Most people don’t think about bed bugs when checking into a hotel, but the bad news is that all hotels and motels can easily and quickly suffer from a bed bug infestation. In fact, even some of the most reputable hotel names known for cleanliness and exceptional service can have a bed bug problem.
It is no surprise that sleeping in a room full of bed bugs can be annoying, painful, and exhausting—but to make matters worse—it is also possible for bed bugs to hitch a ride home with you and cause even more problems.
So, let’s take a look at some tips that can help you avoid bed bugs when booking a hotel.
Check Previous Guest Experiences
First things first, before booking a place to stay, you will probably want to look at reviews, videos, comments, and any other information that can tell you more about the hotel and the service at that hotel. While doing your research, be sure to pay attention to comments about cleanliness and hygiene.
Of course, keep an eye out for any mentions of bed bugs, biting, or anything else indicating that there might have been infestations in the past. Naturally, if you see any mentions of bed bugs, it’s probably best to avoid that accommodation.
Pause on Unpacking Your Luggage
When you’re checking into a hotel room, your first instinct is probably to drop the bags and unpack. However, if you want to avoid picking up bed bugs, you should wait to unpack. If possible, put all your luggage in front of the room until you’ve inspected it for bed bugs.
Additionally, you could also choose to store your luggage in the bathroom, as there are lower chances of finding bed bugs there. Even if you notice bed bugs early on before actually spending the night, the bed bugs can quickly climb into your luggage and join you on your travels—so it is important to reduce your risks.
Inspect Your Room
The only real way to make sure your room doesn’t have bed bugs is to inspect it. You might feel tired from your trip and just want to sit down and relax, but it only takes a few minutes to check everything in your hotel room for bed bugs. Here are the areas you should check:
Check the Mattress, Box Spring and Sheets
Bed bugs are named because of their habit of infesting beds and climbing on top of people at night. Start by inspecting the bed, including the sheets and the mattress. Remove the sheets to see any signs of bed bugs underneath. Once you’ve done that, remove the mattress to inspect the rest of the bed.
Check the Furniture
Once you’ve checked the beds, switch to all the chairs, sofas, and throws. Bed bugs love the CO2 our bodies produce, and they are often hidden in pieces of furniture where we spend time. Remove the covers from the cushions and pick up the cushions to look at the crevices and joints in the furniture.
Inspect Cupboards and Wardrobes
Bed bugs like dark and secluded places to hide, so you should check all wardrobes, cupboards, and drawers. Open them all and inspect thoroughly using a flashlight to see any potential signs. You should also move anything sitting up against the walls and inspect behind furniture as well.
Inspect Other Known Hiding Places
Bed bugs can often be found around piping, in tiny crevices, in furniture cracks, behind pictures, and in cracks in the wall. Take the time to inspect all of these surfaces.
How to Recognize Signs of Bed Bugs
Here are some signs to look for when inspecting your hotel room:
Actual insects
Adult bed bugs are around 5–7 mm in size and are easy to spot when you look closely. These bugs have a red and brown color with a flat body. Don’t look for living bugs only, as you can often find dead specimens in infested areas.
Eggs
If you notice small white dots around an area, those are bed bug eggs. They are usually around 1 mm in size, and you can find them in large groups.
Blood Stains
When crushed, bed bugs that have fed recently will spill blood around the area. If you notice red spots, make sure to inspect the area thoroughly.
Bed Bug Skins or Black Stains
Bed bugs shed their skin as they grow, and these insect remains are typically a sign of a large infestation. On the other hand, bed bug feces manifest as dark spots around the area.
Remember to check the place you plan on staying in before booking to avoid any inconveniences.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Bed Bug Infestation!
Have you had an experience with bed bugs? If so, we may be able to help! Our bed bug attorneys can represent certain types of bed bug clients throughout the United States. Contact us today and explain the circumstances surrounding your incident and we will let you know if you have a case we can assist with!
