How To Check For Bed Bugs In A Hotel

Anyone who travels frequently for business or pleasure should know how to check for bed bugs in a hotel. Those pesky little critters can wreak havoc on your nerves as they nibble on your skin. How embarrassing to sit there scratching during an important meeting when your mind should be on bottom line for the company. You can do a quick check to prevent a future itching-scratching marathon. As soon as you walk into your hotel room, do a quick check for bed bugs before you put anything down. The few minutes of inspection for bed bugs in your hotel room will give you the peace of mind you'll need for a decent night's sleep.

Things you'll need:

• Hotel room
• Flashlight (optional)

1. Head over to the bed and pull back the covers. Run your hand over the mattress seams and tag to see if any bed bugs are hiding there.
2. Take a peek at the headboard and check for small black dots of bed bug excrement. You may even see some light brown bed bug skin, which means they're still there.
3. Now you need to check for bed bugs in the hotel nightstand and dressers. Open the drawers and check the wall behind the furniture to see if there are any signs of bed bug excrement or live critters. You might even see some powder in the drawers or along the headboard, which means that the hotel has been treated for bed bugs.
4. Before putting your luggage on anything—floor or furniture—check it for bed bugs. They're notorious for hitchhiking with unsuspecting travelers and they'd love to follow you home. Once you're assured that there is no bed bug activity, place your luggage on a luggage rack or dresser—never on the floor.
5. If you see any signs of bed bugs, report it to the hotel management and request a different room. Before you settle in, check for bed bugs in your new hotel room.

Now that you know how to check for bed bugs in a hotel room, you're free to enjoy yourself on your trip. The little bit of time it takes will pay off in peace of mind.