How to Avoid Bed Bugs When Traveling

by Tommy Underhill February 25, 2020

Bed bugs can be extremely pesky creatures to eradicate from your home, and an infestation almost always requires the help of a bed bug exterminator in Cincinnati, OH. That’s why it’s important to do everything you can to prevent these pests from invading your home. The source of many infestations is from people traveling and picking up the bed bugs at a hotel or other location and then bringing them home. Here are some ways you can avoid bringing these tiny critters home.

Before Leaving Home

Your bed bug prevention routine should start before you even leave your home. By packing conscientiously you can significantly reduce your chances of bringing home unexpected guests. A hard suitcase is far less likely to provide hiding places for bed bugs because there aren’t as many seams and folds for the bugs to hide in. Pack as many personal items as you can in sealable plastic bags and keep them shut when not in use. For extra protection you can keep your entire suitcase in a garbage bag in your hotel room.

While Traveling

Unfortunately, the hotel room may not be the only source of bed bugs. If you’re flying or riding a train or bus it’s a good idea to look in seams and cracks on the seats for the bugs, which are round and brown.

Arriving at Your Destination

When you get to your hotel be careful what you do with your luggage. It’s best to keep it off the carpet or bed where bugs are most likely to be. Place any luggage on the luggage rack, on a dresser, or in the bathroom. It’s less likely that there will be cracks and small areas where bugs will be hiding.

Inspecting Your Lodgings

Be sure to inspect the room when you get there. Pull back the bed covers and look under all the pillows and linens for little tiny dots that are bed bug excrement. Check out the areas right around the bed, like under and around nightstands or lamps and in the pleats of upholstered furniture. They may even be in the seams of the mattress, box springs, and frame. It’s unlikely that you’ll see bed bugs during the day, but on closer inspection you may find some hidden in nooks or crannies or see their excrement in more obvious places.

If You Suspect Bed Bugs

If you suspect your room has bed bugs, it’s important to notify hotel management right away. A good hotel will provide an alternate room for you, but make sure the room isn’t directly above, below, or next to the infected room. Bed bugs can move between adjacent rooms through wall sockets. Ask the employees what protocol they have when bed bugs are discovered because they may offer additional services to help prevent the spread to your luggage and then your home.

Arriving Home Again

Even if you didn’t see evidence of bed bugs, it’s smart to practice precautions when you arrive home again. Inspect your suitcase outside your home and wash all your clothes on high heat and dry for at least a half hour. If you know your room had bed bugs, you should vacuum and steam clean your suitcase as well. If you do find a bed bug in Cincinnati, be sure to get professional bed bug control right away. TRS Extermination can quickly get an infestation under control, so call us today if you suspect you have a problem.

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