How to avoid bed bugs at a hotel

Bed bugs can be an unpleasant surprise when traveling — and a pretty quick vacation ruiner. So since 75% of bed bug outbreaks occur at hotels, here are some tips to help you avoid them! 

How to check for bed bugs at a hotel

In order to avoid bed bugs, you’ll want to thoroughly inspect the hotel room where you’re staying. The tiny bloodsuckers can hide in mattresses, box springs and also furniture.

To search for them, leave your luggage in the bathroom first and inspect the other parts of the room. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it’s best to use a flashlight. Adult bed bugs, nymphs, and eggs are visible to the naked eye. 

If you see reddish, rust-colored stains on the mattress or sheets, be sure to ask for a new room — and not one next to the room you just inspected. 

Even if all looks clear, leave your luggage on the suitcase rack and keep your belongings off the bed and furniture just to be on the safe side. 

If you happen to collect some bed bugs on your travels, the best way to get rid of them, according to Consumer Reports, is to put your travel clothes in a hot dryer for 30 minutes. Also, be sure to store empty luggage in the garage or a hot attic, where temperatures above 120° F will kill bed bugs. 

Read more: 5 things to know about the deadly ‘kissing bug’ and Chagas disease