Do you think you’re safe when you’re traveling or just hanging out at a hotel? Not necessarily. According to the EPA, bed bugs are one of the most common household pests. A hotel infested with these bugs can cause problems for its guests.
To be sure you won’t encounter these pests during your travels, you need to know how to check for bed bugs in a hotel.
If you want to travel the world without fear, then keep reading to know how to check for bed bugs in a hotel room.
Inspect the Mattress
When performing a room inspection for bed bugs, checking the mattress is essential. First, pull back the sheets and inspect the box spring and mattress for bed bug bodies, feces, and eggs. Bed bugs typically leave dark spots on mattresses and box springs where they have been feeding, so look for any suspicious evidence.
Also, consider lifting and inspecting the mattress itself. Pay special attention to the mattress seams for signs of bed bugs. If you notice any beads or sticky residue on the seams, this could signal a bed bug problem.
Look For Any Brown or Black Spots
When checking for bed bugs in a hotel room, one of the most important things to look out for is any brown or black spots. These spots indicate bed bug droppings, which is a telltale sign that you will likely find bed bugs in the room as well.
Be sure to check the mattress, sheets, and any furniture in the room thoroughly for any dark spots. Additionally, look for any dark spots on the walls, floors, baseboards, or window/door frames. Bed bugs are small, so be sure to look closely.
Check the Headboard and Nightstands
When checking for bed bugs in a hotel room, the headboard and nightstands should be examined thoroughly. Begin by pushing the headboard away from the bed frame and checking the back of it. As bed bugs often congregate in any cracks or crevices they can find.
Then, use a flashlight to look closely for black or brown spots, which are indicative of bed bugs or their droppings. Checking the seams of the headboard, along with the mattress and box spring, is equally important.
When it comes to nightstands, bedbugs can hide in any nooks and crannies, so each of the drawers should be removed from the nightstand and examined separately.
Paying close attention to the corners and joints, as well as the interior of the drawers where bed bugs can often be found. Vacuum any areas that appear to be infested, and then discard the vacuum bag right away.
Inspect the Upholstered Chairs and Sofas in the Room
When inspecting the upholstered chairs and sofas in a hotel room, first observe the general condition of the furniture. Look for ripped or loose fabric or seams that might indicate a bed bug infestation. Gently lift the cushioning on the furniture and visually inspect and feel for any signs of bed bugs or even their eggs.
If you still don’t feel sure, use a magnifying glass or a paper towel to get a better look and feel. When finished, discard the paper towel in a sealed plastic bag. Finally, look inside any drawers that are part of the furniture, as this could provide a hospitable environment for bed bugs.
Check the Curtains And Drapes
Before diving into bed in any hotel room or other lodging, check the curtains and drapes for signs of bed bugs. Lift the drapes and check along the folds and around the curtains. Look for bed bugs in the pleats of the curtains. Look for eggs and molted bed bug skins.
Also, check around the edges of the window frames for signs of bed bugs. It is important to move the fabric away from the wall while doing this, as bed bugs can live in the tight spaces between the window frame and the wall.
Inspect Your Luggage Before and After Your Stay
When traveling to a hotel, inspect your luggage before and after your stay to check for bed bugs. Before your stay, inspect your luggage for any signs of bed bug activity. When entering the hotel, take extra precautions to make sure that bed bugs are not present.
To do this, start by removing all your clothing and belongings from your luggage and inspecting them for signs of bed bugs, such as small reddish-brown spots or skin shed by bed bugs. After a thorough inspection, put your clothes back into your suitcase and inspect the suitcase and other belongings for bed bugs.
Consider Using a Bed Bug Detection Kit
There are many advantages to using a bed bug detection kit when checking for bed bugs in a hotel room. First, these kits allow you to identify the presence of bed bugs in a hotel room without needing to get an exterminator. Additionally, they are very affordable, easy to use, and typically come with everything you need to do the inspection.
To use the detection kit, start by thoroughly stripping the bedding down to the mattress, then use the detection system to look for live bed bugs, their eggs, or droppings.
However, if a more thorough inspection is desired, it is best to call this bed bug exterminator for reliable inspection of the premises and complete bed bug control.
Knowing How to Check for Bed Bugs in a Hotel Room
Bed bugs can be a major nuisance and an expensive problem to fix. Knowing how to check for bed bugs in a hotel room is relatively simple but requires diligence and attention to detail. Check for telltale signs such as bed bug droppings, eggs, molted skin, and live bugs.
Take proactive steps to guard against bed bugs when staying in a hotel. They may not always be present, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Stay vigilant and inspect your surroundings before leaving!
For more great tips on this topic, read some of our other blogs here.
