Hotel stay while you’re away? University of Minnesota and NJ pest control experts advise you leave your luggage unpacked until you determine that there are no bed bugs in your room. Using your bed bug traveler card, place your suitcase by the entryway door or in the bathroom, away from the bed, and perform a bed bug inspection.

Inspect the Mattress

The most common area for bed bugs, check the four corners of both the mattress and box spring, looking for bug evidence in cracks and crevices. Mattress and box spring edging and seams may also host activity, as well as the area between the headboard and the wall, which is best checked with a small flashlight.

Check the Luggage Rack & Furnishings

A common infestation zone for hitchhikers in traveler luggage, the luggage rack, night stand, and dressers may host a bed bug infestation. Look carefully in cracks, crevices, joints, and screw holes with your flashlight. Also check upholstered chairs, paying special attention to seams. Even picture frames may hide bed bugs.

If You Notice Bugs

Remove yourself and luggage to the front desk, notifying the hotel immediately. Do not accept a replacement room immediately next door to one with bed bugs.

Sleep tight while you’re away a night with the help of these and other tips from the NJ pest control experts at Stern Environmental. Bring bed bugs home? Contact us for fast eradication today.