Bed Bugs just used to be something we said as kids, “sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite” but now it’s no laughing matter. Bedbug cases are growing across the U.S. and with new reports of travelers rethinking their plans, I want to take the mask off (Halloween pun intended) of these pests that truly go bump in the night.

What are Bedbugs?

Bedbugs are small parasitic insects that feed primarily on human blood. These insects are not strictly nocturnal but are typically found in beds and other places people rest such as couches. Historically, Bedbugs have been around for thousands of years and were largely eradicated in the 1940s with the development of the modern world but in the last decade the have staged quite a comeback. The bugs themselves are flat, brownish-redish and oval shaped.

How do infestations occur?

The CDC does not have an exact cause but points to increases in international travel, more re-selling of used furniture and a reduction in use of certain pesticides. And not only are they bloodsuckers but they are hitchhikers, too. Attracted to body heat, they congregate in places where they are sure people will be and often travel with their hosts. Essentially, they hitch a ride from one victim to another either on their clothes, in suitcases, and even in pet carriers. 

What do I do if my hotel has Bedbugs?

Bedbugs are definitely giving some hotels bad press these days but it shouldn’t keep you from making those plans for an upcoming holiday getaway. Before booking accommodations, you can read guest reviews online to see if any instances of bedbugs have been reported for a particular hotel.

I recently spoke to Taylor Cole, public relations director for hotels.com, about this topic. She agreed that checking hotel guest reviews is always a good idea especially since feedback from hotel guests about the condition of rooms is often the only way travel consumers can be alerted if there’s a problem. (see example here). There are even dedicated websites such as bedbugregistry.com. 

It’s also good to remember that a report about one hotel does not mean the issue wasn’t isolated to one room, or that hotel management hasn’t since exterminated the bugs. And while hotels do not always publish their policies regarding bedbug treatment, you can always ask the front desk personnel at check-in to help you rest easier.

How do I know if my hotel room has Bedbugs?

Here is what I do when I first get to my room:

• I do NOT place clothing or suitcases on the beds. 
• I use a desk or the folding rack found in most hotels.  Bedbugs don’t like the light, so they’ll be hiding in areas that are usually dark or have very low light.
• I pull back the bed sheets and check the mattress and box spring, looking specifically along the upper and lower seams and between them. 
• I also check around and behind the headboard (especially if it’s fabric), and in the corners of the drawers even if I don’t use them.   What am I looking for? Spots on the sheets or mattress that look like tiny black dots and for tiny white eggs (like rice) as well as the little bugs themselves.

What are hotels doing to help?

Here’s the thing – No hotel wants to have a bedbug infestation. And all the attention on the outbreaks is helping to ensure that cleaning crews are more vigilant and attentive to room cleanliness. But bedbugs are transient and move from guest to guest, in and out of the hotels. It would really be impossible for a hotel to guarantee to be bedbug-free. You should report any bites or suspected sightings immediately to the front desk staff and hotel management. Kindly request to have your room changed preferably as far from the infested room as possible. Most hotels are very accommodating and often very alarmed by the discovery and will work quickly to remedy the situation.   

If you spot a bedbug within your luggage when you get back home, wash all your clothes in hot water and dry them on maximum heat to kill any unwanted insect hitchhikers. Steam clean your suitcase, and if you’re feeling truly anxious, encase it in a plastic bag until the next time you need it.

Yes, I itched my way through writing this telling tale but the frightening truth is that with a little reconnaissance and vigilance during your travels you should be creepy-crawly free. Sleep tight!

 

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