How to Check a Hotel Room for Bed Bugs

When you check into your hotel room on that much-needed vacation, remember to check it thoroughly for bed bugs. Here are some steps to take during and after your vacation.

• Check your sheets for tell-tale blood spots.
• Consider bringing a large plastic trashbag to keep your suitcase in during hotel stays.
• Carry a small flashlight to assist you with quick visual inspections.
• Put your suitcase on a luggage rack, not on the bed, and move the rack away from the wall.
• When you get home, unpack your suitcase outside.
• After vacation, avoid bringing in hitchhiking bugs by removing the contents of your suitcase outside.
• Place all clothes in plastic bags for immediate washing, and leave your suitcase outside until you’ve inspected it.
• Immediately wash your travel clothes separately from other laundry. Wash and dry the clothes on the highest setting that the fabric can withstand or take items to the dry cleaners.
• Vacuum your luggage. Use an attachment on your vacuum cleaner or a handheld vacuum to clean your bag. Pay special attention to the crevices.
• When you enter a hotel room, don’t unpack.
• Pull the blanket and linens off the bed starting with the corners, where bed bugs like to hide. You’re looking for bugs or dark brown blood spots.
• To be thorough, check all four corners of the mattress—not just one.

If you suspect bed bugs, call DA Exterminating TODAY! 800-650-PEST