How to Check for Bed Bugs in a Hotel Room: A Traveler Guide

Learn how to check for bed bugs in a hotel room with this simple guide. Avoid pests and travel worry-free with these actionable tips.

Ever checked into a hotel after a long flight and couldn’t wait to sink into that cozy bed with its fluffy pillows? But here’s the thing, those perfect-looking beds can sometimes hide a nasty surprise: bed bugs. These sneaky little pests can latch onto your luggage and come home with you, turning your peaceful space into a nightmare. 

I learned this the hard way. A few years ago, on a trip to New York, I had my first run-in with bed bugs. I had no idea what to check for, and by the time I figured it out, it was already too late. That experience taught me one big lesson: being prepared is a key part of business travel essentials. So, I put together this quick guide with practical tips to help you avoid what I went through.

Step 1: Get Ready Before You Check In

Before you set foot in your hotel room, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.

Research the Hotel

Always check reviews online to see if there are any mentions of bed bugs or cleanliness issues. You can also use sites like Bed Bug Registry to see if the hotel has had past problems.

Tip: Don’t assume expensive hotels are safe from bed bugs, luxury doesn’t mean bug-free.

Handle Your Luggage Wisely

When you get to your room, don’t toss your suitcase onto the bed or leave it on the floor. Instead, use the luggage rack (after inspecting it) or put your bag on a smooth, hard surface like a desk. Smooth surfaces make it harder for bugs to get to your things.

After a bad experience with bed bugs, I started packing my clothes in large resalable plastic bags when I travel. It might seem over-the-top, but it’s now second nature and helps protect my stuff.

Step 2: How to Inspect the Bed

The bed is the most likely place to find bed bugs, so start your inspection there.

Check the Mattress and Box Spring

• Start by pulling back the sheets. Carefully check the seams, folds, and corners of the mattress for any signs of bed bugs. Look for dark spots (their droppings), reddish stains (squished bugs), or tiny eggs (about the size of a pinhead).
• Don’t skip the box spring, it’s one of their favorite places to hide. Bed bugs tend to sneak into tight corners where they won’t get disturbed, so take your time inspecting those tricky spots.

Inspect the Headboard

• If you can, take the headboard off the wall to check for cracks, crevices, or gaps where bed bugs might be hiding. If you can’t move it, grab a flashlight and examine the edges carefully.
• Quick Tip: Your phone flashlight is great for this if you don’t have a regular one.

Step 3: Check Furniture, Walls, and Luggage

Bed bugs aren’t limited to the bed; they can hide anywhere.

Furniture

• Inspect upholstered chairs and sofas by removing cushions and checking seams.
• Open nightstand and dresser drawers, paying close attention to joints and corners.
• Look underneath and behind furniture for any signs of infestation.

Walls

• Examine the edges of wallpaper, especially if it’s peeling.
• Check around electrical outlets, light switches, and picture frames.

During one trip, I found a cluster of dark spots behind a painting in my room. It wasn’t bed bugs, fortunately, but it taught me not to overlook less obvious areas.

Luggage and Belongings

• Keep luggage elevated on the luggage rack after inspecting it for bugs.
• Store clothes in sealed plastic bags to prevent bed bugs from accessing them.

Think of your luggage as a fortress. By keeping it off the ground and sealed, you’re building an invisible wall that bed bugs can’t penetrate.

Step 4: What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs

So, what if your worst fear comes true and you spot evidence of bed bugs? Don’t panic, here’s what to do.

Notify Hotel Management

Immediately inform the front desk. Politely but firmly explain what you found. Take photos for documentation.

During my New York encounter, I hesitated to speak up, thinking I might be overreacting. Don’t make that mistake. Hotels are often willing to resolve the issue quickly to protect their reputation.

Request a Room Change

Ask for a room in a different part of the hotel, preferably not adjacent to the infested room. Bed bugs can easily travel between rooms through walls and hallways.

Inspect the New Room

Before settling in, repeat the inspection process to ensure the new room is bug-free.

Step 5: Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Home

The last thing you want is to bring bed bugs back with you. Here’s how to avoid that nightmare:

Post-Trip Luggage Care

• Unpack outside, if possible, or in a garage or laundry room.
• Wash all clothes in hot water and dry on high heat. Bed bugs can’t survive temperatures above 120°F.

Pro Tip: If you suspect your suitcase is contaminated, wipe it down with rubbing alcohol or use a steamer to kill any bugs or eggs.

Inspect Your Home

After returning, keep an eye out for bed bug signs in your bedroom. Early detection is crucial.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Use Bed Bug Deterrents

Consider packing bed bug-proof encasements for your mattress and pillows if you travel frequently. These encasements trap bed bugs and prevent them from spreading.

Travel with a Flashlight

A small flashlight can be invaluable for inspections, especially in poorly lit areas.

Stay Vigilant

Even if you don’t find any signs during your inspection, remain cautious throughout your stay. Avoid leaving clothes or belongings on the bed or floor.

Why This Matters

No one wants to think about bed bugs during a vacation or business trip, but taking these precautions can save you from a lot of grief. Trust me, I’ve been on both sides of this: the unprepared traveler who unknowingly brought bugs home and the vigilant traveler who dodged a repeat disaster.

The good news? Once you make these practices a habit, they become second nature. Checking for bed bugs doesn’t have to be a chore, it’s just another step in ensuring a safe and comfortable stay.

Key Takings

• Traveling should be fun, not stressful, don’t let bed bugs ruin your trip. 
• Follow this guide to protect yourself and your belongings from bed bugs. 
• Preparation is key, it’s not about being paranoid, but being proactive. 
• Peace of mind is the ultimate travel companion.

Additional Resources

1. Bed Bugs 101: A comprehensive guide covering bed bug identification, hiding spots, and prevention tips.
2. The Top 10 Things You Should Know About Bed Bugs: Key facts about bed bugs, including signs of infestation and prevention methods.
3. 10 Things You Should Know About Bed Bugs: Insights into bed bug behavior, their habitats, and how to spot them.
4. How to Protect Yourself from Bed Bugs when Traveling: Practical tips for inspecting luggage, clothing, and hotel rooms to avoid bed bugs while traveling.