How can one avoid bringing bedbugs from a hotel home? - briefly
Inspect the mattress, headboard, and luggage area for live insects or shed skins before unpacking, and keep belongings sealed in plastic bags until they can be washed on high heat. Use a luggage liner, avoid placing suitcases on the bed, and immediately launder all clothing at 60 °C to eliminate any hitchhikers.
How can one avoid bringing bedbugs from a hotel home? - in detail
Before leaving a hotel, inspect the sleeping area thoroughly. Look for live insects, shed skins, or dark specks near seams, mattress tags, and headboards. Use a flashlight to examine cracks, baseboards, and upholstered furniture. If any evidence appears, request a room change immediately; otherwise, proceed with the following precautions.
Pack clothing and personal items in sealed plastic bags or zip‑lock containers. Keep luggage closed and positioned on a luggage rack rather than the floor. When returning home, unload bags directly into a washing machine or dryer set to high heat (minimum 120 °F/49 °C) for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be placed in a sealed bag and exposed to heat in a dryer or left in direct sunlight for several hours.
After unpacking, vacuum suitcases, backpacks, and any travel accessories. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the dwelling. Wipe hard surfaces of the luggage with an alcohol‑based disinfectant or a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol.
Consider using a portable heat treatment device or a professional pest‑control service for persistent concerns. Regularly inspect clothing, bedding, and furniture at home for signs of infestation, especially during the first few weeks after travel.
By combining visual inspection, sealed storage, high‑temperature laundering, thorough vacuuming, and prompt post‑trip cleaning, the risk of transporting bedbugs from a hotel environment can be minimized effectively.