I received an email in my inbox about a month ago with the subject line blaring something about a hotel being dirtier than an airplane… I am in event planning, we tend travel all over the country, with chills running down my germaphobic spine, I did my best to ignore it and go on with my day. I let it sit in my inbox for a good week before I finally mustered-up enough courage to open it. This courage only got me through the first paragraph about bed bugs and *poof* I hit the delete button trying to extinguish the existence of fowl hotel rooms from my memory – maybe even the world. Unfortunately, it, like bed bugs, needled its way in and I can’t stop thinking about it so here I am researching on how to defend myself against the pesky bed bug and any other bug that may be lurking in the dark corners of a hotel room. Here are a few tips to zap those bed bugs while out on the road.
Read reviews and Call the hotel
Before booking your hotel, read the most recent reviews, both good and bad. If someone had a poor experience at a hotel, especially bringing bed bugs home – you will find it here. Check-out travel websites to find reviews on the hotels in the area you are traveling. Also, call the hotel and ask them what kind of protocol they have in place to deal with bed bugs.
Pack a bed bug simplified CSI kit (flashlight and a garment zip lock bag).
Packing a small flashlight will help you look in all the dark nooks and crannies where bed bugs like to hide. Remember, bed bugs are attracted to the smell of our body chemicals on our clothing. Always place your dirty clothes in a zip lock bag to help deter any unwanted hitchhikers. *Forgot a flashlight? Luckily, most cell phones have flashlights built in.
Check-out your room’s bathroom first
Head straight to the bathroom. Place your belongings/luggage in the bathroom while you conduct your room search. Bed bugs hate the cold tile floor found in most hotel bathrooms.
Bed Inspection
Using the flashlight you packed inspect every inch of the bed, pull the sheets back, slightly move the mattress off the box spring and look behind and all around the headboard. Look for any signs of tiny black spots. *An extra tip for checking the bed – Take a hair dryer and blow it on the mattress this will cause any lurking bed bugs to come out.
Whole Room inspection
Expand your search to the whole room. Check the nightstand, under the phone, clock, and any soft furniture. Make sure to check the luggage rack (this is usually overlooked).
Luggage Storage
Keep your luggage off the floor and off the spare bed. Hard, cold surfaces are your friend. Try to keep it on the desk, dresser top, or on the luggage rack. If you want some extra protection, place your suitcase in a sealable plastic bag like this one https://www.amazon.com/Bed-Bug-Resistant-Suitcase-Clothing-Encasement/dp/B0021YOOKU.
Ack…. I found a bed bug or something that looks like a bed bug
If you find or even suspect there might be bed bugs, request a new room a minimum of two floors away. Bed bugs have a tendency to travel via room service carts, electrical outlets, wallboards, etc.
Home sweet home
Upon returning from your travels make sure to wash all contents of your suitcase even the clothing you didn’t wear. Also vacuum your suitcase and wipe down any shoes.
Phew we made it through. I hope you didn’t get the heebie-jeebies like I did. So remember, stay aware and follow these tips to keep those pesky bed bugs and any other bug that may be lurking in hotel rooms at bay.
Safe travels and don’t let the bed bugs bite!
About the author:
Autumn Gilleard, was born and raised in Western Montana Autumn lives on a ranch with her husband, two daughters, and son. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family 4-wheeling, fishing, rafting, and hiking. When not out on a adventure with her family, you can find her at the Missoula Taekwondo Center. Where she trains as a black belt and part of a competition team. (She is Worth the Fight……Hahahahah)
