Housekeeping · Travel home hygiene

Bed-bug precautions at hotels and after returning home

Inspect the sleeping area and luggage rack, keep bags off beds, and check clothing and luggage on return.

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The US EPA notes bed bugs can hitchhike in luggage and clothing. This is a prevention checklist, not a guarantee against infestation or a diagnostic test. Report suspicious signs to the property and seek professional pest advice where needed.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Before putting bags on a bed, inspect mattress seams, the headboard and the luggage rack.
If you see suspicious dark spotting, cast skins or insects, inform the property and request assistance; signs alone do not establish identification.
Keep suitcases on an inspected luggage rack, away from the bed and floor.
At home, inspect seams and compartments away from bedrooms when practical, and separate travel clothing.
For fabrics whose care labels allow it, consider suitable high-heat tumble drying; EPA says laundering alone generally will not kill bed bugs.
Store luggage outside the bedroom rather than under the bed. If infestation is suspected, seek expert advice before applying pesticides.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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