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A hotel room—no matter whether at a five-star resort or a roadside motel—is one of the most common harborages for bed bugs. Whether you work for a local hotel or have an upcoming trip, it’s imperative that you are vigilant about the risk of these pests. According to PestWorld, hotel rooms are one of the top three places where people encounter bed bugs. The resurgence of bed bugs has increased drastically over the past decade and is experiencing another surge as people are traveling again after the pandemic.
At Aberdeen Exterminating, we know how distressing it can be to deal with bed bugs as a home or business owner. In this blog, we’ll outline our checklist for hotel bed bug inspections for hotel employees and travelers alike.
Are Bed Bugs in Hotels Common?
Found nationwide, bed bugs are an increasingly common occurrence not just in residential homes, but hotels. But why are hotels susceptible to these pests? The main reason is that bed bugs are known as “hitchhiking” pests that can hide out in mattresses, bed frames, and other parts of a room just waiting for new hosts to arrive. In a hotel, bed bugs are rarely lacking a meal source. Because these pests have seen such a resurgence in hotels, it’s crucial to always be on the lookout for bed bugs when traveling.
How to Check a Hotel Room For Bed Bugs | Bug Out
Bed bug inspections are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they help prevent the spread of bed bugs from one location to another. By detecting them early, you can avoid bringing them back home and potentially infesting your belongings. Secondly, bed bugs can cause discomfort, itching, and allergic reactions in some individuals. Identifying them in a hotel room allows you to take necessary precautions and avoid bites.
Preparing for the Inspection
Before you begin the inspection, gather the necessary tools including a flashlight – to illuminate dark corners and crevices, a magnifying glass – for a closer look at small cracks and seams, and disposable gloves to protect your hands during the inspection.
Upon entering the hotel room, leave your luggage in the bathroom or bathtub, as bed bugs are less likely to hide in these areas. Avoid placing your belongings on upholstered furniture or the bed until after the inspection.
Key Areas to Inspect
Checklist for Hotel Bed Bug Inspections
No matter whether you work in housekeeping or are going to be a guest at a hotel, the same checklist applies for inspecting your hotel room for bed bugs. Here’s where to check for the bugs:
- Mattress, box spring & bed frame
- Sofas, chairs, pillows, & other seating
- Wardrobes, dressers, & baseboards
- Nightstands and wall fixtures
- Closet items
The Bed
When inspecting a hotel room for bed bugs, start with the bed. Pay close attention to the mattress seams, tags, and bed frame joints. Look for signs of live bugs, reddish stains, and dark spots, which may indicate the presence of bed bugs.
Step-by-step inspection of the bed:
- Remove the bedspread and sheets: Strip the bed completely to expose the mattress and box spring.
- Inspect the mattress: Using a flashlight and magnifying glass, check the seams, tags, and edges of the mattress, paying special attention to the corners.
- Check the box spring: Lift the mattress and inspect the box spring similarly, especially around the wooden frame.
- Examine the bed frame: Look at the joints and crevices of the bed frame, headboard, and footboard. Bed bugs often hide in cracks and joints.
Furniture and Upholstery
Next, examine the furniture and upholstery in the room. Check sofas, chairs, and other upholstered items, focusing on seams, creases, and zippers. Bed bugs can easily hide in these areas, so a thorough inspection is crucial.
Inspection process:
- Remove cushions: Take out any removable cushions and inspect them thoroughly.
- Check seams and zippers: Use your flashlight to look for signs of bed bugs along the seams and around the zippers.
Luggage and Personal Items
Inspect your luggage and personal items to ensure they are free of bed bugs. Examine both the inside and outside of your luggage and the seams, zippers, and folds of backpacks and other belongings. Taking these precautions can help protect your possessions from infestation.
Other Areas
Don’t forget to inspect other areas of the room, such as curtains, carpets, and baseboards. Wall hangings and electrical outlets can also serve as hiding spots for bed bugs, so be sure to check these locations carefully.
Steps for inspecting other areas:
- Curtains: Check the curtains’ folds, hems, and edges.
- Carpets and rugs: Inspect the edges and underneath any rugs, especially around the bed and furniture.
- Baseboards: Look closely at the junction where the wall meets the floor.
- Wall hangings: Remove and inspect behind pictures and mirrors. Use your flashlight to check around electrical outlets and light switches.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
If you discover evidence of bed bugs in your hotel room, take the following steps:
- Notify hotel management immediately: Inform them of your findings and request a room change.
- Contain the infestation: Keep your luggage and personal items away from the infested area to prevent the spread of bed bugs to other locations.
- Report the incident: To warn other travelers, consider reporting the bed bug infestation to local health authorities or online review platforms.
Steps for Housekeepers
As a housekeeper, finding bed bugs requires immediate and specific actions to prevent the spread of the infestation and ensure guest safety. Here are the steps to take:
- Isolate the Room: Immediately inform management and ensure the room is taken out of service to prevent other guests from entering.
- Bedding: Use a designated area for handling infested linens and bedding. Place them in sealed plastic bags to avoid spreading bed bugs to other areas of the hotel.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use disposable gloves and, if necessary, protective clothing to avoid carrying bed bugs on yourself.
- Thorough Inspection and Cleaning: Perform a detailed inspection of adjoining rooms to ensure the infestation hasn’t spread. Clean and vacuum the infested area thoroughly, focusing on seams, crevices, and other hiding spots.
Housekeeping can play a critical role in controlling bed bug infestations in hotels and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and safety in the hotel.
Further Preventive Measures
Here are some tips to help you avoid bringing bed bugs home from your trips and handling your luggage and clothes upon returning home.
Additional Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs Whilst Traveling
- Pack your clothing and personal items in sealable plastic bags to prevent bed bugs from accessing them.
- Choose hard-sided luggage, which is less likely to harbor bed bugs than soft-sided luggage. It also has fewer seams and crevices where bed bugs can hide.
- If possible, wash and dry your clothes in the highest heat setting as soon as you return home. High temperatures can kill bed bugs and their eggs.
Handling Luggage and Clothes Upon Returning Home
Even if you took precautions during your trip, handling your luggage and clothes carefully when you return home is essential to ensure you don’t bring any unwanted guests.
- Before bringing your suitcase into your home, thoroughly inspect it outside or in the garage. Use a flashlight to check seams, zippers, and pockets for any signs of bed bugs.
- Unpack your luggage in a non-carpeted area, such as the bathroom or laundry room, where bed bugs are less likely to hide and spread.
- Wash and Dry Clothes Immediately, including items you didn’t wear. Use the highest heat setting on your washer and dryer to kill any bed bugs or eggs that may be present.
- After unpacking, vacuum your suitcase thoroughly, paying attention to seams, pockets, and folds. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside your home to prevent bed bugs from escaping.
- When not in use, store your luggage in a large, sealed plastic bag to prevent bed bugs from infesting it. This can also protect your luggage from any pests that might be present in your storage area.
After returning home, stay vigilant for any signs of bed bugs in your home. If you notice any bites, reddish stains on bedding, or dark spots, take immediate action to address the issue. If you find evidence of bed bugs, your local Bug Out team is here to protect your home from bugs – contact us today!
Ready For Professional Bed Bug Treatment?
By working closely with Bug Out’s bed bug control experts, you can trust that the best bed bug treatments are used to keep these pests gone for good. Contact us today!
FAQs
Follow the step-by-step guide outlined above, focusing on key areas such as the bed, furniture, luggage, and other hiding spots.
Hotels often conduct routine inspections and partner with professional pest control companies like Bug Out to detect and address bed bug infestations.
While the risk varies depending on the hotel’s cleanliness and maintenance practices, the chances of encountering bed bugs in a hotel room are higher in establishments with a history of infestations.