How to Spot and Avoid Bed Bugs While Traveling
If there’s one thing that can turn a relaxing trip into a nightmare, it’s discovering bed bugs in your accommodation. With recent reports of infestations spreading across several cities in Europe, it’s the perfect time to share tips on how to avoid these pesky critters. While traveling, your peace of mind should be a top priority, so here’s what you need to know to avoid bed bugs and how to check for them before settling in.
Research Your Accommodation
While the excitement of spontaneous travel is part of the fun, when it comes to bed bugs, prevention is key. Always take the time to check hotel or hostel reviews before booking. Use platforms like Google Reviews and search for terms like “bedbugs,” “infestation,” or “bugs.” If any guests mention these issues, it’s best to look for a different place to stay. Even if the review is older, it’s safer to err on the side of caution. If you find any hint of a problem, don’t risk it—move on.
Know How to Spot Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can hitch a ride in your luggage or clothing, so even if you haven’t read about previous infestations, don’t assume the place is bug-free. They could have just arrived, and you might be the first target.
Here’s what to look for:
- Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown, and flat, about the size of a ladybug. Their young (nymphs) are smaller and white with black marks if they’ve recently fed.
- Check for blood stains or tiny black dots on your bedding and mattress. These are signs of a bed bug infestation, even if you don’t see the bugs themselves.
Cheap accommodations don’t necessarily have more bed bugs, but areas with high turnover rates, like chain hotels and hostels, can have a higher likelihood. This is because more guests mean more chances for bed bugs to spread.
Taking Precautions Upon Arrival
When you first enter your room, be cautious. Keep the lights off and avoid placing your luggage on the floor, as bed bugs are nocturnal and tend to hide during the day. Use a drying rack or elevate your bags and clothes to keep them safe from any potential hitchhikers. Steer clear of couches or padded furniture, as these can also harbor bed bugs.
If there’s no place to elevate your items, try to keep them away from the bed, and consider putting them in the bathroom, as the tiles aren’t ideal for bed bugs to settle in.
Inspect the Bed Thoroughly
Once you’re ready to check the bed, work with someone else if possible. Have them stand by the light switch and turn it on while you lift the mattress. Bed bugs often scurry away when exposed to light, so starting with the lights off gives you a better chance to spot them before they move deeper into the bed.
Carefully inspect the seams and edges of the mattress, where bed bugs tend to hide. Check for any blood spots or small dark marks on the sheets. Don’t just look for live bugs; even the smallest signs, like droppings, are enough to indicate an infestation.
Next, check the headrest and any cracks or crevices around the bed. Bed bugs love to hide in tiny spaces, so if you find them outside of the bed, it’s a sign the infestation is already advanced.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
If you find bed bugs, don’t stay in the room. Even if the hotel offers to move you to another room, avoid accepting it. If one room has bugs, chances are the rest of the building does too. Moving to a new place might cost more, but it’s worth it to avoid carrying bed bugs with you or bringing them back home.
Staying Safe from Bed Bugs
While dealing with bed bugs can be a stressful experience, it’s entirely preventable if you know what to look for and take the right steps. We’ve had our own close calls—like the time an earwig decided to join us in Slovakia—but with the right precautions, bed bugs haven’t been an issue for us. By doing your research, knowing the signs, and acting quickly, you’ll ensure a bed bug-free journey. Happy travels!
