After a long journey, the first thing most people want to do when they finally reach their hotel room is kick off their shoes, toss their suitcase on the bed, and relax. But medical professionals are sounding the alarm about one critical step travelers should take before any unpacking even begins. According to experts, skipping this step could leave you dealing with an itchy, uncomfortable problem long after your vacation ends. The culprit they’re worried about? Bed bugs.
Dermatologist Dr. Brianna Olamiju says her routine upon entering any hotel room is consistent and non-negotiable. “As soon as I walk into a hotel room, I leave my luggage at the door and do a quick check for bed bugs,” she explained. These tiny insects are masters of concealment, capable of hiding beneath crisp, freshly laundered sheets where guests would least expect them. The appearance of a clean room is absolutely no guarantee that it is bug-free.
Dr. Kefah Al-Ramahi, an internal medicine physician, recommends a specific approach to this inspection. His advice is to place bags immediately into the bathtub or on a tiled surface upon arrival, since bed bugs cannot easily climb smooth surfaces. From there, travelers should use a flashlight to carefully examine the mattress edges, the headboard, and nearby furniture for any signs of the insects. Taking these few extra minutes at check-in could save a great deal of misery down the line.
So what exactly should you be looking for? Dr. Tiffany Libby, a dermatologic surgeon, breaks it down clearly. “Bed bugs and their traces are visible to the naked eye. Adult bugs are about the size of an apple seed, but their signs are more commonly spotted, like tiny black fecal dots resembling ink stains, shed skin, or small blood smears on bedding,” she explained. These telltale marks tend to cluster along mattress seams, box spring edges, and fabric folds. Bed bugs can also tuck themselves into electrical outlets, beneath peeling wallpaper, or in corners where the wall meets the ceiling.
One extra challenge is that bed bugs are nocturnal creatures, making them harder to spot during a daytime inspection. Dr. Olamiju recommends doing a second sweep of the room after dark, when the bugs are more likely to be active and therefore easier to detect. If you find hard evidence of an infestation, Dr. Libby’s advice is clear and direct. “I would request a different room that is not immediately adjacent to, above, or below your current one. Depending on the situation and the staff’s response, I would also consider switching hotels altogether,” she said.
If you suspect you’ve been exposed, act fast. Shower immediately and change your clothes, then seal your luggage in a plastic bag. “Wash and dry clothing on high heat as soon as possible. Also consider heat-treating items that can withstand it,” Dr. Libby advised, noting that the dryer is the key weapon because washing alone may not be enough to kill the bugs and their eggs. Once home, keep your luggage out of living spaces, ideally in a garage or shed, until you can thoroughly vacuum it, paying close attention to zippers, seams, and pockets, then wipe all surfaces down with rubbing alcohol.
Bites themselves can be tricky to identify because they may not appear for one to three days after exposure. Dr. Al-Ramahi notes that bed bugs typically feed once or twice a week, usually at night, leaving behind small red welts roughly a quarter of an inch in size. He pointed to a pattern known as “breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” which refers to a linear series of three or more itchy bites as a telltale sign. Other symptoms can include a burning sensation, fluid-filled blisters, and mild pain. Unlike mosquito bites, which are randomly scattered and tend to fade within a day or two, bed bug bites follow a more orderly pattern.
In terms of treatment, Dr. Olamiju recommends applying a cool, damp compress to irritated skin for relief. “From a dermatological standpoint, treat the bites with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines if they itch. Avoid scratching to reduce the risk of secondary infection or scarring,” she said. People who develop sensitivity to bed bug saliva over time may experience more intense allergic reactions, including hives or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis, according to Dr. Al-Ramahi. If bites do not heal within a few weeks or if signs of a secondary infection develop, it is important to consult a physician for further guidance.
Bed bugs, scientifically known as Cimex lectularius, are small parasitic insects that have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. They were nearly eradicated in the mid-20th century in developed countries following the widespread use of DDT, but infestations surged again globally starting in the 1990s, largely due to increased international travel and the banning of certain pesticides. Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but their bites can cause significant discomfort, skin reactions, and sleep disturbances. They spread primarily by hitchhiking on luggage, clothing, and furniture, which is why hotels and other shared accommodations remain the most common points of exposure. Professional extermination typically involves a combination of heat treatment, where rooms are raised to temperatures above 120°F, and targeted pesticide application.
Have you ever encountered bed bugs while traveling, and what did you do about it? Share your experience in the comments.
