How To Check Your Hotel Room For Bed Bug Activity
When you check into a hotel, the last thing you want to worry about is encountering bed bugs. Unfortunately, as we mentioned in a previous blog post titled ‘Why Are Bed Bug Infestations On The Rise’, there’s been a surge in bed bug calls in recent months, and increased travel is one of the reasons why. With that in mind and because hotels are a hotbed for bed bug activity, we thought now would be an appropriate time to share a step-by-step guide on how to thoroughly check your hotel room for bed bugs.
Step 1: Protect your luggage
Before you begin inspecting the room, keep your luggage off the floor and away from the bed. Place your bags on a luggage rack or in the bathroom, which are less likely to harbor bed bugs. Even better, keep your bags out of the room until you’re sure there are no signs of bed bugs.
Step 2: Start with the bed
The bed is the primary hiding spot for bed bugs, so it's crucial to start your inspection here.
- Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress
Carefully pull back the sheets and inspect the seams, tufts, and folds of the mattress. Look for small, reddish-brown bugs, tiny white eggs, or dark fecal spots. - Check the box spring
Examine the seams and folds of the box spring, paying close attention to the corners. Bed bugs often hide in these areas. - Inspect the headboard & bedframe
Look for cracks, crevices, and seams on the headboard and bed frame. Bed bugs may hide in these locations, especially if the headboard is mounted on the wall.
Step 3: Scan the surrounding area
Bed bugs can travel beyond the bed, so it's essential to widen your inspection.
- Check furniture
Inspect any nearby furniture, such as nightstands and dressers. Focus on joints, seams, and any cracks where bed bugs could hide. - Examine upholstered furniture
If the room has upholstered chairs or a sofa, inspect these areas as well. Pay attention to seams and folds. - Inspect curtains & wall decorations
Bed bugs may hide in curtains or behind wall fixtures and decorations. Take a close look at these items, particularly around seams and folds.
Step 4: Check obvious and not so obvious bed bug hiding spots
Bed bugs can hide just about anywhere, so be thorough in your examination.
- Check alarm clocks and phones
Inspect alarm clocks, phones, and any other electronic devices in the room. Bed bugs can hide in the cracks and crevices of these items. - Inspect the baseboards and carpet
Bed bugs often hide on or behind baseboards and could very well be hiding in or under the carpeting. - Scan the closet
Check the hotel room’s closet, including spare pillows and blankets stored inside, for evidence of a bed bug infestation.
Step 5: Bathroom Inspection
While bed bugs are less likely to be found in the bathroom, it's still worth a quick check. Of course, if you stored your luggage in the loo during the inspection, we hope you took a couple of moments to clear that room first.
- Examine towels & linens
Check towels, washcloths, and any linens in the bathroom for signs of bed bug activity. - Inspect bathroom fixtures
Take a quick look at seams and joints in bathroom fixtures. While uncommon, bed bugs can sometimes be found in these areas. - Check cracks between tiles
Bed bugs could be hiding between the tiles in the bathtub or the walls, so be sure to check these areas as well.
Step 6: Report any concerns
If you find evidence of bed bugs or are unsure about your inspection, report your findings to the hotel staff immediately. They should take appropriate action to address the issue including finding you new accommodations, and ensuring the room is properly treated.
What to do if you bring bed bugs home
By following this comprehensive guide, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering bed bugs during your hotel stay. Of course, there’s still a chance of bringing bed bugs home and if that’s where you are right now, reach out to Greenway Pest Solutions for help.
Effective bed bug control in Albuquerque, NM
Here at Greenway Pest Solutions, we offer effective bed bug control in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Sunland Park as well as throughout our large service area. If you need help getting rid of these biting pests, we’d be happy to schedule a bed bug inspection; contact us today. You’ve nothing to lose but the bed bugs!
