Bed Bugs Don’t Discriminate Against Five Star Hotels

It’s a universal truth that there is some risk of encountering bed bugs while you are travelling and staying in high traffic areas like hotels and hostels. Bed bugs can be found in nearly every region of the world and all fifty states in the U.S. There are, however, some common misconceptions about the types of places you might find bed bugs, and what that says about the places they’re found.

Bed Bugs Don’t Discriminate Against Clean Hotels

Assuming you are safe from bed bugs simply because your hotel room is clean is a mistake. The idea that bed bugs are attracted to dirt and grime is simply untrue. Bed bugs are attracted to three main things: warmth, blood, and carbon dioxide. While cleanliness is certainly a good start to catching in potential bed bug infestations, it is not a foolproof way of prevention.
Bed bugs don’t discriminate against high class hotels either. From five star hotels to run down hostels, these pests can be found wherever their hosts take them.

What to Check

Regardless of your hotel room’s state of cleanliness, there are a few simple things you can do to inspect your room for bed bugs. As you arrive, you should set your luggage off the ground and inspect your room for signs of infestation before unpacking. This can include looking for signs of the bed bugs themselves (dead or alive), eggs, and blood stains. Bed bugs can leave small brown or red spots behind, and large infestations, will leave a sweet, musty odor. There are some key places to check for signs of bed bugs including the bed sheets, headboard, mattress and box spring, other furniture and even along baseboards and in hanging pictures. It’s also a good habit to inspect your luggage before checking out as well as once more when you arrive home.

Be Cautious, But Not Afraid

While it is certainly not something you would want to experience, bed bugs are not as disastrous as you may think. In the unfortunate event that you do bring home bed bugs from your next vacation, it will not be the end of the world. It’s important to know that, while some may experience allergic reactions to bed bug bites, they do not spread deadly diseases.

If you suspect you’re experiencing a bed bug infestation, it’s important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible. Certified professionals will be able to do thorough inspections and provide you with the best plan of action if you do have an issue.

Learn more about Terminix Wil-Kil’s bed bug control services.