How not to bring bedbugs home? - briefly
Inspect hotel bedding and furniture before unpacking, keep luggage sealed in plastic bags, and wash all clothing on high heat immediately after travel. Avoid placing items on the floor or upholstered surfaces and use a dedicated suitcase liner.
How not to bring bedbugs home? - in detail
Preventing the accidental transport of bedbugs requires a systematic approach before, during, and after any exposure to potentially infested environments.
Before entering a suspect area, inspect luggage, clothing, and personal items for live insects, shed skins, or dark spots that may indicate presence. Pack belongings in sealed plastic bags or hard‑shell suitcases that close tightly; avoid soft bags that can be penetrated. Use disposable shoe covers or keep shoes in a sealed container separate from other items.
During travel or visits, keep clothing on hangers rather than folding on surfaces. Do not place bags on beds, sofas, or upholstered furniture. If possible, store luggage on a metal rack or a clean floor away from fabric. Limit the number of items taken into the location to those essential for the purpose of the trip.
After leaving the site, follow a decontamination routine. Immediately place all clothing in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills all life stages of the insect. For non‑washable fabrics, seal them in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for a minimum of 72 hours. Vacuum suitcases, backpacks, and any hard surfaces, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister thoroughly. Wipe the interior of luggage with an alcohol‑based solution or a mild detergent, focusing on seams and folds.
Maintain a regular inspection schedule at home. Examine mattress seams, box‑spring edges, and headboards weekly for tiny, rust‑colored spots or shed skins. Use protective encasements on mattresses and box springs; these barriers prevent insects from entering or escaping. Keep clutter to a minimum, as piles of clothes or papers provide hiding places.
If an infestation is suspected, isolate the affected area by sealing it with plastic sheeting and contact a professional pest‑management service promptly. Early intervention limits spread and reduces the need for extensive treatment.