Before You Book
Research your hotel prior to booking. Refer to the bed bug registry. Check out the reviews posted by other hotel guests to see if there are any negative reviews. If you notice many repeat posts about bed bugs, or any other concerning topic, you may want to reconsider booking.
During Your Stay
Just after entering your room, take your luggage and other bags and place them in the bathtub. This is a safe place to store your things while you take the time to inspect the room.
You will need to inspect the mattress straight away. You do not need any special tools to do this. Start by removing the comforter and sheets, exposing the mattress. Check the seams and inspect all four corners of the mattress, box spring and head board. You will be looking for any brown, oval shaped bugs, approximately the size of an apple seed. Also keep your eyes open for fecal matter, eggs and any strange musty odours. Bed bugs also love furniture. If your room comes with a side chair or sofa, inspect them carefully.
If you find bed bugs in your hotel room immediately notify the front desk.
Keep your luggage and other bags off the floor and bed during your stay. Most rooms come with a luggage stand. Inspect it before setting your luggage down on it. Luggage stands are often overlooked but the truth is, bed bugs may be found on the luggage stand as they have come in contact with other travelers’ luggage.
Tip: It's a good idea to bring along a large plastic bag to put your dirty clothes into. This will reduce the chance that you will get bed bugs on these items, and then bring them home with you.
When you get home
After you return home from your hotel stay, take the below steps to reduce the risk of bringing any possible bed bugs into your home:
- Immediately launder all the clothing that you brought with you. If items cannot be laundered straight away, keep them sealed tightly in a bag.
- If you are concerned about possible hitchhikers on your suitcase, use a vacuum to clean your suitcase, inside and out. Discard any contents of the vacuum right away.
- Store your suitcase in a large plastic bag, sealed tightly, until its time to travel again.
