Can you bring bed bugs home from a hotel?
Can you bring bed bugs home from a hotel?
Quite possibly. Many household bed bug problems originate from hotel stays during travel. Bed bugs can survive for weeks without feeding and can easily hide in luggage.
How bed bugs get home with you
- In luggage — bed bugs crawl into suitcase zippers, lining folds, and wheel crevices, then travel home with you.
- In clothing — bed bugs hide in folds of outerwear and pants, carried home in travel bags or backpacks.
- On shoes — small nymphs crawling on hotel floors may get stuck in shoe treads.
- In souvenirs — fabric souvenirs and stuffed toys may also harbor bed bugs.
How to protect yourself during hotel stays
- Upon check-in, inspect the mattress and headboard crevices for bed bug signs (black spots, blood stains, live bugs, shed skins) — this is the most critical step.
- Do not place luggage on the bed or carpet; place it on a metal luggage rack — bed bugs cannot climb smooth metal surfaces.
- Hang clothes in the closet; do not leave them on the bed or chairs.
- Check nightstand drawers and sofa crevices — these are also common hiding spots.
- Inspect luggage inside and out before check-out.
Post-trip treatment
- Wash all clothes in water above 60°C and tumble dry on high heat — not just some clothes; all items worn during the trip must be treated.
- Spray dinotefuran-containing household insecticide on the inside and outside of the suitcase, especially along zippers and seams, and allow to dry before storing. You may also wipe the inside with alcohol.
- Inspect and clean travel bags and shoes as well.
- Be alert for signs of bed bugs on the bed for 1-2 weeks after returning.
Golden rule
When staying in a hotel, keep luggage off the bed and carpet. Upon returning home, wash clothes before storing. Following this habit can prevent 90% of bed bug risks.