How to Stay Vigilant for Bed Bugs During Summer Travels

June 8, 2025 | Posted In: Bed Bugs

Summer is the perfect season for adventures, from weekend road trips to faraway beach vacations. But as you plan for the perfect escape, there’s one unwelcome travel companion to be wary of—bed bugs. These tiny pests have a knack for hitching rides in luggage, clothing, and personal belongings, potentially turning your dream getaway into a nightmare.

This guide will help you stay vigilant for bed bugs during your travels. You’ll learn how to identify these pests, spot the signs of their presence in accommodations, and take preventative measures to ensure they don’t tag along home with you.

Understanding Bed Bugs

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on human and animal blood. They are typically brownish in color and about the size of an apple seed. Their bites can cause red, itchy welts, and while they don’t spread disease, their presence can seriously impact your quality of sleep and peace of mind.

Where Do Bed Bugs Hide?

Contrary to their name, bed bugs aren’t only found in beds. They can hide in a variety of places, including:

  • Mattresses, box springs, and bed frames
  • Upholstered furniture like couches and chairs
  • Luggage, clothing, and shoes
  • Behind wallpaper, picture frames, and baseboards
  • Cracks and crevices within walls and floors

Their ability to squeeze into the tiniest spaces makes them especially challenging to detect, which is why vigilance is crucial during your travels.

Common Places Bed Bugs Are Found While Traveling

Bed bugs can appear anywhere people and luggage go. Key hotspots to watch out for include:

  • Hotels and Motels: Even upscale locations aren’t immune to infestations.
  • Airplanes, Trains, and Buses: High foot traffic makes public transit a potential risk.
  • Vacation Rentals and Hostels: Any accommodation can harbor bed bugs, especially if previous guests unknowingly brought them.
  • Luggage Storage Areas: Communal storage spaces at airports, train stations, or hotels can be a breeding ground for pests.

How to Check for Bed Bugs in Hotel Rooms

Your accommodation is one of the most likely places to encounter bed bugs while traveling. Here’s how to thoroughly inspect your hotel room before settling in:

Step 1. Inspect the Bed

  • Pull back the sheets and check the mattress seams and edges.
  • Look for small, reddish-brown spots, which could be droppings or stains caused by crushed bugs.

Step 2. Check the Furniture

  • Examine upholstered chairs, couches, and headboards for similar stains or moving bugs.
  • Don’t forget areas where cushions meet and seams overlap.

Step 3. Inspect Other Hidden Spots

  • Use a flashlight (or your phone’s light) to examine dark or hidden spaces, like cracks, electrical outlets, and behind the nightstand.

Step 4. Keep Luggage Off the Bed

  • Avoid placing suitcases or bags directly on the bed or carpet. Use luggage racks, ideally away from walls, or place your luggage in the bathroom while you inspect.

How to Protect Yourself From Bed Bugs While Traveling

Knowing where to look and how to protect your belongings can greatly reduce your risk. Below are some proactive steps:

Pack Smart

  • Use hard-sided luggage rather than fabric suitcases to minimize potential hiding spots.
  • Pack large plastic bags or sealable laundry bags to hold dirty laundry, which can attract pests.
  • Consider bringing bed bug-proof encasements for items like pillows and mattresses if you’re staying in budget or high-risk accommodations.

Stay Organized

  • Keep all belongings contained within your luggage rather than scattering clothes and items around the room.
  • Hang clothes in the closet or on hooks rather than leaving them on furniture.

Do a Post-trip Check

After your travels, inspect your luggage and belongings carefully before bringing them into your home. Wash all clothing, even unworn items, in hot water, and tumble dry on high heat to eliminate any lingering bugs or eggs.

What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs

If you identify bed bugs in your accommodation:

  • Notify Management Immediately. Ask to be relocated to a different room, ideally far from the suspected infestation.
  • Inspect the New Room. Repeat the process outlined earlier to avoid a second mishap.
  • Request Compensation. Most hotels have policies in place to address pest issues, including refunds.

If you suspect bed bugs made it home with you despite precautions, consider contacting a pest-control professional.

Why Bed Bug Vigilance Matters

Bed bugs, though small, can cause significant stress, health issues, and financial costs. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), bed bug treatments can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the scale of the infestation. Staying vigilant while traveling can spare you the headaches associated with ridding your home of these pests.

Rest Assured and Travel Worry-Free

By following these preventative steps, you can enjoy your vacations without worrying about unwanted pests taking a free ride back home with you. Awareness and diligence are your best allies when it comes to keeping bed bugs at bay.

Are you a frequent traveler? Bookmark this guide to ensure every trip is pest-free!