How to avoid taking bedbugs with you? - briefly
Before departing, examine luggage, clothing, and belongings for signs of infestation and seal them in airtight bags. Launder all fabrics on the hottest cycle possible and dry them at high temperature to kill any hidden insects.
How to avoid taking bedbugs with you? - in detail
Inspect luggage before leaving a hotel or infested residence. Use a flashlight to examine seams, zippers, and fabric folds. Remove all items and shake them outdoors to dislodge hidden insects. Place a disposable bag over the suitcase opening while inspecting, then seal the bag and discard it.
When packing, choose hard‑shelled containers that can be wiped down with alcohol or a diluted bleach solution. Seal clothing in zip‑lock bags or vacuum‑sealed pouches; avoid folding garments that create creases where bugs can hide. Keep personal items such as shoes, electronics, and toiletries separate from bedding.
During travel, keep luggage elevated on luggage racks rather than on the floor or bed. Cover suitcases with a thin plastic sheet that can be removed and cleaned after arrival. Upon reaching the destination, isolate bags in a garage or utility room, then vacuum the interior and wipe surfaces with an insecticidal spray labeled for bedbugs.
If returning home, immediately launder all clothing and fabrics at the hottest temperature the material tolerates (minimum 120 °F/49 °C). Dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. For non‑washable items, place them in a sealed bag and store in a freezer set to –4 °F (–20 °C) for at least four days.
Maintain a routine of regular checks on bedding, furniture, and luggage. Use interceptor trays under bed legs to detect early infestations. Apply a bed‑bug‑specific spray to luggage corners and seams every few months if travel is frequent.
Key preventive actions:
- Visual inspection of all belongings before and after travel.
- Use of sealed, heat‑treated or frozen storage for clothing and accessories.
- Elevation of luggage away from floors and beds.
- Immediate high‑temperature laundering or freezing of suspect items.
- Periodic monitoring with interceptors and targeted insecticide application.