Traveling is an exciting experience, but it can also come with unexpected risks—like bringing home bed bugs. Hotels, vacation rentals, and even public transportation can harbor these pests, making it essential for travelers to take precautions. Understanding how bed bugs spread and how to prevent infestations can help keep homes pest-free after a trip.
How Do Bed Bugs Spread Through Travel?
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, and travel provides them with plenty of opportunities to latch onto belongings and find their way into homes. Here’s how they commonly spread:
- Hotels and Vacation Rentals – Bed bugs hide in mattresses, furniture, and carpets, waiting for new hosts.
- Luggage and Clothing – These pests crawl into suitcases, backpacks, and folded clothes.
- Public Transportation – Buses, trains, and planes can harbor bed bugs, especially in upholstered seats.
- Shared Laundry Facilities – Laundromats and hotel laundry rooms can transfer bed bugs between fabrics.
Signs of Bed Bugs in a Hotel or Rental
Before unpacking, it’s important to check for signs of bed bugs to prevent bringing them home. Look for:
- Small, Dark Stains – Fecal spots on sheets, mattresses, and furniture.
- Live Bed Bugs or Shed Skins – Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown and about the size of an apple seed.
- Musty Odor – A strong, unpleasant smell may indicate a severe infestation.
- Bite Marks on Skin – Clusters of itchy red welts, often in a straight line or zigzag pattern.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs While Traveling
Taking the right precautions can minimize the risk of bed bug exposure:
Inspect Accommodations
- Check mattress seams, headboards, and furniture before settling in.
- Use a flashlight to look for bed bugs in cracks and crevices.
Keep Luggage Off the Floor
- Store bags on a luggage rack, away from walls and upholstered furniture.
- Use hard-shell suitcases, which are more resistant to bed bug infestations.
Use Protective Covers
- Pack clothing in resealable plastic bags to prevent bed bugs from hiding in fabrics.
- Consider using bedbug-proof suitcase liners for added protection.
Wash Clothes Immediately After Travel
- Wash all clothing, even unworn items, in hot water and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum and wipe down the luggage before bringing it inside.
What to Do If Bed Bugs Are Found at Home
Despite best efforts, bed bugs can sometimes make their way home. If an infestation is suspected, quick action is necessary:
- Isolate Infested Items – Keep clothing and bags in sealed plastic containers until they can be washed.
- Vacuum Thoroughly – Pay extra attention to baseboards, furniture, and carpets.
- Call a Professional for Heat Treatment – DIY methods often fail, but professional heat treatment eliminates bed bugs in all life stages.
Get Expert Bed Bug Removal in Denver, CO
Travel should be worry-free, and with the right precautions, bed bugs don’t have to be a concern. If an infestation occurs, Thermal Clean provides expert heat treatment services in Denver, CO. Call 720-370-8300 today for a professional inspection and complete bed bug removal.