How to Check Your Hotel Room for Bed Bugs (4 Must Know Tips)

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

More travel tip videos: Amazon Prime October 11 video: bit.ly/AmazonOctober11 What Not to Wear in the Plane: bit.ly/DoNotWearAirplane Long flight and need to beat jet lag? bit.ly/LongFlightNOJetLag Helpful resource: bedbugregistry.com/faq/ My shirt: amzn.to/3FdsBMj My carry-on: amzn.to/46pxY7e My carry-on with pocket: amzn.to/46KPS41 Black carry-on 2 wheels: amzn.to/3QcemO1 Lounge set 2 piece outfit: amzn.to/3Q4F3Ez Backpack 15.6: amzn.to/3Oe1mGV Nail polish: bit.ly/46PMaGp (knowledge is flower) My travel outfits: bit.ly/LaurieTravelOutfits Amazon store: www.amazon.com/shop/traveltipsbylaurie BioTech Pest Control near me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWeXi41tgqafgsk

[@annbroadhead8141]

What not to wear in Rome

[@julrox4044]

I have another tip: This works best in the summer - after you put your luggage in a trash bag, put the tightly closed trash bag in direct sunlight or the trunk of your car (because it gets super hot in the trunk) for at least 72 hours, the heat kills them. I work at a hospital and we have a bed bug sniffing dog that checks for them, it's amazing.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh that is so cool! I would love to dog sit him!

[@lesliecurtis3367]

Absolutely!!! Same thing

[@angeleoness]

@@julrox4044 I always leave my suitcase in the heat in my garage when I come home for that reason.

[@gwenschott]

I'm going to Paris in December, and my current plan is to pack each day's outfit in a small roll up compression bag (the ziploc style plastic compression bags). It will help keep me organized, save space, and keep my clothing safe from bedbugs. At the end of the day, dirty clothes will go into the bag I emptied that morning and get compressed. And I'll be bringing a few extra bags for anything I may buy while I'm there.

[@rebeccaw1772]

Spot on with this video! My brother is a manager of a nice Hotel in Tx and pest control can spray your home, etc. to get rid of them. Just a tip not to gross anyone out but a lot of Hotels do NOT wash that top bedding cover, ( unless there’s a stain on it) I throw it on the floor immediately and just sleep under the sheets and other cover because those are washed..

[@mamanothing9506]

Me neither! They hardly ever wash that bedspread! If people knew what was on it, they would throw up! ( and if it is a pet friendly hotel you betcha that pet has been on it) . I always bring my own pillowcase when we air travel. I would rather have my own case on a pillow thousands of people have put their heads on!

[@jacquelineshukla919]

I love that you are bringing this issue to the viewers. My aunt who traveled frequently had a bedbug infestation and I discovered it when I became her caregiver. It was a nightmare, and ever since then I have been diligent about checking for the little critters! I think it is best to always assume that you might have brought bed bugs home, and to never bring your luggage into your bedroom. My family stores our luggage in our basement. We unpack our clothes and wash everything before we put them in our drawers. While putting your dry clothes into the dryer for half an hour works, washing the clothes and then drying them also works. We also send clothes that cannot be washed to the dry cleaner every time we take them on a trip.

[@janiekcarney5482]

Aren’t you sending the bedbugs to the dry cleaners.

[@angeleoness]

I always check..ALWAYS. They are drawn to the Co2 we expel. So when you turn that sheet back to check huff out a breath or two..if they are there they will come.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you so much! Do I have to get that close lol?

[@angeleoness]

About 12-24" should do it. Also use a light, even from your phone.@@TravelTipsbyLaurie

[@briansaiditsoitmustbetrue4206]

Here is another top tip if you are staying in a hotel take an iron with you... Plug the iron in and start to Iron the bed mattress, Turn the iron to maximum temp... If they are there they will come in droves.

[@angeleoness]

@@briansaiditsoitmustbetrue4206 I’m usually going on a cruise and they don’t allow irons but that’s a great tip for a hotel room

[@lauralinkoff3776]

I was bitten by bed bugs on girls trip to Florida. We had two queen beds and mine was infested. I was so itchy at night and the Next morning I had series of bites all over my arms, back, legs. I now search all mattresses and look not only for the bugs, but blood spots, another sign. Thanks for this video. Love the tip about keeping luggage in plastic garbage bag!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh how horrific! Yes I would panic.

[@kaybrisvegas1099]

Yeah I got savaged in Lisbon and took six weeks to recover from those itchy bites as they became infected (my fault they were itchy😊) I am obsessed about checking bed and rooms now and try and always book a room that has hard floors not carpet

[@lauralinkoff3776]

@@kaybrisvegas1099 how awful!

[@lauralinkoff3776]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie my friends brother in law was a dermatologist and he called in prescription for cortisone cream. He also asked if we were on the beach to rule out sand fleas. It was a nuisance when I got home, bagged my suitcase and other items I couldn’t wash and dry in high heat. Washed and dried all other items. Went to local store to get product to treat around nightstand , bed, linens. Took three treatments and it worked. Now I always check every hotel.

[@denisekeary8229]

Wow - I'll never throw my luggage on a hotel/motel room's bed EVER again. Usually that's the first thing do. I started itching just listening about the bed bugs!!!! LOL! Safe travels everyone!

[@noahthompson9930]

I work in oilfield camps in northern canada and have heard bad stories from my co-workers, so i am now following your steps. Thank you.

[@GlobalAdventurer]

I've been checking for bed bugs for years, in hotels, airbnbs etc. Also, if there's small blood spots in the creases/piping of a mattress, that's a major sign of previous infestation. If I see anything I leave the room with my luggage that was in the bathroom and go straight to the lobby and request a different room. They transferred me to another room and the same thing. Then I was transferred to the top floor and nothing and also a new mattress. What I found out, the dirtiest and most used rooms are on the 1st and 2nd floors and I try to avoid those. I travel with a small spray bottle of PERMETHRIN. that is concentrated. I use it for all kinds of insects. I usually spray the mattress at some hotels just because. Permethrin will kill living bed bugs but most likely not the eggs. The eggs are the problem. Before my trips I spray the outside of my luggage and keep all my clothing inside the suitcase except what I hang each day in the bathroom. I always travel with contractor bags for several reasons. One to store my suitcase in and two to be able to throw the stuff I do have out into one bag and quickly leave that room. I've done that several times. I never brought bed bugs home. But, hotels that are heavily occupied 24/7 like at airports are the worse ones unfortunately. They don't have time to deep clean those rooms and you should see the disgusting stuff on those mattresses. The main reason I pack up and leave immediately.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Great tips! Thanks-the first and 2nd floors make sense.

[@precioussword2263]

Is permethrin safe to inhale and sleep on after spraying?

[@GlobalAdventurer]

@@precioussword2263 Yes. It's made for camping clothing and tents. Once it is dried there's no issues. Also, the manufacturers of mattresses spray their mattresses with it before they distribute them to the warehouses. The protection lasts a year. Best thing to do when you get a new mattress is to put an encasement protector over the bottom/sides/top and use a quilted single layer for just the top when you need to wash, as the encasement should never be removed for at least a year for cleaning.

[@GlobalAdventurer]

@@precioussword2263 I left you a long message but it was deleted. In a nutshell, YES permethrin is safe once it is dried. It's made for clothing and tents to repel insects. Permethrin stays in fabrics for up to 10 wash cycles to kill bugs later on.

[@spreston1996]

I leave my suitcases in the car and unpack my clothing directly from the car and wash them immediately. My suitcases stay in my car which sits out in the sun for several days so the Florida heat can kill any bed bugs. I never unpack while traveling and carry trashbags with me in case there is no safe place to put my suitcase or backpack. I have been checking for bed bugs for many years when traveling and I did find one once, which really freaked me out. I also leave anything which is not clothing in the car for several days as well.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I would panic too!

[@corriepitt7630]

Thank you, Laurie, for this great and timely instructional video. This is the best travel tips channel on the internet.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Corrie, hey there!!! So glad to see you.

[@robinps52]

Laurie, this couldn’t be more timely-I’m leaving for Europe this weekend (but not Paris this time). Now I have even more Tips by Laurie to help me get there without a worry in the world!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ha! Love it. Have a beautiful trip and no worries.

[@samjones4327]

Thank you so much for the tips Laurie!! I had a battle with bed bugs in my home a while back. I worked in a homeless shelter and brought them home on my clothes and the bugs multiplied on my couch and spread all over and had to call an exterminator like yourself and they turned my house upside down and we had to go to a hotel for a night because they had to use heaters to heat my house up to 170+ degrees to kill them! So yes, thank you so much for this video and all the wonderful tips and info you give us! Be well, be safe and Cheers!!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh wow!!!

[@pterrypower5140]

Very good information for everyone to learn about. Be safe and be smart!!! Don’t be afraid to insist on another room because to bring these back into your house is a nightmare and very expensive. Also/ don’t put your clothes in the drawers .. hang them up! My one incident was going into a really nice hotel. I had just peeled back the comforter and I saw a bug like you said by the headboard that went quickly under the pillow. I just left. When I went back to the reception desk, the manager was horrified and we went back into the room where I showed him where I saw the bed bug. When he pulled back the fitted sheet, he jumped I screamed and we both left the room. My room stay was free and he put me on top floor. We looked together before I accepted the room. Something I will never forget. When I got home I still put my suitcase in the chest freezer for a week with all of my clothes in it. ( shiver)

[@conniekershaw4412]

I just got back from Italy. I did a ton of research on this. I was grossed out and freaked out. I bought plastic covers for my suitcases since I read they can also go from suitcase to suitcase in the airplane hold. I have soft sided luggage. I put my suitcases in the bathroom until I inspected my bed. It's still a pain because every little spot, fuzz you worry that it's a bed bug. I didn't unpack except my toiletries which I kept in the bathroom. I would just take out each day of clothes. I was on a tour and stayed in 4 different hotels. Ugh. I don't have any bites so I think I'm safe.

[@conniekershaw4412]

Ok I have to eat my words about Vegas and bed bugs. A report just came out about bed bugs being found at two strip properties: the Venetian and Park MGM. The Venetian is a very high end property..

[@stephanievacek7469]

Great video! Just came home from France last night. Thank goodness we didn’t experience any problems with bedbugs! We were told that the airport seating is also vulnerable to bedbugs…

[@SJ-db1lh]

Hi Laurie, great information! Don't forget your shoes, they can get on or inside them. Spraying them with Permethrin (I probably mis-spelled that.) is a really good idea! You might even want to put them on a night stand, if available.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks!

[@janethardy3208]

Thank you for this video. Fortunately I have never gotten them. I always unpack my suitcase on the bed. But from now on I am following your instructions.

[@joannahackett]

Thank you for covering this topic. These are great tips! You can also see them behind picture frames near the bed. Another tip- if you shop at thrift stores, check your purchases (furniture too) thoroughly before leaving the store.

[@colleenmarin8907]

This is helpful for AirBNB as well

[@stephencullum8255]

My oldest daughter is a pest control operator , part owner and manager of a pest control company. She taught dad how to check for bedbugs.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh how wonderful!!!

[@catinthechat01]

There was an ironing board in the closet with the single luggage holder. Could you have used the ironing board for the other suitcase? The cover could easily be removed so it would just be metal.

[@juliepoolie5494]

That’s a good idea.

[@llkoolbean4935]

Great idea

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

LOVE that idea!!! Thanks

[@janicew6222]

Four years ago, my son went to California to see his son graduate from Marine Boot Camp and brought home bedbugs. When he came to visit and I saw the little bites, I told him to get the exterminator out immediately, they found them and they were contained to the master bedroom. Thankfully, no time elapsed and they were exterminated quickly and completely. I still get the creepies thinking about it.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh I get it! I was so panicked and worried. I cannot think about them or I will not sleep on vacation.

[@patfiegener5369]

I used to work for a company that sold products to exterminators and got a lot of tips from them. First, they do not stay in the bed once they have fed and will move to other parts of the room to hide like behind picture frames, headboards, luggage racks (so don’t use those), wooden hangers in the closet so only use metal hangers. When you first enter the room put all of your luggage before doing the check. Start with the bed and if you see any evidence of bedbugs there immediately ask for another room on a different floor. They can also travel from one room to the next through the wall so moving to a room next door would not help.

[@Amy-601]

College dorm room in the east coast had bed bugs 🐜 15 years ago! Ugh 😑!! I had to live with them for a couple of months before moving out and finding alternate accommodation. The college did nothing until much later and their buildings were built in the 1800s. They fumigated the entire set of dorm rooms. I had to throw away everything I had. I hate them so much. I had rashes and bite marks everywhere and this was a top tier college we’re talking about. My mom didn’t let me enter the house 🏡 during holidays and spring break until I was well scrubbed and didn’t carry anything with me! Lol 😂 ! Thank you 😊 for making this useful video! - Amy

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

OH my word!

[@jamierae7405]

Thank you so much for this and all your other info you’ve given us. We just came back from a wonderful trip to Scotland and Ireland. Thank goodness no problem with the critters. Didn’t even think of checking. Of course now in the future I will!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes, same with me.

[@sandralong1181]

OMG we have 2 different Viking cruises coming up.......Jeez!! i would have never thought that they would have had bed bugs........gonna be super careful.....

[@michellecrockettms.uniteds9101]

Confirming you can get these in a nice brand new hotel. Now when I first enter a hotel room, I arrive early, strip the whole bed and any sofas and take my time with the inspection. If there are linens in the closet, I inspect those too. Definitely not a 5-minute deal. I would add it’s good to know what bed bug bites look like. They bite in clusters of 3 and the bite pattern is a distinct zig zag. If you do get them, deal with them right away before you get into any car. You need to shower in addition to heat treating your belongings.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you!

[@TheScratchingKiwi]

Thank you for having pictures of the bugs. Lots of the 'Paris bed bugs' when investigated, have turned out not to be bed bugs at all (just bugs that happen to be in a hotel room), it's a good idea to get a positive ID (if you can) before complaining and making a fool of yourself. Where there is travel, there will be bed bugs unfortunately.

[@kimmarkowitz7759]

We will be there for the Olympics next summer. Our lovely daughter brought those little nasties back from Venice 3 years ago (we didn’t know). It cost us $2000+ to rid our home of them. I’m now so paranoid. Thank you for this post😄

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh I am paranoid too. But just follow these tips and know that they will help.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I am assuming part of this is scare tactics by a competitor.

[@TAF54]

The looks on your face were hysterical. I have never checked for bed bugs and next June we are going to Seattle, so I will check diligently for these icky bugs. Thank you for this informative video.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Ha! It had me not sleeping this weekend!

[@dena-mo118]

Laurie, what a great topic to address on your channel! Bed bugs are so terrible when the infestation is brought home. Our son's roommate brought them home from a trip. Ugh! Took them months to get rid of them. He was not allowed to bring his suitcase in the house when visiting us! He totally agreed a good practice.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh that would be awful.

[@gaillittle1700]

I've stayed in thousandth of hotels and never had an an issue or do I check for them. I've stayed in some really nice to some dumps. Thank you for the tips through.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I said the same thing. But now I cannot get it out of my head so I will probably forever check.

[@claudiamiller7730]

Poor Laurie! I can just feel your squeamishness as you spoke to us about those nasty bedbugs….they are so UGH! My tips: bring disposable gloves to handle that mattress tear down, absolutely. And while I’m not a fan of plastic, hard sided pieces of luggage…I think they would be a better option to use to thwart bringing bugs home…fewer seams so easier to inspect. Im also going to leave my hand steamer in the garage to use to go over our luggage when we get home. We had a flea infestation once..and it was an awful experience…never EVER want to go through that pain again! 💕

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes so frustrating and unfair.

[@jackiefitzpatrick2906]

Las Vagas is full of bed bugs right now. For years I have inspected my hotel room mattress before did anything. Kiss your home mattresses good by if you bring them home. And its a nightmare cleaning your house.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Such a long process!

[@jqight740]

Man I lucked out when I stayed at the Marriott Chateau and no bed bugs. Whew 😥. Very scary 😱.

[@shawna1974]

Ugh, I always check for bed bugs. I am a clerk-treasurer for a small community, we have a housing authority that my office oversees. Unfortunately a couple of years ago we had an apartment with bedbugs. The only way to effectively rid them from your home is heat treatment , it is a full day arduous process. We treated the affected apartment and the adjacent apartment, for 2 one bedroom apartments the price tag was thousands😟

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I am sure! It's just awful.

[@garlicgirl3149]

I have heard it is expensive.

[@cparker7431]

OOMMGGGG😮I'm going to a Hyatt tomorrow.... good thing I saw this..cross fingers no bed bugs!! Thank you Laurie..now I'm scratching😂😂

[@susanroby1010]

I never usually check, but put towels on the bed when I unpack. I will start checking for sure in the future. We usually get a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor on our last trips, because of walking the dog and it's faster for us to get outside for him to go out for business. I may stop requesting that since I read about the floors being used the most. Thank you for your videos!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Me too!

[@donnajohansson4105]

Great ideas Laurie. The last hotel we stayed in had tiled floors. No carpet. We left our cases on the floor.

[@denisemaryott6014]

Recently heard that several hotels in Las Vegas (strip) have reported having bedbugs. They did not state which hotels had them that I saw. Great tips Laurie

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh man.

[@gwenschott]

It's likely about to get worse there because of the Formula One Grand Prix race in November. LOTS of folks coming in from Europe.

[@conniekershaw4412]

​@@gwenschott Ugh you're probably right. I didn't even think of that! We live in Vegas but are going to have to be careful with visitors. It was summer, they wouldn't survive in luggage or clothing because of the heat!

[@srhsw182]

We actually just got back from Paris a week before this news broke - I was horrified when I heard!! Thankfully we’re clear but the news is so bad; reports of them being on public transport and planes too 🫣 I’ll definitely be checking from now on! Not worth the risk… Thanks for the tips! It’s late here and I’m just heading to bed - itching at the thought even though we didn’t bring any home 😅

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh I know. I can get so mental about it. So glad you had a great time.

[@juliannelaird43]

Was just about to ask about planes. Ugh!!!

[@pamhoward4146]

Thank you Laurie! I followed your advice this past weekend. Everything was great. We didn't have any problems. However, we forgot to leave the suitcase in the garage but will next trip.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for sharing!

[@wandaglover4938]

The ones that bit me at hotel a couple nights ago were about the size of pin point. We looked everywhere in room. It was only the one pillow I was leaning on while reading that had signs of bugs.

[@Diana-007]

I am with you Laurie, this is timely, great simple tips thank you. I couldn’t sleep one night last week thinking about it we’d just got back from a Med cruise so I was up inspecting the mattress at 2am, my poor husband thought I’d lost my marbles 😂, thankfully nothing to be seen but your mind just runs away with you 😊 Being in the UK we are being constantly inundated about the recent stories about bedbugs in Paris and sitings on the Eurostar train 😳. I hope hotels etc are also adding a quick inspection to their daily cleaning routine if they don’t already do so. I will definitely follow your routine, makes sense, we travel a lot too and my husband travels at times on business. Yikes don’t want those horrible wee things in the house, hopefully the Scottish weather will put them off but unlikely! 😂🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hahaha that weather may help indeed😂 💨

[@SilverDraco]

Oh, Laurie, I could see your eyes flinch whenever you said bedbugs. Mine do the same thing! 😅 I've been checking for them for years. A tenant brought them into our rental (shudder!) and it was over $800 to treat just 3 bedrooms of an empty house. We found out later the guy was supposed to have charged us more but they'd given the quote already and we made them honor it. We haven't been bringing the big trash bags lately. Better start again, just in case. Thanks for the video topic. Important info!

[@susangastelum1998]

We lived in las Vegas for a short time. Vegas is full of them. We finally got rid of them by using baking soda . It sufficates them. We are going on vacation and taking a box of arm and hammer with us . Good video ❤

[@conniekershaw4412]

I've lived in Vegas for 54 years, never, ever, have had any or talked to anyone that had them!

[@Nancy-w6f]

Everything that comes out of my suitcase goes into the washer/dryer or gets ironed once I return home from a trip. It is the heat that kills the little buggers. Bed bugs are little hitchhikers and will come home with you on suitcases, clothing or handbags.

[@Tune9551]

Laurie while you were explaining things your face just said it all . You poor thing having to even talk about the little critters . Well done Love from June in the UK

[@lizadivine3785]

I think diamaceous earth food grade could be very helpful.

[@akliana]

We had bed bugs but didn’t realize it until the 2nd day. Mosquitos love me and at first I thought I had mosquito bites. I ended up with about 40 bites. The hotel gave us another room and dry cleaned our clothes. Sometimes those bites take several days to appear. The bites come in 3’s so they call them “breakfast, lunch and dinner.” I was concerned when we went to our friends home. Even though our clothes had been dry cleaned I threw them into the dryer for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile we put our suitcases in garbage bags with some dry ice and set them outside the entire time we were there. No bed bugs fortunately entered their home nor ours. Also, if the room has a sweet musty smell that could also be a sign of bed bugs. I remember when we entered the room it smelled like those aroma cards that some people hang from their car mirrors. Since we were surrounded by flower bushes I thought the smell was coming from the flowers.What a horrible experience!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@SilverDraco]

Wow, I never thought of dry ice for the suitcases. Great idea!

[@kendrickruyten4188]

It's so very nice you are so mindfull enough to set a boundary on how people should feel from the beginning of the video. Helping them secure their minds and sleep. That is SO SO SO mindfull. Thank you! They move into fabrics, for that reason a smart hotel management should avoid fabrics as much as possible in hotels besides beds and towels. Imo. Don't be hostile to bugs :p.

[@jn7812]

Great tips! Tempting to think bedbugs are just there. Remember someone brought them in in the first place. Even after fumigation the next occupant could reintroduce them.

[@pengayoman]

Wow, thanks a lot for this video! My mum is going on a tour to Europe in 2 weeks, and one of the destinations is Paris. She is already prepared with herbs ointment that we use to prevent bugs...but I've shared this video to her, hopefully she will be more prepared and worry less.

[@wandrousvindella716]

Great video and invaluable info ! We started carrying a garbage bag for each piece of luggage for two reasons, to avoid water & secondly bed bugs. Have never experienced them, but a few folks in our group did while in an American city. Also I recently saw another KZbinr share using a hanging "over the door" bin for packing (like packing cubes) Her idea was to use as a "closet" when you travel. I'm thinking this might help with possible bed bug infestation. Now I'm itching ~ yikes !

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I know - it's so mental! Thanks for sharing!! Some use a shoe organizer that goes over the door from the Dollar store.

[@wandrousvindella716]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie similar, but clear & wider than a shoe bag. So many of your ideas I'm using on the Airstream. Then if, or when, I need my luggage its an easy transition to fly.

[@josewie]

Omg!! .. never thought about it. And I travel to the other side of the globe every year! I’m scratching right now thinking about it! Other members of my family travel a lot, and I know they’re gonna laugh it off and say I’m being paranoid!!👀

[@realdealcaligirl]

A large silk sarong/piece of fabric is a good divider between you and the sheets. Silk is so tight, they can’t get through.mice taken one for years and never had any issues.

[@AnitasDreams]

Thanks so much we are traveling this weekend & plan on checking our room all over.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It's so unfair but I need my sleep lol.

[@californiaglo9666]

I will be in Paris next week I an renting a room through Airbnb. Hopefully I won't have an issue. I am packing the garbage bag right now. Thank you!

[@kudzumoose3861]

Late one night in a rural area, I stopped at a "budget" hotel. I fell asleep and woke an hour or two later itching. Looked at the sheet and it was covered with little black things. Thankfully because it was so late I only brought a small bag into the room. I bagged up everything, checked out of the hotel at 2 am (no charge, thank you!) and stripped off my clothes just inside laundry room when I got home. The only thing I didn't ditch right away was my New Balance shoes. Big mistake. I fought bed bugs for months. Kept washing everything in hot water. It was awful. Watch your shoes!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh what a pain.

[@shellykzookzoo5922]

You can look up online bed big reports for area hotels. Still you just never know if the previous people carried in bed bugs. I like to launder my clothes immediately after a trip.I do inspect the room first but have never found the evidence.

[@patjordan9638]

Merry Christmas! I recommended your videos to my sister-in-law.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@carolbain7904]

Thanks for addressing this potinual problem.

[@DorchesterMom]

I wish I saw this before our trip this past week. I’m so grossed out. Hindsight is 20/20.

[@pejisan]

My daughter had bed bugs in college - the staff were all over it - they wrapped and took her clothes to be cleaned, beds removed, spraying, steamed the whole room. They really need to prevent a spread into a whole dorm. She got a week in a nice hotel!

[@MerryEileen]

Small black dots on the linens and the walls near the bed are also their excrement.

[@joannechandler5667]

My sister-in law brought home bedbugs after staying in a hotel (she took her own pillow) that was infested. The hotel was nasty to her when she called to report it to them. She did report it to the county health department but never did leave a comment on the hotel’s web site. Don’t know how much it ended up costing to get rid of them, but it took a long time.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

So dreadful.

[@cynthia2233]

I'm a bit of a freak about Bed Bugs (and like you mentioned Musty Smells). My husband knows my routine. We take our bags to the bathroom when we get in our room and I do my Bed Bug check, have for YEARS! Funny thing....we recently went on a 9 day road trip (5 hotels and 1 VRBO) and I did not do my BB check on most of them! Then we get home and hear about Paris! I told my husband that you can almost bet that within about 6 months, the US will be having the BB epidemic here! Sure hope not, but we need to be vigilant! thank you for putting this out there!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Eeek ooh you may be right.

[@prairiemakeup8453]

We are in Paris right now and luckily haven’t seen one…yet. We’re in a smaller hotel, around 70 rooms, and so far, so good. Also, haven’t seen any on the multiple metros and trains we’ve been on. Never hurts to be vigilant!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I am so glad; hopefully it is a media scare.

[@kristine1028]

Good tips. After reading many of the comments, maybe an updated video including other people’s suggestions and maybe a little more research for the video would be great. Thanks for your time.

[@_PAIGE94]

Just the thought of bed bugs makes my skin crawl 😖

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Same! I did not sleep the night I started thinking about this video.

[@deshawndac4163]

😂

[@leeleesmith9638]

I’ve had bed bugs from a visitor coming. Use a hard sided luggage when traveling. I never bring the luggage in my house cuz you can get them from the airline. I buy spray and spray down my luggage after all clothes are out and leave outside for storage. We had to get a bed bug dog to get rid of them and it’s so costly. Also, I’m the hotel room you can use a rubbing alcohol spray and spray behind the headboard they will run out if there. Cruise ships have them now as well.

[@barbaraknox8380]

So happy you shared this information! I’ve never known how to look for these little critters! I was afraid I may have had them because of bites on my arms, legs and especially my ankles!Thanks so much for the tips! Don’t know if it’s too late to figure out if their hanging around! I sure hope not!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I hope not! I would call your exterminator-or check their website.

[@dustygrrl]

I was going to say no see ums in Florida. They seem to take a couple of days for the bites to come out. More than once have fretted that my no see um bites were bedbugs.

[@temmietaft2552]

Thanks so much for sharing this video. It was very helpful

[@cynthiaslebodnik6945]

Ugh! I'm going to be staying in a hotel this weekend. Only traveling with a backpack. I guess I'll check my bed when I first arrive.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes and sleep well-in over 20 years we have never had them.

[@lesliecurtis3367]

I came back after a week vacation and left ALL my luggage in my black Jeep in OK outside for an entire day in 96° weather. No worries. They die 130-140°F.

[@LS-rl9dk]

On the IPhone click the right side button 3x fast that brings up the magnification

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

WHATTTTT?? Just tried it and it works!! Thank you.

[@retropinapplemango]

Do not place your clothes on counters or tables of your hotel room or use a folding table in a common laundry area that comes into contact with wet towels or moist clothing from the washer. Bedbug eggs from someone elses clothing (too small to see with the naked eye) can live on these surfaces for several days and attach to your clothing hatching later when you get home. Everthing should go in the dryer when you get home.

[@briansaiditsoitmustbetrue4206]

Here is a TOP TIP.... Take an iron with you... Plug it in ... Start to iron the bed mattress. If the bed has bed bugs... You better believe they will all come running out

[@kimberlyfamoly5863]

My husband works as a housing inspector that is the 1st thing we check for before we even bring our luggage in.

[@marthagaluszka8888]

Another tip... if youre worried you brought them home on your luggage and that they might get in your bed... get 4 plastic tubs, like Tupperware or deli containers, lift up each leg of your bed and put it in one of the containers. Pour about an inch of white vinegar in each one. If there are bed bugs in your carpet, they'll head for your bed (and you) in the night, fall into the vinegar and die. Leave the containers for 3-4 days, adding more vinegar if needed. If there's no evidence then you're OK.

[@deborahpowell3454]

Thanks Laurie. I will put these into practice. 👍

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Wonderful!

[@ruthsturdivant5297]

Great tips. But I guess I'd have to come up with other solutions if I arrive home late at night and don't have a garage and can't leave your luggage outside.....

[@vatriciar2175]

I have the itchy feeling all over now, eek!! I will be in Paris next month, oh no!!!! Thanks for your tips, we will be examining everything. 🤦🏼‍♀️🤓

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You will be totally fine! Just check and then have fun. I am sure it's the media.

[@vatriciar2175]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie thank you! 💜

[@gloriajohnson8297]

Lauri, thank you so much for your great tips. We got one of the level 1 carry on suitcases and really like it. I had asked you about the Travelpro backpack and you suggested to get it and try it. Well, we did and did NOT Like them. They hold a lot but are so bulky and heavy! I returned them and got a wheeled bag with handle for my personal bag. Too old for a backpack I decided. You really help a lot!!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yes, you have to try it out. I too have to touch and feel and squish to know if I like something.

[@bettyparker3317]

My tip about backpacks from costly experience….I am an older female, and it took me forever -and an experienced salesperson-to learn how much “fit” matters. It can be really hard to tell online or without trying it on, so to speak. But it makes a world of difference, for just about any body. Kinda like bras.

[@marsha205]

This has only happened to me once staying at hotel the night before a flight. They moved me to another room but I too freaked out to even sleep after that!

[@betsydoc3628]

Thank you for this! Guess where I am going in a few days? Is it safe to take your luggage out of the bathroom after you have checked the bed? Is it safe to out your clothes in the dresser drawers?

[@chicanica64]

😮 I am itchy just thinking about it!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Me too-it's so awful,

[@triciaw5802]

I like the hotels that use zippered mattress covers. Do these help?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Here are faq: bedbugregistry.com/faq/

[@mnmboca]

We came home from a nice hotel in New Orleans years ago and ended up with a bed bug infestation. It was a nightmare. Check your room and don’t be worry about asking to switch your room if you are uncomfortable.

[@arlenemaxwellcopeland1644]

I keep a "Fuller Brush" brand pocket comb in my wallet (I used it to "freshen up" at work) where the check book used to live. If I don't have my normal travel comb with me, I can always use that.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@the-red-ghost]

I was actually looking for a vedio about that thanks 😊

[@angellamiller12]

My daughter and her b/f are going to Paris this month!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hopefully it's not a big deal like the media is making it.

[@sharonjose9716]

Now I'm scared. Going to Paris next August.

[@mamanothing9506]

Great video- question- what about hanging some clothes in a closet? Are those clothes at risk for gettin the bugs?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi they should not be because they are not touching fabric.

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

Thanks for the info

[@HedvikaGrusova]

We had bed bugs in our motel, so I know what to look for. It started in one room and spread around, we had to close the rooms for month and ask profesional help. They could be massive, so you see them easy

[@berenicem8750]

I stayed in quite a nice hotel in Paris last month & got bed bug bites - 1st time ever. Receptionist was horrified when I told her

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh I can imagine.

[@SilverDraco]

What did the hotel do for you? Some will put your clothes in their industrial dryer to kill any critters.

[@daylightdaylight6612]

I think if your luggage is for 7 to 10 hours in the luggage compartiment of an airplane with temperatures of -50°C than should those bed bugs also be death. Or can you kill them only with heath?