With the holidays approaching, many of us will be traveling to visit family and friends. Staying in hotels can be enjoyable, but it’s not without risks. Even the most luxurious hotels are not immune to pest issues, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant to avoid bringing pests home or infesting the homes of others.
Bedbugs
Bedbugs are the scourge of travelers everywhere. They’re difficult to detect, impossible to get rid of without professional intervention, and resistant to many pesticides. It’s crucial to check your hotel room for bedbugs before settling in and unpacking.
Bedbug Hot Spots
1. Beds
As you may have guessed, beds are where you are most likely to find bedbugs. Check the seams of the mattress, between the mattress and the box spring, pillows, sheets, and comforters.
2. Headboards
Headboards are another common hiding place for bedbugs. Use a flashlight to inspect the gap between the fall and the headboard, and any cracks or crevices in the headboard for bedbug activity.
3. Nightstands
Nightstands may also harbor bedbugs. It is important to pull the nightstand away from the wall and inspect all surfaces as well as remove and inspect any drawers.
4. Electrical Outlets
Outlets contain cracks and holes that are perfect places for bedbugs to hide, particularly if the outlet is close to the bed. Bedbugs generally prefer to hide as close to where their food source sleeps as possible, but they will travel up to 40 feet round-trip for a bloodmeal if needed. Shine a flashlight around the outlet to see if you detect any activity.
5. Upholstered Furniture
Upholstery is another favored hiding space for bedbugs. Check the seams, under the cushions, zippers, tags, and cracks in wooden legs.
Signs of Bedbugs
Telltale signs of infestation include:
- Bedbug fecal staining
- Live specimens
- Exoskeletons
- Musty cilantro-like smell
For a deeper dive into bedbug prevention How To Avoid The Nightmare: Your Guide To Identifying and Preventing Bedbugs for a more detailed run-down on bedbug signs and tips for staying safe.
Spiders
While spiders may not pose the same threat as bedbugs, they can still stow away in your belongings and make their way into your home.
Spider Hot Spots
1. Under The Bed
The space under the bed provides a sheltered and relatively undisturbed harborage for spiders. A spider is unlikely to move from this location unless disturbed, so you may choose to leave any spiders here alone. Avoid sliding luggage under the bed, lest a spider mistake your suitcase for its new home.
2. Windows
Windows are an excellent place for spiders to build a web, as there is frequent insect activity here.
3. Dark Corners
Underutilized areas of the room, such as the corners, are favored hiding spots for spiders. You may choose to brush their webs out of the area with a damp paper towel if you plan to utilize any of these spaces.
4. Behind Appliances
Hotel appliances are rarely moved, so spiders will often make their homes here. They are very unlikely to disturb you in these locations, so they can be left alone.
5. Behind The Headboard
The gap between the wall and headboard provides excellent shelter for spiders. Headboards are a common hiding place for other pests, so you can choose to let the spider do its job or remove the webs with a damp paper towel.
Signs of Spiders:
- Physical specimens
- Webs
- Egg sacs
- Exoskeletons
Read our article, “Signs of Spiders: How To Know If Spiders Are Nesting In Your Home” for more tips on how to detect and prevent spiders.
Fleas
Fleas are another common hotel hitchhiker. Fleas make their way into hotels when guests bring infested pets and belongings, or through mice and wildlife that have established themselves in the building. Flea eggs and pupae are very difficult to detect and are easily transported by unknowing travelers.
Flea Hot Spots
1. Bedding
Fleas like to hide in soft places that mammals frequent, so the hotel bed is a prime location for them to wait for their next meal.
2. Curtains
The folds of curtains are another common hiding spot for fleas. Look for live adult fleas. Flea pupae are small and white, but are possible to see if the fabric is dark
3. Dark Corners and Tight Crevices
Fleas often prefer to be sheltered rather than out in the open, so will gravitate towards corners
4. Upholstered Furniture
Fleas will often hide in upholstered furniture. All stages of life may be found hiding near the seams or under the cushions. Flea larvae are small, wormlike creatures that can crawl through the upholstery fabric to hide.
5. Carpet
The fibers of a carpet provide excellent hiding places for tiny fleas. You may notice bites on your feet and legs from fleas detecting your presence as you walk on the carpet. A straightforward way to detect whether the carpet has fleas is to perform the “white sock test.” Walk on the carpet in calf-length white socks. Adult fleas are easily visible on a white background, and you will quickly be able to determine if there are fleas in the room.
Signs of Fleas:
- Unusually itchy pets
- Itchy bites on your lower body
- Flea dirt
- Adult fleas
Check out our article “ Finding Fleas: How to Recognize The Signs of a Flea Infestation” for information about detecting the presence of fleas in your home.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are notorious hitchhikers that can easily infest your home if brought back from a trip. A single pregnant cockroach can lead to a significant infestation.
Cockroach Hot Spots
1. Bathrooms
Bathrooms provide a moist environment in which cockroaches can thrive. Common hiding places include behind toilets, under sinks, in cabinets, cracked tiles, and behind mirrors.
2. Kitchen Areas
Kitchen areas are another favored location for roaches. Look inside cabinets and behind appliances such as coffee makers, microwaves, and mini fridges.
3. Upholstered Furniture
Roaches can also hide in upholstered furniture, such as armchairs or ottomans. Check under the cushions, around the seams, and under the furniture with a flashlight.
4. Fruit Bowls and Snack Items
Nothing attracts roaches quite like open food sources. Inspect any fruit bowls or snack items left by the hotel for any insects that may have been drawn to them.
5. Under Bed, Behind Furniture, and Other Tight Spaces
Many pest species of cockroach are thigmotactic, meaning that they gravitate towards spaces that allow them to feel pressure on their dorsal and ventral sides at the same time, such as tight cracks and crevices.
Signs of Cockroaches:
- Droppings
- Musty odor
- Egg Casings
- Exoskeletons
- Smears on walls where roaches have left pheromone residue
Check out our article, Are Cockroaches Creeping In Your Home? for more details about how to spot a roach infestation
Preventing Hotel Hitchhikers:
Inspect Your Room
Before unpacking, inspect the room thoroughly for any signs of pests. Pay close attention to bedding, furniture, and corners.
Practice Luggage Safety
- Use hard-shell luggage with tight seals.
- Pack fabric items in sealed plastic bags.
- Keep luggage in the bathroom, away from potential pest hot spots.
Check Your Luggage Before You Unpack at Home
- Inspect your luggage for signs of pests before unpacking.
- Wash and dry clothing on high heat to kill pests.
- Vacuum your suitcase inside and out before storing it.
Stay Vigilant
Even with thorough inspections, some pests may go undetected. Monitor your home for signs of infestation in the weeks following your return and vacuum frequently to eliminate eggs or larvae.
By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of bringing unwanted pests home from your travels, ensuring your holidays remain stress- and pest-free.