Bed bugs are not a sign of a dirty home. They are excellent hitchhikers and can be picked up in hotels, holiday rentals, trains and buses. A few habits on your trip make it far less likely that you bring any home.
When you arrive
- Put your suitcase on the luggage rack or in the bathroom, not on the bed or carpet.
- Pull back the sheets and check the mattress seams and corners, and the headboard, for small brown bugs, tiny pale eggs or dark spots.
- If you see anything, ask for a different room that is not next to or directly above or below the first one.
When you get home
- Unpack outside the bedroom, for example in the hallway or bathroom.
- Put your clothes straight into the washing machine and dry them on the hottest setting the fabric allows.
- Vacuum your suitcase, especially the seams and pockets, and empty the vacuum outside.
- Store the suitcase away from bedrooms.
Signs to watch for afterwards
Look out for itchy bites in a line or small groups, small blood spots on sheets, and dark spots along mattress seams. Bites alone do not prove you have bed bugs, so if you are worried, book an inspection. Bed bugs are hard to clear with shop-bought sprays, and a professional plan usually includes a follow-up visit.