BEST PRACTICES FOR DETERRING BED BUGS IN HOTELS

Protect yourself from bed bugs during hotel stays by implementing practical strategies. Bed bugs thrive in places with high human turnover, like hotels, but thorough inspections, proper handling of personal items, and post-trip precautions can greatly reduce your risk.

FEATURES

• Room Inspections: Check mattresses, box springs, and furniture seams for bugs or black stains.

• Luggage Safety: Use suitcase covers and keep luggage on racks away from walls and beds.

• Avoid Floor Storage: Do not place clothes or suitcases on carpets or furniture.

• Bedding Assessment: Look for live bugs or eggs on sheets and pillowcases.

• Daily Monitoring: Inspect your belongings and sleeping area each morning.

• Post-Trip Cleaning: Wash and dry clothes on high heat, and vacuum luggage thoroughly.

DESCRIPTION

Staying in hotels can sometimes lead to bed bug exposure, but with careful planning and consistent precautions, you can significantly minimize the risk. Begin by inspecting the room thoroughly upon arrival. Use a flashlight to check seams of mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture for live bugs, eggs, or black spots (fecal stains). Elevate your luggage by placing it on a metal rack or in the bathroom—both locations are less accessible to bed bugs. Avoid unpacking clothing into hotel drawers and instead use resealable plastic bags to keep your items secure.

If you find signs of bed bugs, request a different room far from the infested one, as these pests often spread through walls. Each morning, assess your belongings and bedding for new signs of activity, such as shed skins or blood spots. When departing, clean your suitcase by vacuuming and washing its contents in hot water to eliminate potential hitchhikers. These efforts will help ensure a pest-free return home.

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