Bed Bugs: How to Identify Them, Where They Hide, and What to Do Next
Few travel issues cause as much anxiety as discovering bed bugs. We’ve all heard numerous travel horror stories about travelers finding bed bugs anywhere from airplane seats to hostels to five star hotels. These tiny, elusive pests have made a global resurgence and can affect anyone, regardless of cleanliness or location. Understanding bed bugs, where they come from, how to identify them early, and what steps to take if you find them is the key to stopping an infestation before it spreads.
Whether you are a renter, homeowner, or frequent traveler, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about bed bugs in a clear, practical way.
What Are Bed Bugs?
A Quick Overview of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, insects without wings that feed on human blood, typically at night. Adult bed bugs are roughly the size of an apple seed, with flat, oval-shaped bodies, and are reddish-brown in color. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bugs do not transmit diseases, but their bites can cause a lot of misery including itching, allergic reactions, and significant stress.
They are excellent hitchhikers, often spreading through luggage, clothing, furniture, and personal belongings, which is why they are commonly associated with travel and multi-unit housing.
Where Bed Bugs Are Commonly Found
Typical Hiding Spots in Homes and Hotels
Despite their name, bed bugs are not solely limited to beds. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they prefer to hide close to where people sleep or rest, making bedrooms and living rooms their primary targets.
Common places to find bed bugs include:
- Mattress seams, box springs, and bed frames
- Headboards, especially those attached to walls
- Upholstered furniture such as couches and chairs
- Cracks in walls, baseboards, and electrical outlets
- Luggage, backpacks, and clothing after travel
Hotels, dormitories, apartment buildings, public transportation, airplanes, and even offices can all harbor bed bugs, which is why early detection is critical.
How to Identify Bed Bugs
Signs of Bed Bugs in Your Space
Identifying bed bugs early can prevent a small problem from becoming a major infestation. Travelers can become unknowing carriers easily transporting them from place to place in their clothes, sleeping bags, or luggage. According to the CDC, there are several telltale signs to watch for.
Key indicators include:
- Small, itchy bites often appear in a line or cluster on exposed skin
- Rust-colored or dark spots on sheets, mattresses, or furniture, which are bed bug droppings
- Tiny white eggs or shed skins near mattress seams or furniture joints
- A musty, sweet odor in heavily infested areas
Seeing a live bed bug is a clear sign of infestation, but even subtle evidence should be taken seriously.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
Immediate Steps to Take
If you suspect or confirm the presence of bed bugs, acting quickly is essential. According to the EPA, do-it-yourself solutions alone are rarely enough for complete eradication. Bed bugs can be brought in by anyone and though they aren’t immediately indicative of a hotel’s cleanliness or safety, the way a hotel handles the situation is paramount.
Recommended steps include:
- Avoid moving items from the infested area to prevent spreading bed bugs
- Wash and dry bedding, clothing, and fabrics on the highest heat setting
- Vacuum mattresses, furniture, and cracks thoroughly, then seal and discard the vacuum bag
- Contact a licensed pest control professional experienced in bed bug treatment
For renters, it is essential to notify your landlord immediately, as infestations in multi-unit buildings often require coordinated treatment. For travelers, take photos and immediately contact your hotel’s management. The appropriate steps a hotel takes from there can vary, but the best accomodations will often immediately quarantine the room, offer assistance with properly sanitizing your belongings, and find you a new room while they contact pest control for the room (and possibly the entire floor). Simply offering a room change is not enough—the bed bugs must be thoroughly removed from your belongings, your person, and the hotel.
Professional Treatment Options
Professional exterminators may use a combination of methods, including heat treatments, targeted insecticides, and ongoing monitoring. According to the EPA, integrated pest management strategies are the most effective approach, combining chemical and non-chemical solutions.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs
Prevention Tips for Home and Travel
Preventing bed bugs starts with awareness. When traveling, inspect hotel mattresses and headboards, keep luggage off the floor, and wash clothes immediately upon returning home. At home, reduce clutter, use protective mattress encasements, and inspect secondhand furniture carefully before bringing it inside. Check hotel reviews online for any bed bug notices—particularly recent sightings. You can check hotel information on our site here, and links on our site will take you to our booking partner where you can peruse info and reviews!
According to the CDC, early vigilance and routine inspections are among the best defenses against bed bugs.
Final Thoughts on Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a growing concern, but they are manageable with the proper knowledge and response. By understanding where bed bugs hide, how to identify them, and what to do when they appear, you can protect your home and your peace of mind. Early action, credible information, and professional support make all the difference in resolving a bed bug issue effectively. Always check hotel reviews too, as they can be a great indicator of whether or not bed bugs have recently been found at your hotel.
