How to Check Hotel Beds for Bed Bugs: Keep those Pesky Bugs at Bay!
Hey travelers! Sorry for the month-long hiatus, but we’re back with another Hotel Hack article (our first hygiene hack article here). When you’re out and about, exploring new places, the last thing you need is a nasty bed bug surprise during your hotel stay. Those little buggers can totally ruin the fun! But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. In this blog review, we’ll show you a super easy way to inspect your hotel bed for bed bugs, so you can sleep tight and bite-free. Fortunately for us – we haven’t encountered any bed bugs on any of our trips around the world, but we remain vigilant each time!
Why Should You Care About Bed Bugs?
Okay, so bed bugs are like those annoying hitchhikers that just won’t leave you alone. They love hiding in beds and can sneak into your stuff without you even knowing. Ack! But checking your hotel bed for these critters can save you from:
- Nasty bites: Bed bug bites are no joke – they leave you with itchy red welts that are a total buzzkill. Here is the American Academy of Dermatology’s list of symptoms
- Bringing bugs home: Imagine a sneaky bed bug stowing away in your luggage and moving into your place. No, thank you!
- Spoiling your vacation: Finding bed bugs during your trip can totally ruin the mood. Fingers-crossed it won’t happen to any of us!
Must-Have Tools for the Bed Bug Hunt:
For my peace of mind, I ensure I carry these items for a quick inspection when first entering my room:
- Flashlight: A trusty flashlight will be your bed bug detective’s best friend, shining a light on those sneaky critters. I use this RovyVon rechargeable key-chain flashlight that’s super small to carry around
- Credit card or ID: Yep, this little guy can be handy to scrape out any bug clues hidden in tight spots.
- Gloves: Keep those hands protected and stylish while inspecting. No touching gross stuff!
8 Step Bed Bug Check-up:
Now, let’s unleash the bed bug detective in you and follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Strip the Bed: First things first, get rid of all the sheets, blankets, and pillows. Let that mattress and box spring see the light! What I like to do is to wipe off a table with some anti-bacterial wipes to stack the sheets/blankets over.
Step 2: Time to Snoop Around: Grab your flashlight and start inspecting the mattress seams like a pro. Bed bugs love to chill there.
Step 3: Look for Stains: Uh-oh, time for a CSI moment. Watch out for reddish-brown stains on the mattress and box spring – a telltale sign of bed bug mess.
Step 4: Headboard Investigation: Let’s not leave the headboard out of the fun. Check for live bugs, yucky stains, or tiny white eggs. Again, another spot where anti-bacterial wipes come in handy!
Step 5: Spy on the Bed Frame and Furniture: Those bed bugs might have some hideouts in the bed frame or nearby furniture. Give them a good look.
Step 6: Sneak a Peek at the Bed Skirt: Yup, bed bugs can even find cozy spots in the bed skirt or any fabric touching the floor.
Step 7: Check Other Spots: Now, go on a bug hunt around the room – check chairs, couches, curtains – bugs are adventurous, you know! To save time, I normally just check furniture I know that I’ll touch – here at NoCarpetHotels I stay away from any fabric couches/chairs.
Step 8: Make the Bed: If all looks good, it’s time to put fresh linens back on the bed and relax! Another trick would be to bring your own linens! We sometimes bring a sleeping sheet liner depending on the hotel!
Awesome Bed Bug Detection Products:
If you wanna go the extra mile, we’ve got some cool bed bug detection products to recommend:
- Bed Bug Traps: These nifty gadgets lure and capture bed bugs, making detection a breeze. This might be going overboard but for that extra peace of mind and sleep – we’ve used this at cabins up in Northern Ontario.
Conclusion:
That’s it for this installment of our Hotel Hack series! Checking your hotel bed for bed bugs is a breeze, and it can save you from a world of discomfort. So, follow our simple steps and consider using some of our recommended bug-busting products for extra peace of mind. Now you can hit the road and sleep like a baby – no bed bugs invited! Happy travels, bug-free & carpet-free buddies!