How Do I Check for Bed Bugs in a Hotel?

I'm worried about picking up bed bugs on my travels, so what's the best way to inspect a hotel room when I check in?

Even five-star hotels can harbor bed bugs, as these pests hitch rides on previous guests' luggage. The best way to inspect a hotel room for bed bugs is to follow a simple 5-point checklist: 

1. Keep luggage off the bed and floor — Place your suitcase in the bathroom or on a hard luggage rack to avoid picking up any bugs.
2. Inspect the bed first — This is where bed bugs stay closest for feeding. Peel back the sheets and shine your phone torch along the mattress seams, piping, and tags.
3. Check the box spring and headboard — Extend your inspection to the box spring, headboard, the joints of the bed frame, and any nearby cracks where bed bugs squeeze in to hide.
4. Expand to surrounding furniture — Examine armchair seams, curtain folds, and nightstand drawers.
5. Know the warning signs — Look for rust-colored spots, pale shed skins, or adult bugs, which are roughly the size and color of an apple seed.

If you spot anything suspicious, do not unpack. Notify reception immediately and request a room. If bed bugs manage to follow you home, contact Gregory Pest Solutions for professional bed bug control.