Follow the hotel inspection protocol when traveling

Steps

1. At the hotel: Inspect the room before unpacking. Use a flashlight to check mattress seams, corners, the headboard (front and back), and nightstand drawers for live bugs, dark fecal spots, or shed skins.
2. Place luggage on a hard surface (bathroom counter or luggage rack away from the bed) — never on the bed or carpeted floor.
3. Keep suitcases closed when not in use. Bag dirty laundry in sealed plastic bags.
4. Returning home: Unpack in the garage or laundry room, not the bedroom. Place all clothes directly into the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. Inspect luggage seams with a flashlight. Store luggage away from bedrooms.

Why It Works

Travel is the primary way bed bugs enter homes. University extension services (MSU, UMN, Penn State, Nebraska) all recommend this protocol because catching an introduction before bugs establish is far easier and cheaper than treating an infestation.

Tips

• Hotels of any star rating can have bed bugs — cleanliness is not a factor
• Check online bed bug registries before booking