Bed bugs are found in your bed, right? The answer is yes; however, bed bugs are also found in many other places, one of which includes your luggage. Since bed bugs often spread as a result of traveling, it is no wonder that your suitcase could be the culprit in spreading an infestation. Checking your luggage may be the key to preventing a hitchhiking bed bug on your next vacation. Our pest professionals have some fresh tips on how to check your luggage after your next vacation so that you can avoid any bed bugs from making their way into your home.

• Do not bring your luggage into your hotel room until you have inspected it thoroughly.
• Keep your luggage off the floor even after you have inspected the room. Most hotel rooms provide luggage stands so it’s a good idea to use them.
• Pack your clothing in sealable bags during your travels. Have a bag for the clean clothes as well as a bag for the dirty clothes so that they can be separated and closed off to any bed bugs that may have found their way into your suitcase.
• Once you get home from your travels, keep your luggage outside or in the garage so you can do a final inspection before bringing it inside. You want to thoroughly check through all of your clothing and then wash it immediately at the hottest temperature available to the fabrics as this will kill any eggs that could have made it back. When the suitcase is empty, you should use a vacuum to clean the inside and then check around all of the edges, zippers, and pockets for any signs of bed bugs.

If you do spot any dark spots of fecal matter, light brown colored skins, or live bugs themselves, you are going to want to contact a professional. Bed bugs are not a fix-it-yourself solution since they are really good at hiding and multiplying. These pests are not good company to have and you may find yourself in a nightmare if you try to take care of matters on your own. Hopefully, with enough education and an understanding of how bed bugs can affect you, you will not have to worry about them coming back with you on your next trip. If you do find yourself with a suitcase infested by bed bugs or would like to learn more about the prevention and treatment of bed bugs in your home, contact us today.