What are the ways to check for bed bugs in hotel rooms?

How to Check for Bed Bugs in Hotel Rooms

Upon entering your hotel room, immediately conduct a systematic visual inspection of the bed, mattress seams, headboard, and nearby furniture before unpacking, as these are the primary hiding locations where adult bed bugs, nymphs, eggs, fecal spots, or blood stains from crushed bugs can be detected. 1

Systematic Inspection Protocol

Primary Inspection Sites

Inspect the mattress and box spring first, as these are the most frequently infested locations:

• Pull back all bedding and examine mattress seams, tufts, and folds for live bugs (reddish-brown, flat, oval insects about 4-7mm long), dark fecal spots (digested blood), shed skins, or tiny white eggs 1, 2
• Check the box spring, particularly along seams and the underside where fabric meets the frame 1
• Examine the headboard by pulling it away from the wall and inspecting the back surface and mounting brackets 1

Secondary Inspection Sites

After checking the bed, expand your search:

• Inspect upholstered furniture including sofas, chairs, and cushion seams 1
• Check curtains and drapes, particularly where fabric folds or touches the floor 1
• Examine nightstands and furniture near the bed, looking in cracks, joints, and drawer interiors 1
• Look behind picture frames, electrical outlets, and wall decorations where bugs may hide 1

What You're Looking For

Visual Evidence

• Live bed bugs: Adult bugs are visible to the naked eye (4-7mm), reddish-brown, flat when unfed, and oval-shaped 2
• Fecal spots: Small dark brown or black spots (digested blood) on mattress seams, sheets, or nearby surfaces 1, 2
• Blood stains: Small reddish-brown smears on sheets from crushed bugs 1
• Eggs and egg casings: Tiny white eggs (about 1mm) or translucent shed skins in hiding spots 2

Immediate Actions if Bed Bugs Are Found

If you detect any evidence of bed bugs, immediately request a different room in a different part of the hotel, or preferably change hotels entirely 1:

• Do not simply move to an adjacent room, as infestations can spread between connected rooms 1
• Keep your luggage in the bathroom (on hard surfaces) or in sealed plastic bags until you can inspect a new room 1
• Notify hotel management of the infestation 1

Preventive Measures During Your Stay

Even in apparently clean rooms:

• Keep luggage on hard surfaces (luggage racks, bathroom counters) away from beds and upholstered furniture 1
• Store clothing in sealed plastic bags rather than in drawers 1
• Avoid placing personal items on beds or upholstered furniture until inspection is complete 1

Upon Returning Home

Inspect all luggage and belongings outside or in a garage before bringing items into your home 1:

• Wash all clothing in hot water (at least 120°F/49°C) immediately upon return 2
• Vacuum luggage thoroughly and dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag outside your home 2
• Inspect luggage seams and pockets for any hitchhiking bugs 1

Critical Pitfall to Avoid

The most common mistake is unpacking immediately upon arrival without inspection. Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers and can infest even luxury hotels - infestation is not related to cleanliness or hotel quality 1. Taking 5-10 minutes to conduct a thorough inspection before settling in can prevent bringing these pests into your home, which requires professional extermination and can cost thousands of dollars to eradicate 2, 3.