Bedbugs are ubiquitous—found not just in homes, but also in hotels, theaters, and public transport. The most effective strategy isn’t eradication after an infestation, but prevention in the first place. Experts agree that vigilance is key, as these pests are adept at hiding and hitchhiking.
The Risks of Bedbug Exposure
Frequent travelers, apartment residents, and anyone with high occupant turnover face elevated risk. Bedbugs don’t discriminate based on cleanliness; even luxury hotels can harbor them. The real danger isn’t immediate bites, but inadvertently transporting them home.
Travel Precautions
To minimize the risk during travel:
- Inspect thoroughly: Before unpacking, check behind headboards, in furniture seams, and along mattress edges for signs of bedbugs (pepper-like stains are a key indicator).
- Request room changes: If suspicion arises, immediately request a new room – but ensure it isn’t adjacent to the suspected infested room. Bedbugs spread via housekeeping carts, luggage, and even wall sockets.
- Avoid luggage stands: Place suitcases in sealed plastic bags off the floor. Some travelers even keep bags in bathtubs to isolate them.
- Skip hotel drawers: Don’t store clothes in hotel furniture.
- Seal return luggage: Upon returning home, store luggage in tightly tied garbage bags. Warming it in direct sunlight to 120°F can kill bedbugs.
Protecting Your Home
If staying with friends or family, be cautious: avoid sitting on upholstered furniture, and keep bags off the floor.
After trips, wash all clothes from your suitcase in hot water and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes to eliminate any hitchhikers. Vacuuming alone isn’t foolproof, as bedbugs can be hard to spot. Sprays are ineffective; instead, use a garment steamer to kill any potential pests.
Long-Term Prevention
Wrapping mattresses in protective encasements can further reduce risks. If an infestation is suspected, a professional pest control service can provide effective treatment.
Bedbugs are a pervasive problem, but awareness and proactive measures can significantly reduce the chance of bringing them home. Vigilance, combined with proper cleaning and heat treatment, is the best defense against these resilient pests.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 26, 2024.
Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
Virginia Tech.
Cornell Integrated Pest Management. May 6, 2025.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. July 10, 2025.
University of Minnesota Extension. 2023.
Purdue University College of Agriculture.
