How can you avoid bringing bedbugs home from an infected hotel? - briefly
Inspect luggage and clothing with a flashlight before packing, seal items in zip‑lock bags, and wash or dry‑clean clothes on high heat immediately after returning. Then place the suitcase in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours or freeze it for several days to eliminate any hidden pests before entering the home.
How can you avoid bringing bedbugs home from an infected hotel? - in detail
Travelers can inadvertently carry bedbugs from a compromised lodging into their own homes. The following measures minimize that risk.
Inspect the room before unpacking. Look for live insects, dark spots, or shed skins on mattress seams, headboards, nightstands, and upholstered furniture. Use a flashlight to examine cracks and crevices. If evidence appears, request a different room or change hotels immediately.
Pack belongings in a way that isolates them from potential infestation.
- Store clothing in sealed plastic bags or airtight vacuum‑sealed containers.
- Keep shoes in zip‑lock bags; avoid placing them on the floor.
- Place luggage on a luggage rack or a hard surface away from the bed; do not set it on upholstered chairs.
- Use a luggage liner that can be removed and washed after the stay.
During the stay, keep personal items off the bed and away from walls. Avoid leaving garments on the floor or draped over furniture. If possible, keep the suitcase closed when not in use.
When returning home, follow a strict decontamination routine.
- Remove all sealed bags from luggage and place them directly into a washing machine on hot water (≥ 60 °C) or discard if non‑washable.
- Empty the suitcase outdoors, shaking it vigorously to dislodge any hidden insects.
- Vacuum the interior of the luggage, paying special attention to seams and folds; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Launder all clothing and fabrics from the trip on the highest temperature safe for the material.
- If items cannot be washed, place them in a freezer set to –20 °C for at least 72 hours.
Inspect your home’s sleeping area after the trip. Look for signs of bedbugs in bed frames, mattress edges, and nearby furniture. If any indication of infestation appears, treat the area with an appropriate insecticide or consult a professional pest‑control service. These steps collectively reduce the likelihood of transporting bedbugs from a hotel to your residence.