A relaxing hotel stay can quickly turn into a nightmare if you discover bed bugs in your room. While it’s an unpleasant experience, knowing what to do if you slept in a hotel with bed bugs can help you handle the situation effectively. Here are several things you can do to avoid bringing these pests home.
- Act Swiftly, Document, and Report
The moment you suspect bed bugs in your hotel room, take immediate action. Separate yourself and your belongings from the infested area. Take clear photos or videos of the evidence. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that the signs of bed bugs include:
- Small dark spots, similar in size to this dot (•), which are bed bug feces.
- Reddish marks on beddings or mattresses resulting from squashed bed bugs.
- Tiny eggs and eggshells (approx. 1 mm)
- Pale yellow skins
- Actual live bed bugs
Notify the hotel staff about the bed bug situation. This way, they can address the problem immediately.
- Request a Room Change
- Protect Your Belongings
- Launder and Heat-Treat Your Clothes
How to Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home
Prevention is crucial when it comes to bed bugs. Consider the following tips to lessen the risk of bringing them home from a hotel:
- Before booking, research hotels for any past bed bug issues.
- Examine your room for signs of bed bugs. Check the mattress seams, headboard, coat closets, and upholstered furniture.
- Be watchful in other areas where bed bugs can also be found, like lounges.
- Use a bed-bug-proof luggage cover to protect your belongings from these pests.
- Consider using hard-sided luggage since bed bugs are less likely to enter it.
Bed bugs are challenging to eliminate once you have them at home. They are resistant to many pest control methods. Once you notice an infestation, reach out to us at Arrow Services, Inc. for effective bed bug treatment. As the leading pest control experts in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio, we will eradicate bed bugs and restore peace to your home.