How to Avoid Bed Bugs While Traveling

6 min read · Flare Bed Bug Blog

Travel is one of the most common ways bed bugs find their way into homes. Hotels, Airbnbs, even visiting family - any overnight stay is an opportunity for these hitchhikers. Here's how to protect yourself.

Inspect Before You Unpack

When you enter a hotel room, don't put your luggage on the bed or floor. Use the luggage rack or bathroom counter. Then check the mattress seams, headboard, and nightstand for signs: tiny dark spots, shed skins, or the bugs themselves.

Protect Your Luggage

Keep your suitcase zipped when not in use. Consider using a hard-shell case - fewer hiding spots than fabric. Some travelers use large plastic bags to encase their luggage entirely. Paranoid? Maybe. Effective? Definitely.

When You Get Home

Unpack in the garage or laundry room, not your bedroom. Put everything that can be washed straight into the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. Inspect your luggage thoroughly before storing it. A little caution goes a long way.