, EasyPM is here to help. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let us handle the rest.