How to avoid bed bugs when travelling
Bed bugs are a growing problem in the world. This is a result of increased travel and to bed bugs developing greater resistance to pesticides. Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that feed on human blood. They are reddish-brown and resemble flat beetles.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE TRAVELING
• Pack your belongings in plastic bags or packing cubes; bed bugs cannot penetrate plastic.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE HOTEL
• Place your luggage in the bathroom while you inspect the room for signs of bed bugs.
• Lift the bedspread and check the sheets, mattress seams, and nearby crevices for small black spots (bed bug droppings). Around 90% of bed bug infestations are found in or around the bed. If accessible, check under the bed as well. If you spot any bed bugs, take a photo and show it to hotel staff, then request an immediate room change.
• Never place your suitcase on or under the bed; instead, keep it elevated and away from the bed, along with your shoes.
• Keep your clothes in your suitcase; don’t unpack them.
• Place any worn clothing back in the suitcase, ideally in a sealed plastic bag, rather than spreading them around the room.
WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
• Make it a habit to wash the clothes you took on your trip as soon as you get home. Don’t put them directly into your closet.
• Avoid bringing your suitcase into the bedroom. If possible, store it outside in a storage area or on a balcony, or keep it in a plastic bag indoors. If you suspect bed bugs may have traveled back with you or if you wish to be sure to not bring bed bugs with you home, consider freezing or a heat treatment of your luggage. The simplest way to heat your luggage is with our Heatbag.
• If you suspect a bed bug infestation, wash all textiles that can withstand 60°C, and use a dryer or drying cabinet. All stages of bed bugs die at +52°C (126°F), so for complete assurance, heat your textiles for at least 1 hour or treat your luggage in our Heatbag.
• For items you can’t wash or heat, place them in a plastic bag in the freezer. Items up to 1.5 kg should be frozen for four days at -18°C(-0.4°F) to kill all bed bug stages.
• Vacuum your suitcase, and place the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag before disposing of it.