While bed bugs tend to be a bigger issue in accommodations like roadside hotels and motels, they can also be present in higher-priced hotel rooms. Understandably, bed bugs are a cause of worry and anxiety for many travelers, and they are definitely not a souvenir you want to bring home with you. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of being exposed to bedbugs while traveling.
Know the signs
Although bedbugs are very small and often hidden away during the day, there are some telltale signs of their presence. Those include dark, rust-colored spots on your mattress, musty odor, cast skins and eggs, and dark spots in the walls.
Inspect the bed and other furniture
Start by checking the obvious areas of the bed, like the edges of the mattress, the box spring, and any visible area of the headboard. Inspects the pillows, sheets, and comforter for stains or spots, too. Check the couches and chairs as well – look between cushions, and along their seams.
Note that this inspection will usually identify higher-level infestations, but may not detect fewer bed bugs. If you want to conduct a more thorough inspection, which includes stripping the beds and moving the mattress, you should ask for the hotel’s permission first.
Ask to change rooms if needed
If you find anything suspect, notify the hotel as soon as possible and look into changing rooms or establishments. The key is to detect the problem early on and be proactive to avoid further inconvenience.
