I just got back from a mini-break on North Carolina’s scenic Outer Banks. I was looking forward to escaping the 90-degree city heat for a long weekend of sun, sand and cool ocean breezes. The kids and I wanted to stay at a small hotel on the beach with some character — but no bed bugs.

As I researched the choices on TripAdvisor, I was surprised to see how many Outer Banks hotels and motels had suffered bed bug infestations either last summer or earlier this year. Some were even “nice” well-known hotel chains. It just points out the fact that bed bugs cross all socio-economic boundaries. They are carried person-to-person. They are not caused by or attracted to unclean or dirty facilities. And they stick around.

Bed bugs are carried into hotels and motels by guests who may not even know they or their luggage are infected. The little vampires crawl into the bed and wait for the next guest to check in. When the hotel closes for the winter, the little buggers just “hibernate” until the vacancy sign lights up in the spring. When the first guest checks in, they’re ready to chow down — on you!

Before you book your vacation, check out your hotel or motel on Trip Advisory and The Bed Bug Registry for a bed bug-free vacation.