Traveling should be all about relaxation, but nothing can ruin a trip faster than unwelcome guests in your hotel room—specifically, bed bugs. These tiny, pesky insects can leave behind itchy, red bites, and their presence often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Luckily, one flight attendant has revealed a few unusual but effective methods for spotting bed bugs before they make your stay uncomfortable. If you want to protect yourself on your next trip, follow these straightforward tricks to ensure your room is bed bug-free.
Credit: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty
Why Bed Bugs Are a Big Concern for Travelers
Bed bugs are notorious for spreading quickly from one location to another, especially in hotels where many people stay in a short period. They feed on human blood and are typically active at night, hiding in mattress seams, headboards, and other nooks around the bed. Unfortunately, even high-end hotels can sometimes be affected, making it essential for all travelers to know how to identify and avoid these pests.
Trick 1: Check the Corners of the Mattress First
The first step to detecting bed bugs is a thorough mattress inspection. According to flight attendant Hannah, the corners of the mattress are prime hiding spots. Pull up the bed linens and focus on the seams and folds at each corner.
- Look for Small, Dark Spots: These can be tiny blood stains, bed bug droppings, or even the bugs themselves. Bed bugs are small and brownish-red in color, usually about the size of an apple seed.
- Search Carefully: Use your phone’s flashlight to illuminate these hidden areas, and be thorough. Bed bugs can hide in incredibly small crevices, so check carefully.
Trick 2: Use a Bar of Soap to Lure Them Out
One unique tip that has caught travelers’ attention involves a simple bar of soap. The idea behind this method is to attract bed bugs from their hiding places, making it easier to confirm their presence.
- Place the Soap at the Foot of the Bed: Hannah suggests putting a bar of soap at the end of the bed, leaving the room, and returning a bit later to check for any bed bugs that may have been drawn to the scent.
- Why It Works: Some people believe that the fragrance of soap, especially strongly scented bars, can be intriguing to bed bugs. While this method may not be foolproof, it’s an easy precaution that doesn’t require any special equipment.
Trick 3: Use Carbon Dioxide as Bait
Bed bugs are naturally drawn to the carbon dioxide humans exhale, which signals that a meal is nearby. Hannah shares her method of “breathing on the bed” to attract any nearby bed bugs.
- How to Do It: Flip up the bed covers, then breathe onto the mattress. The carbon dioxide will mimic what bed bugs detect during the night, encouraging them to emerge if they’re hiding.
- Alternative Method: Another traveler shared in the comments that placing an Alka Seltzer tablet in water near the bed can create the same effect by releasing carbon dioxide, which could draw out any hiding bugs.
Trick 4: Inspect the Headboard and Other Furniture
While the bed itself is the most common hiding place, bed bugs can also reside in other areas of the room, particularly near the bed.
- Check the Headboard: Run a flashlight along the seams and cracks of the headboard. Bed bugs often hide here, especially if they are disturbed by the mattress inspection.
- Inspect Nightstands and Other Furniture: Look for the same dark spots, tiny eggs, or live bugs around bedside tables, couches, or any fabric upholstery.
@cabincrew_han Always check for bed bugs babies #fyp #foryou #travel #traveltok #flightattendant #flightattendantlife #hotel #aviation #traveltip #travellife ♬ original sound – Hannah | Flight Attendant | RN
Why Early Detection Matters
Discovering bed bugs early on can save you from the hassle of bites and the potential to bring them back to your own home. Bed bug bites are usually red, itchy, and may become swollen, making it hard to enjoy your vacation or work trip. Plus, bed bugs spread easily, and finding an infestation early can help you alert hotel management to switch rooms or even change hotels if necessary.
How to Respond if You Find Bed Bugs
If you detect any signs of bed bugs in your room, it’s best to act quickly and discreetly:
- Notify Hotel Staff Immediately: Politely inform the hotel front desk of your findings. They may offer to switch you to another room, often on a different floor to avoid potential cross-contamination.
- Request a New Room Far from the Original: If possible, ask for a room that’s at least a few floors away, as bed bugs can spread through walls and vents.
- Examine Your Luggage and Belongings: Check your suitcase, clothing, and personal items to make sure bed bugs haven’t hitched a ride.
Tips to Prevent Bed Bugs from Following You Home
Even if your hotel room is free of bed bugs, it’s wise to take preventive measures. Here are a few extra tips to ensure you don’t bring any unwanted souvenirs back with you:
- Keep Luggage Off the Bed and Floor: Use the luggage rack, if available, and keep your belongings as far from the bed as possible.
- Use Plastic Bags for Dirty Laundry: Bed bugs are attracted to human scents, so keeping dirty laundry sealed in plastic bags reduces the risk.
- Check Your Belongings Before Packing: Carefully inspect your clothes, shoes, and suitcase before leaving the hotel. Vacuum-sealed travel bags can add an extra layer of protection.
Final Thoughts on Bed Bug Prevention for Travelers
While it might seem strange to start your stay with a bed bug inspection, it’s a simple step that can save you from discomfort, stress, and potential costs down the road. Bed bugs don’t discriminate and can pop up in any hotel, regardless of its rating or cleanliness. Using these tips can make your travels smoother and help you rest easier, knowing you’ve done your best to ensure a bed bug-free stay.
Next time you check into a hotel, remember these quick tips from experienced travelers like Hannah. A little caution goes a long way in protecting yourself and your belongings. Safe travels, and may your adventures always be bed bug-free!
