How to Check for Bed Bugs in Your Hotel Room: A Smart Traveler’s Guide

There’s nothing like the excitement of checking into your hotel and starting your adventure. But before you unpack and flop onto the bed—pause. One small pest can turn a dream trip into a nightmare: bed bugs.

Even in clean, upscale hotels, bed bugs can occasionally be found. That’s why doing a quick check when you arrive can save you a lot of trouble later.

Here’s everything you need to know about spotting and avoiding these unwelcome travel companions.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs come in various stages of life, each with a slightly different appearance. Here's how to identify them:

Adult Bed Bugs

• About the size of an apple seed (3/16 - ¼ inch)

• Flat, oval-shaped, and brown if unfed

• Balloon-like and reddish-brown if they’ve fed recently

• Give off a musty-sweet odor

• Have a beak, antennae, and short golden hairs
  

🐛 Young Bed Bugs (Nymphs)

• Much smaller and nearly invisible if unfed

• Translucent or whitish-yellow in color
  

🥚 Bed Bug Eggs

• Pinhead-sized, pearl-white

• May have a small dark eye spot if over 5 days old

Signs of Bed Bugs

Even if you don’t see the bugs themselves, they often leave behind clues:

• Small reddish-brown bugs

• Tiny white eggs

• Dark fecal spots (black or brown stains)

• Blood stains on sheets or pillowcases

Step-by-Step: How to Inspect Your Hotel Room for Bed Bugs

1. Don’t unpack on the bed. When you enter the room, place your luggage in the bathroom or on a luggage rack—never on the bed or soft furniture.

2. Use a flashlight. A small flashlight (like the one on your phone or a compact travel light) helps illuminate hidden bugs.

3. Inspect the bed thoroughly.

   • Pull back sheets and check pillowcases and blankets

   • Carefully inspect all sides, seams, and corners of the mattress

   • Examine the box spring and its underside

4. Check behind and around the headboard. Bed bugs love crevices in upholstered or wooden headboards.

5. Inspect surrounding furniture.Look along seams and under cushions of chairs, sofas, and nightstands.

6. Look behind frames or wall decor. Especially those close to the bed—they can hide behind or even inside them.

7. Check outlets and switches. It’s rare, but bed bugs can hide in electrical plates near the bed.

Pro Tips for Bed Bug Checks

• Bring a plastic card. Use the edge of a credit card or cardboard to run along seams and folds—this can help dislodge hidden bugs.

• Be slow and thorough. A careful check takes just 10 minutes but can save you weeks of headaches.

• Inspect your luggage before leaving. Before heading home, give your bags a quick inspection to avoid bringing any stowaways.

What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs

If you spot signs of bed bugs:

• Take photos as evidence

• Contact the hotel front desk immediately

• Request a new room far from the affected area—or a refund if you choose to leave

Remember: Even the best hotels can have bed bugs. Don’t panic, just stay prepared.

Safe travels, and may your stays always be bug-free! 🧳✨

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