Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures—new destinations, new experiences, and unforgettable memories. However, one unpleasant souvenir that no one wants to bring home is bed bugs. These tiny, blood-feeding pests can easily hitch a ride in your luggage, clothing, or personal items, causing stress and infestations long after your trip ends. Knowing how to avoid bed bugs while travelling is essential for a comfortable and pest-free experience. Here’s how you can protect yourself before, during, and after your trip.
Before booking a hotel, hostel, or vacation rental, take a few moments to check reviews online. Guests often leave comments about cleanliness and pest issues. Websites like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews can help you identify whether a location has had recent reports of bed bugs. Choosing reputable accommodations that prioritize hygiene and pest control can greatly reduce your risk.
Protect your belongings before you even leave home. Consider using hard-sided luggage instead of fabric suitcases, as bed bugs have fewer places to hide. Pack your clothes and accessories in resealable plastic bags or packing cubes. Not only does this keep your items organized, but it also creates a barrier that prevents bed bugs from nesting inside your belongings.
You can even treat the outside of your luggage with a bed bug repellent spray that’s safe for travel. This adds an extra layer of protection, especially if your luggage will be placed on hotel floors or under beds.
When you arrive at your destination, resist the urge to throw your luggage on the bed. Instead, place it in the bathroom or on a luggage rack while you inspect the room. Here’s what to check:
If you notice any suspicious signs, report them immediately to management and request a new room far away from the infested area.
Even if your room appears clean, it’s smart to take precautions. Always keep your suitcase off the floor and away from the bed. Use a luggage rack, or if one isn’t available, place your bag on a hard surface like a desk or shelf. Some travelers even keep their luggage sealed in a large plastic bag when not in use to prevent unwanted pests from sneaking in.
Avoid unpacking all your clothes into hotel drawers or closets. Instead, take out only what you need and keep the rest sealed in plastic bags. This minimizes the number of surfaces your clothes come in contact with. At night, avoid placing clothing on upholstered furniture or the bed—hang them instead or place them in your suitcase.
Before you leave your accommodation, do a thorough check of your luggage and clothing. Look closely at zippers, seams, and folds—these are prime hiding spots for bed bugs. Shake out your clothes and repack them in sealed bags if possible. This small step can make a huge difference in preventing a potential infestation at home.
Once you return home, don’t bring your suitcase straight into your bedroom. Instead, unpack in an area with a hard floor, like your garage or laundry room. Immediately wash and dry all clothing—whether worn or not—on high heat, as bed bugs cannot survive extreme temperatures. Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly and store it away from sleeping areas.
If you suspect that you may have brought home bed bugs, it’s best to take action quickly. Wash, heat-dry, and inspect all items, and contact a professional pest control company for a thorough inspection and treatment if needed.
Bed bugs aren’t limited to hotels—they can be found in public transportation, theaters, airports, and even ride-shares. When travelling, avoid placing your bags on upholstered seats or carpets. Keep your personal items close to you, and inspect them frequently if you’re moving between multiple destinations.
Several products can help reduce your risk of bed bug exposure during travel, including:
These tools can offer peace of mind, especially for frequent travelers or those staying in multiple accommodations.
Despite your best efforts, bed bugs can sometimes find their way into your home. If you notice bites, itchy welts, or dark stains on your bedding after returning from a trip, don’t wait to act. Early intervention is key to preventing a full-blown infestation. Contact a professional pest control service to inspect and treat your home effectively.
Travelling should be about discovery and enjoyment—not dealing with unwanted pests. By staying alert and taking a few preventive steps, you can significantly lower your chances of encountering bed bugs. Always inspect, protect, and act promptly when in doubt.
At Speedy Pest Control, we understand how stressful bed bug infestations can be. Our expert team offers fast, safe, and effective bed bug inspection and removal services to restore your peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with an infestation or looking for preventive advice, Speedy Pest Control is here to help you travel and live confidently—without the bugs.