A trip can bring home more than souvenirs. Bed bugs are small hitchhikers that can hide in luggage, folded clothes, and other belongings. They can turn up in many places, and a clean-looking room is not a guarantee they are absent. A few simple checks while traveling and after you return can help lower the chance of bringing them home. (cdc.gov)

Before you settle into your room

Keep your bags closed while you inspect the sleeping area. Use a flashlight if you have one, and check the mattress seams, bed frame, headboard, and nearby furniture for bugs or signs such as shed skins and rusty-colored spots. Inspect the luggage rack before using it, too. (cdc.gov)

If you find signs of bed bugs, tell hotel staff and ask about moving to a different room or lodging. Keep your belongings contained while you sort out next steps, rather than placing them on another bed or upholstered chair.

Keep luggage and clothes off the bed

Set your suitcase on an inspected luggage rack or another hard surface, not on the bed or floor. Keep the bag zipped when you are not using it, and take out only what you need. Avoid storing clothes in drawers or leaving them on upholstered furniture. Bed bugs can hide in luggage seams and clothing folds, so limiting where belongings are placed can reduce opportunities for them to hitch a ride. (19january2017snapshot.epa.gov)

Take care when packing to leave

Before packing, check clothing and other belongings, especially seams, folds, and pockets. If you are concerned about possible exposure, place items in sealed plastic bags until you can treat them at home. Keeping clean and worn clothing separate can also make it easier to handle everything carefully when you return.

Unpack with care at home

If possible, unpack in a laundry area rather than on a bed or sofa. Put travel clothes directly into the dryer, using the hottest setting the fabric can safely tolerate. High heat in a dryer can kill bed bugs; washing alone may not. Check care labels first, and don’t use a setting that could damage the item. (19january2017snapshot.epa.gov)

Inspect your suitcase, including seams, pockets, and corners. Vacuum it if needed, then empty the vacuum contents into a sealed bag and discard them. Store luggage away from bedrooms until you are confident it is clear. If you see signs of bed bugs, keep the bag and nearby items contained while you decide what to do next.

Know what to look for

Bed bugs are small, flat, and reddish-brown. They may also leave shed skins, tiny dark spots, or rusty-colored marks on bedding and nearby furniture. Bites can happen, but they are not enough on their own to confirm bed bugs. Look for additional signs, and remember that some people do not react to bites or may notice them days later. (cdc.gov)

If you find a bug, save it in a sealed container or bag if you can do so safely. A clear sample can help a pest professional identify it. Avoid moving potentially affected belongings around your home, since bed bugs can spread by hiding in personal items. (cdc.gov)

What to do if you suspect bed bugs

Don’t panic, and don’t throw away your belongings right away. Keep suspected items contained, inspect the area around where luggage was placed, and contact a pest control professional experienced in bed bug treatment. Early identification can make it easier to address a problem. (cdc.gov)

Environmental Pest Control provides bed bug control and treatment in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. We use a cutting edge fungicidal treatment that eliminates bed bugs much quicker than chemical treatments and at a fraction of the price of heat treatments! Learn more about Environmental Pest Control’s bed bug services. (environmentalpc.com)