Bed Bug Prevention for Frequent Travellers

If you spend many nights in hotels, guesthouses, hostels and trains, you have more chances of meeting bed bugs, and of carrying them home. A short routine at each stop can reduce the risk considerably without making travel stressful.

This guide gives a simple routine for frequent travellers.

The short answer

Frequent travellers can reduce bed bug risk with a short routine: keep luggage off the bed and floor, inspect the mattress seams, headboard and nearby furniture on arrival, store clothes in sealed bags or keep them in the luggage, use a luggage rack in the bathroom or on a hard surface, and on returning home, unpack outside the bedroom, wash clothes on a hot cycle and dry them on high heat, and inspect luggage. If you find signs, move rooms or leave and report it.

On arrival

1. Leave your luggage in the bathroom or on a hard surface, rather than on the bed, upholstered chairs or carpet.
2. Use a torch to check the mattress seams and piping, headboard, bed frame and nearby furniture.
3. Look for dark spots, blood spots, shed skins and live bugs.
4. Check the luggage rack and behind curtains and pictures near the bed.
5. If you find signs, ask for another room, ideally not adjacent or directly above or below, or change hotels.

During your stay

• Keep clothes in your luggage or in sealed bags instead of drawers, if unsure.
• Avoid putting bags on the bed or sofa.
• Hang jackets on hooks away from the bed and wall.
• Keep valuables and electronics off the bedside table if you are worried.

When leaving

• Inspect your luggage and belongings before packing.
• Pack dirty laundry in a sealed bag.
• Check the luggage seams, pockets and wheels.

When you get home

1. Unpack in a bathroom, garage or hard-floored area, not the bedroom.
2. Put clothes straight into the washing machine and dryer. Dry on high heat for a sustained period.
3. Vacuum and inspect luggage, and store it away from the bedroom.
4. Check your bed and bedding over the next few weeks.

Useful gear

• A small torch.
• Large sealable plastic bags.
• Packing cubes you can wash and dry.
• Hard-sided luggage, which is easier to inspect.

If you think you brought them home

Inspect your bed, isolate luggage, wash and heat-dry clothes and book a professional inspection if you find signs.

When to call a professional

If you travel often, consider having a provider on call. Early inspection is far easier than treating a spread infestation.

Frequently asked questions

Are luxury hotels safe?

Bed bugs occur in all types of accommodation. Inspection matters, not the star rating.

Should I spray my luggage?

Avoid random sprays. Heat-drying clothes and inspection are more effective.

Do I need to throw clothes away?

No. Wash and heat-dry them.

How often should I check after trips?

Check your bed for a few weeks.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on bed bug control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full bed bug treatment guide for Bangalore.