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Title: How to Spot and Avoid Bed Bugs While Traveling
After a long day of travel, there’s nothing better than crawling into bed—unless you’re not the only one doing so. Before settling in at your hotel or vacation rental, experts recommend checking for bed bugs to avoid bringing these unwelcome guests home.
“Bed bugs can be found anywhere people sleep,” says Benjamin Hottel, an entomologist with pest control company Orkin. “Whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb, or a cabin in the woods, there’s always a chance they’re present.”
Though infestations are relatively rare, Hottel advises travelers to always assume bed bugs could be around and take precautions accordingly.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from bed bugs while traveling—and what to do if you find them.
First Signs of Bed Bugs
While bites are often the first clue, they’re not always reliable. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bed bug bites can resemble other insect bites, rashes, or hives. Some people may not react to bites at all.
Instead, look for physical evidence of bed bugs, including:
– Live bugs (about the size of an apple seed)
– Shed skins
– Tiny white eggs
– Small black fecal spots
– Rust-colored stains on bedding or mattresses
Check common hiding spots like mattress seams, box springs, headboards, and furniture crevices. In severe cases, they may also be found in curtain folds, drawer joints, and even behind wallpaper. Fortunately, most hotels have protocols to catch infestations early.
How to Identify a Bed Bug
Bed bugs are visible to the naked eye unless they’ve just hatched. Adults are oval-shaped, flat, and range in color from translucent yellow-white to reddish-brown. They have six legs, no wings, and emit a sweet, musty odor.
How to Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Home
Orkin recommends the acronym S.L.E.E.P. to help travelers remember key prevention steps:
– S: Search the room for signs of bed bugs.
– L: Lift and look under mattresses, sheets, cushions, and furniture.
– E: Elevate your luggage on racks, away from the bed and walls.
– E: Examine your luggage carefully when repacking and again at home.
– P: Place all dryer-safe clothing in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes after returning home.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
If you discover bed bugs in your room, the Bed Bug Legal Group suggests:
– Taking photos of the bugs or any signs of infestation.
– Documenting any bites or damage to your belongings.
– Reporting the issue to hotel management immediately.
Can You Get a Refund?
Refunds vary by hotel and location. Some travelers have pursued legal action in bed bug cases. For example, two hotel guests in California were awarded $2 million after a bed bug incident.
What If You Slept in a Room with Bed Bugs?
If you suspect you stayed in a room with bed bugs, inspect your luggage and belongings thoroughly before bringing them inside. Michigan State University Extension recommends unpacking on a hard surface under bright light to spot any hitchhikers.
To kill potential bed bugs:
– Wash and dry clothing at the highest temperature the fabric allows.
– Freeze non-washable items for 1–2 weeks.
– Store luggage in a sealed plastic bag in a hot garage or shed for several days.
“Bed bugs can survive a long time without feeding,” Hottel says, “but high temperatures—90 to 100 degrees—can kill them off.”
Still concerned? Consider contacting a pest control professional for an inspection.
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By taking a few simple precautions, you can rest easy knowing you’ve done your part to avoid bringing bed bugs home from your travels.
Source: usatoday.com