How to Check for Bed Bugs While Traveling

Traveling can be fun and exciting, but we all know that it can also be somewhat stressful. Choosing the right dates, packing the right luggage, and worrying about unforeseen delays can cause anxiety. With the rise in bed bug infestations, travelers have one more worry to carry with them. Follow these tips for how to look for bed bugs while traveling. With a keen eye and the right information, you can learn to prevent bringing these stowaway pests back home. While these tips below will help you remain bed bug-free during your travels, the best way to ensure you don’t fall victim to an infestation is early detection and preventative measures.

Check for Bed Bugs Along the Way

The search for bed bugs begins long before you reach your destination. These tricky bugs can catch a ride in rental cars, trains, taxis, and airplanes. Of course you won’t always have time for a thorough inspection before you enter a vehicle, but by looking for signs of infestation, you’ll have a better idea of your risk of inviting these unwanted guests on your trip.

The most common bed bug description is that they look like apple seeds. Take a look at the seams of cushions for signs of bed bugs. Look under or behind fabric where it overlaps. Even if you don’t see any actual bugs, check seat cushions and backrests for rust colored or black stains or streaks. These blood stains are a telltale sign that bedbugs have been feeding in the area. If you are traveling by train, check the hems of the window curtains as well.

What to do When Bed Bugs are In Your Seat

You might be captive to your seat on a full plane, but it’s important to call attention to a possible bed bug infestation. If you have clear evidence of bedbugs, tell an attendant on your plane or train. If you are traveling by taxi, let the driver know that you saw evidence of bed bugs, and that the car should be inspected by pest control as soon as possible. If you are in a rental car, call the rental company as soon as you notice and find out if you can exchange the car at the nearest office. Check the new rental for bed bugs before taking it, and get it in writing that the rental company won’t be putting any additional charges on your credit card.

Preventing Bed Bugs On the Road is Difficult

Once you see the signs of bedbugs, it may be too late to avoid coming into contact. You may not have much control over where your luggage is stored during the flight or ride, and even if you can change seats, it might not make any difference. Travelling with a Bed Bug Plug™ is your best protection. Once you reach your destination, pull your Bed Bug Plug™ from your travel case, and set it up near your luggage. When you return home from a trip, take all of your luggage directly to the laundry to wash hot and dry to reduce bringing any bed bugs into your home. Inspect your skin for bed bug bites before you get home if at all possible, but keep in mind that not everyone reacts. Keep your suitcase in the garage or basement, and place a Bed Bug Plug™ inside it for several days to catch any bugs that made the trip.

How to Check for Bed Bugs in a Hotel

Bed bugs aren’t picky when it comes to the star rating of their home. An infestation is just as likely to occur in a quiet bed and breakfast as a popular vacation resort. No matter what kind of home, guest rental, or hotel you are visiting, bring your Bed Bug Plug™ and perform a thorough check for bed bugs at the start of your stay.

Pack a small flashlight to make it easier to look for signs of a bed bug infestation. Start with the bed since bedbugs like to be close to their food source. Pull back the bedding to check the mattress seams for the little apple seed sized bugs. They are as thin as a credit card, so this is where the flashlight comes in handy. Lift the mattress to take a look at the box frame as well. You may not see bugs, but look for rust colored spots on the bedding and mattress, which is a sign that bedbugs have been feeding on humans in that area.

While bed bugs typically live within eight feet of their humans, they can travel quite a distance from their hiding spots. Search bedside furniture, picture frames, the wall behind furniture, and around the window for bugs or spots. Hard surfaces might also be an easier spot to locate shed skins of bedbugs. Bed bugs can even hide in cracks between floor boards, behind a wall outlet, or in the carpet or curtains.

Peace of Mind for a Peaceful Trip

No matter how much you look for bed bugs, these sneaky critters are really good at hiding. Pack a Bed Bug Plug™ for every trip and sleep better knowing that your trip doesn’t have to turn into a nightmare. Our travel case makes it easy to pack your Bed Bug Plug™ anytime you need to leave home. If a bug ends up in the trap, you’ll know what precautions to take before you let anything into your own home. While these tips can’t always give you full protection from coming into contact with nasty bed bugs, they will help you protect your own health and house from an infestation.