What To Do If Your Hotel Has Bed Bugs? Quick and Effective Solutions!

What to do if your hotel has bed bugs? Actionable step-by-step tips are below! Imagine settling into your hotel room after a long day of travel, only to discover that the room is infested with bed bugs.

The mere thought is enough to make anyone’s skin crawl! But fret not, as this article will walk you through the necessary steps if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

Once a bed bug infestation is confirmed, it’s time to take immediate steps to minimize its impact on your stay. Keep reading to discover the most effective course of action on what to do if your hotel room has bed bugs.

Be sure to check out our in depth guide for how to kill bed bugs in luggage.

1st Step: Identify Bed Bugs And Their Signs

Make sure what you see is actually a bed bug. Many bugs that look like bed bugs but are not. ????

Physical Appearance

Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects with flat bodies, making them easy to hide. They are usually brownish-red and between 1.5 and 6 millimeters. Nymphs (young bed bugs) are between 1.5 and 4.5 mm and lighter in color.

Here are some bed bug examples: so you know what to look for:

Here’s a quick overview:

• Adult size: Around 5-6 millimeters long
• Color: Brownish-red
• Shape: Oval and flattened
• Nymphs: Smaller and almost translucent

Bite Symptoms

Bed bug bites can be tricky to identify, as they are similar to mosquito and flea bites in some people. So just because you experience bites while staying at a hotel doesn’t necessarily mean there are bed bugs in the hotel.

Additionally, if you see no signs of bed bugs but have bites, it doesn’t necessarily mean there are no bed bugs. Since they tend to hide out in cracks and crevices, you may not notice them.

However, there are a few essential facts about bed bug bites to keep in mind:

• Many people do not react to the bed bug bites.
• Some people experience a delayed reaction to the bites.

• Bed bug bites can cause intense itching, with red, swollen areas surrounding the bites, in some people.
• Bed bugs do not only “bite in lines”; the bites can also manifest as single spots.

• You cannot diagnose bed bugs based on bites. The only way to know for sure is to find bugs, fecal matter, or bed bug shells.

Evidence Of Infestation in a Hotel Room

If you presume bed bugs in your hotel room, here are some signs to look for:

• Dark spots – Check for small, dark spots on sheets, pillowcases, headboards, box springs, and mattresses, indicating possible bed bug poop.

• Shed skins – Look for shed skins from bed bugs’ growth stages around your sleeping area.
• Eggs  – Check for tiny, white, oval-shaped eggs or eggshells (around 1 millimeter) in cracks and crevices. The bed bug eggs are not easy to spot, but if you use the zoom feature on your phone, you may be able to snap a photo of one.

Remember to thoroughly inspect your sleeping area and heat treat your luggage and clothing when you get home. [Especially since bed bugs are hitchhikers and one of the common “bugs in clothes“. ] Doing these two things will help diminish the chances of you bringing bed bugs back home with you.

What to Immediately do if your hotel has bed bugs?

One of our clients recently came back from a trip to Paris France, where there is currently a bed bug epidemic going on. The client and her son found a bed bug infestation in Paris, in their hotel rental. Luckily they documented the bugs crawling on their pillows, and we helped them with a K9 inspection after they got back.

Take Photos And Document Evidence

As soon as you notice signs of bed bugs in your hotel room, grab your camera or phone and start snapping pictures. Capture clear images of the bed bugs, their feces, or any other signs. This is the most important step for “What to do if your hotel has bed bugs?”

Keep a written log of your experience, including the incidents’ dates, times, and details. This documentation will be helpful when you report the issue to the hotel management and, if necessary, seek compensation.

Inform Hotel Management

After gathering evidence, promptly notify the hotel management about the bed bug issue in your room. Remain calm and professional, and present your photo and written documentation.

They should take steps to address the problem, which may include moving you to a different room or offering a refund if you decide to leave. Be aware that most hotels have had bed bugs at one time or another, bed bugs are common in hotels. Keep reading for: What to do if your hotel has bed bugs?

Carefully and Strategically Move To A Different Room Or Hotel

If the hotel offers to move you to another room, take precautions to prevent transferring bed bugs with your belongings:

• Inspect the new room thoroughly, looking for signs of bed bug infestations. Check mattresses, bedding, and furniture.
• Put all of your clothing into a high-heat dryer.

• Place your luggage and belongings into a plastic bag. (this will isolate any stragglers that hitched a ride from the infested room)

• Inspect everything you take out of your luggage.
• Notify the hotel management immediately if you find any signs of bed bugs in the new room.

If you decide to leave the hotel altogether, follow similar precautions when packing and handling your belongings.

Before settling into your new accommodation, consider washing and drying all your clothes and belongings in the highest heat setting, as this can kill any remaining bed bugs.

Protecting Your Belongings Before Getting Home

Seal Luggage In Plastic Bags

To protect your belongings before getting home, it’s essential to take proper precautions. First, seal your luggage in plastic bags.

Sealing it in bags will help trap any bed bugs hiding in your suitcase, preventing infestations from spreading to your home.

1. Purchase large plastic bags.
2. Place your entire luggage inside the bag.
3. Seal the bag tightly, making sure there are no openings.

Doing this extra step will significantly reduce the chances of bed bugs hitchhiking their way into your home.

Wash And Dry Clothes On High Heat

Next, wash and dry your clothes using the highest heat settings. High temperatures effectively kill bed bugs, their eggs, and their nymphs. Check out our entire article on what kills bed bugs instantly.

• Unzip the luggage but keep it inside the bag.
• Carefully take out the clothing and place it into the dryer.

• Use the hottest setting, typically above 120°F (49°C).
• Dry your clothes on the highest heat setting available for at least 45 minutes.

By following these steps, you’re actively eliminating the chances of a bed bug infestation in your home. In depth article, if you wonder: “How long before I know I brought bed bugs home?”

Check Clothes And Electronics

Lastly, remember to check your clothes and electronics for signs of bed bugs. These pests can easily hide in small crevices.

To inspect your belongings, follow these tips:

• Examine seams, folds, and pockets for any signs of bed bugs or eggs.

• Use a flashlight to check for bed bugs in your phone, pad, or laptop.
• Look for minor black stains, which could be bed bug feces.

With careful attention, you can spot bed bugs before they find their way into your home, keeping you and your family safe from unwelcome guests.

If you are concerned that your electronics may have a bed bug, purchase a bed bug heater. Be sure to contact the manufacturer to ask if your electronic device is safe to put in the machine.

*Please note that some of this site’s links are affiliate links. Doctor Sniffs participates in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to allow us to earn fees (at no cost to you) by linking to affiliate sites. *

Treating Your Belongings After Getting Home

Purchase a Bed Bug Heater: Important Step for “What to Do if Your Hotel Has Bed Bugs?”

Before returning home, purchase a bed bug heater so it’s waiting for you. Read up on the best bed bug heater here. We have both the ZAPPBUG and the THERMAL STRIKE. If you have small or medium luggage, we suggest the Thermal Strike.

These devices efficiently kill bed bugs and their eggs by raising the temperature to a lethal level. Place your belongings inside the heater and let it work its magic.

It’s a worthwhile investment that can save you time, sanity, money, and stress in the long run. Since having one, I can’t imagine life without it.

Put Everything Through the High Heat Dryer

Unload your clothes and other heat-resistant items directly into the dryer. Run them on the highest heat setting for at least 40 minutes. This high heat eliminates any remaining bed bugs and their eggs, ensuring your belongings are safe and bug-free.

Hire A Bed Bug Sniffing Dog to Search Your Home and Luggage

After you take all of the preventive measures, you may still need some extra peace of mind. A bed bug sniffing dog can search your luggage and home after you put everything through the high heat dryer. Check the NESDCA and WDDO sites for a certified dog in your area.

Keep The Luggage Sealed Until You Put It Through the Heat

Before treating your luggage, seal it in a large plastic bag or airtight container. The bag prevents any bed bugs from escaping and infesting your home. Once home, treat your luggage with heat, either by using a portable bed bug heater or by hiring a service to do it for you.

Monitor with Traps and Interceptor Cups

Once you treat your belongings, set up the best bed bug traps and interceptor cups around your bed and other furniture. These tools help capture and monitor any remaining bed bugs, allowing you to take action if necessary.

Monitor with Bed Bug Encasements

Use mattress and box spring encasements to keep bed bugs from entering or escaping these hiding spots. Check the encasements regularly for signs of bed bugs, such as fecal stains or shed skin.

This vigilant monitoring helps you stay aware of any possible infestations.

Monitor For New Bites

Finally, watch for new bed bug bites on your skin. If you know that you react to bed bug bites, keep an eye out for red, itchy welts. At this stage, inspecting your home regularly and checking all the bed bug hiding places is essential.

Seeking Medical Treatment if You Reacted Badly to the Bites

If you’ve had an unfortunate encounter with bed bugs at your hotel, seeking proper treatment is crucial, especially if you’ve reacted badly to the bites. No medical treatment is usually necessary, and the bites will dissipate after a few weeks.

Over-The-Counter Solutions

Don’t underestimate the power of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments! These options can help provide quick relief and reduce any irritation or itchiness caused by bed bug bites:

• Topical creams: Apply a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to the bites to alleviate itchiness and redness.
• Oral antihistamines: Take an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to help reduce itching and minimize your body’s allergic response.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with the bites.

Remember always to read and follow the instructions on the product labels. We are not suggesting that you take or use any OTC product for the bites. Always seek the help of a medical professional.

Visit A Medical Professional

Though OTC treatments can provide relief, it’s essential to be aware of when to seek expert advice:

• Severe reactions: If your bites become increasingly inflamed, painful, or show signs of infection (such as pus), see a doctor ASAP.
• Allergic reactions: If you experience difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or swelling in your face, neck, or tongue, these may indicate a severe allergic reaction. Dial emergency services or head to the nearest emergency room immediately.
• Persistent symptoms: If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen after trying OTC treatments for a few days, it’s time to consult a medical professional.

Keep track of your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. Your health and well-being, regarding bed bugs should always come first!

Preventing Future Infestations

Learning what to do if your hotel has bed bugs, is only part of how we aim to arm you with the knowledge for avoiding them in the future.

Inspect Rooms Before Unpacking

Upon entering your hotel room, it’s essential to inspect it thoroughly for any signs of bed bugs. Check the bed, cushions, and even the carpet near the bed. Look for tiny, reddish bugs and dark stains on bedding and mattresses.

You can minimize the chances of encountering bed bugs during your stay by quickly inspecting.

Keep Luggage Sealed in a Plastic Bag at Hotels

While staying at a hotel, keeping your luggage sealed in a plastic bag is a good idea. Additionally, the bag will prevent bed bugs from entering your belongings and potentially hitch a ride home with you.

When choosing a plastic bag, opt for a heavy-duty one with a secure closure to ensure it’s properly sealed.

Heat Treat Your Clothing and Luggage Every Time You Stay at a Hotel

Once you return home after staying in a hotel, it’s crucial to heat treat your clothing and luggage. Making sure to wash your clothes in hot water and dry them at the highest heat setting.

For non-washable items, use a portable heat treatment device (like the Thermal Strike) designed for killing bed bugs. Going the extra mile with these extra precautions will reduce the likelihood of bringing bed bugs into your home.

Know Your Rights And Compensation Options

Hotel Responsibilities

Your hotel has a legal responsibility to provide a clean and pest-free environment. If you encounter bed bugs, inform the hotel staff immediately. They should take action to address the situation, such as:

• Moving you to another room, ensuring it is bed bug-free
• Conducting a thorough inspection and treatment of the affected area

Remember that your safety and well-being should be their utmost priority.

Reimbursement And Legal Actions

If bed bugs disrupted your stay or caused you harm, you might be entitled to compensation. Here’s what you can do:

• Request a full or partial refund for your stay
• Keep records of your expenses related to the bed bug incident (e.g., medical treatment, replacement clothing)
• Document the incident through photos and written communication with hotel staff

Should the hotel be uncooperative, consider seeking legal advice to explore your options. Be sure to gather essential evidence to support your case, as this will be critical in the potential resolution.

Stay informed and proactive when dealing with bed bugs at a hotel. Knowing your rights and compensation options empowers you to handle these situations effectively and confidently.

Final Thoughts for What To Do If Your Hotel Has Bed Bugs? 

Traveling should be a stress free experience, but sometimes you will inevitably encounter unpleasant surprises such as bed bugs. However, it’s essential to remember that the problem can be easily solved if addressed swiftly and appropriately.

What to do if you hotel has bed bugs? By following the actionable steps in this article, you’ll have the tools to manage any bed bug infestation situation while remaining calm and collected. Hopefully, this blog will serve as your guide and provide knowledge ahead of time on how to deal with potential unfortunate pest situations when traveling.

So be sure to keep these bed bug hotel tips in mind for your next journey! After all, we want to ensure everyone’s stay is always safe and comfortable. Happy Travels!