How to avoid catching bedbugs in a hotel? - briefly
Inspect the room before unpacking—check mattress seams, headboard, and furniture for tiny dark spots or live insects, and keep luggage on a raised rack or sealed bag. Wash all clothing on high heat and store belongings in plastic containers until departure.
How to avoid catching bedbugs in a hotel? - in detail
Travelers can reduce the risk of bringing home bedbugs by following a systematic approach before, during, and after a hotel stay.
Before booking, compare reviews that mention pest control and examine recent traveler photos for signs of infestation. Choose accommodations that advertise regular inspections or have a documented pest‑management program. When possible, request a room on a higher floor and away from wall‑adjacent units, as these locations are less likely to share cracks or gaps with neighboring rooms.
Upon arrival, conduct a quick visual inspection. Lift the mattress edge and look for dark spots, shed skins, or live insects. Examine the headboard, seams, and any fabric folds. Use a flashlight to check behind picture frames, wall hangings, and under the bed frame. If any evidence appears, request a different room immediately and document the condition with photos.
During the stay, keep luggage off the floor. Store suitcases on a luggage rack, a hard‑surface table, or in the bathroom, where bedbugs are less likely to travel. Seal clothing in zip‑top bags before unpacking. Avoid placing personal items on the bed or upholstered chairs. When returning to the room after being outside, inspect shoes and outerwear for hitchhiking insects.
Before checking out, perform a final sweep of the luggage interior and surrounding area. Vacuum the suitcase if possible, then empty the contents into a sealed bag. Wash all clothing on the hottest cycle the fabric allows, and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Keep the sealed bag until you can launder or discard it at home.
If an infestation is suspected, notify hotel management promptly, request written confirmation of the complaint, and keep all correspondence. Retain receipts and photographs for potential insurance claims or legal action. Reporting helps the property address the problem and prevents future guests from exposure.
By integrating pre‑travel research, in‑room inspection, proper luggage handling, and thorough post‑stay decontamination, travelers can substantially lower the chance of acquiring bedbugs from hotel accommodations.