How to Spot Bed Bugs While Traveling—and What to Do at Home
Bed bugs aren’t just a hotel problem—they hitchhike. For residents across Missouri and Illinois, travel is one of the most common ways these pests end up in your home. Knowing how to spot signs early—especially after staying in hotels, Airbnbs, or visiting high-traffic areas—can help you avoid a serious infestation.
Are Bed Bugs a Travel Risk?
Yes. Bed bugs spread by clinging to fabric, bags, or personal items. They’re found in hotels, dorms, buses, and even rideshares—not just in low-end motels. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, bed bugs thrive in spaces with high turnover, regardless of cleanliness.
Top Travel Hotspots for Bed Bugs:
- Hotel beds and headboards
- Public transport upholstery
- Luggage racks and carpets
- Rental furniture or short-term stays
How to Check for Bed Bugs While Traveling
Before settling in, do a quick room check:
- Inspect mattress seams, tags, and headboards
- Look for tiny dark spots, shed skins, or live bugs
- Keep bags elevated and zipped
- Wash and dry clothes on high heat when you return
Rutgers University also recommends inspecting the luggage rack before use and storing your suitcase in a bathtub while inspecting the room.
Spotting Bed Bugs at Home
Bed bugs hide in cracks, mattress seams, and baseboards. You might not see them directly—but you’ll see signs:
- Itchy bites in a line or cluster
- Reddish stains on sheets
- Tiny black dots (droppings)
- Musty smell near the bed
Don’t rely on bites alone. Many people don’t react, and infestations can grow quietly.
Can DIY Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
Rarely. Vacuuming and mattress covers help contain them—but they don’t kill eggs or reach deep nesting spots. According to the University of Kentucky Entomology, professional treatments using heat or insecticides are more reliable and efficient than store-bought sprays.
Preventing Bed Bugs After Travel
- Store luggage in sealed containers
- Use mattress protectors
- Avoid secondhand furniture unless inspected
- Vacuum frequently and seal baseboard gaps
Need a Professional Bed Bug Exterminator?
If you’ve spotted any signs, act fast. Bed bugs multiply quickly, and delays only make things worse. At Midwestern Pest Control, we offer discreet, effective bed bug treatments throughout Missouri and Illinois. Our experts identify, eliminate, and help prevent future infestations.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection and take control before the infestation spreads.
Sources:
- University of Minnesota Extension. Bed bugs: How to avoid bringing them home. https://extension.umn.edu/biting-insects/bed-bugs
- Rutgers University Entomology. Travel Tips for Bed Bugs. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/bed-bugs/traveling.php
- University of Kentucky Entomology. Bed Bugs and Treatment Options. https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef636