What if I Stayed in a Hotel That Had Bed Bugs? (2024)

This time of year, it seems that we’re always on the move. The hustle and bustle of the season is exciting for many of us, and we cherish moments with friends and relatives. Often, travel is part of our holiday plans, and just adds to the magic of the season. But you know what’s not magical? Bed bugs. What if you stayed in a hotel that had bed bugs ? Or what if a relative that was coming to visit you had just been sleeping in a hotel with bed bugs? Now what?

Don’t Panic.

First things first, don’t panic. Just because you think (or are even positive) the hotel had bed bugs does not necessarily mean that you brought them home with you. Granted, bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate on your own, so it’s a good idea to act as if you may have picked up a hitchhiking bed bug or two. If you kept your luggage away from the bed (say in the closet, or on the storage rack), your risk of bringing bed bugs home is lower.

Wash Everything.

Luckily, you probably don’t have to discard all of your belongings, but you do have to be careful not to bring them inside. When you get home, put all of your luggage and other belongs outside immediately. Place anything washable in a garbage bag and transport directly to the washing machine. Wash everything on a high temperature or sanitary cycle for at least 30 minutes. Placing everything in the dryer on the hottest setting for 30 minutes will also kill bed bugs and larvae. Immediately after you’re finished putting clothing in the washer, tie up and throw out the empty garbage bag in an outdoor trash bin.

Treat Anything Else.

Any luggage items such as toiletries, shoes, or jewelry that cannot be washed, should stay isolated outdoors until they can be carefully inspected and treated. To kill bed bugs with heat, place items in a plastic bag in a hot, sunny location and raise temps to 120 degrees for an hour or more. To kill bed bugs with cold, place items in a chest freezer for at least 24 hours. At-home insecticides are also available on the market, but use these with caution and do your research first.

Call a Pest Control Expert.

If you are still worried that you might bring bed bugs into your home, contact a local pest control company. They will be able to help you inspect your luggage and your home for any signs of infestation. They can also give you tips on what to look out for in the coming days and weeks.

For bed bugs in Columbus, Indiana, YES Pest Pros is the obvious choice in pest control. We have the tools, knowledge, and experience to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and safely. If you are worried you have bed bugs, just give us a call!