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Hotel Bed Bugs: How to Spot Them and What to Do If They Follow You Home 

June 18, 2025
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Summer vacations are meant to recharge you, not cause headaches once you return home. When it comes to bed bugs, these pests are experts at sneaking into your suitcase and turning your relaxing trip into a lingering problem. 

Bed Bugs in hotels are becoming increasingly common, especially during peak travel season. Bed bugs can crawl into your luggage from beds, carpet, or furniture, and then quietly infest your home. They’re difficult to eliminate without professional help and cause unnecessary stress. 

At Cook’s Pest Control, we believe protection starts with prevention, but it doesn’t end there. Whether you’re preparing for travel or returning home, our pest control experts can help you identify, treat, and get rid of bed bugs.

Why Bed Bugs Thrive During Summer Travel 

Bed bugs don’t follow the seasons, but they do follow people. During the summer, increased travel and hotel stays increase the risk of encountering bed bugs in luggage or hotel rooms. 

These bugs don’t fly or jump. They crawl onto your clothing or bags and use your belongings as transportation. Once in your home, they congregate near sleeping areas and multiply quickly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), many bed bugs have developed resistance to over-the-counter products, which makes professional treatment essential. 

Want to see how bed bugs travel – and why even clean hotel rooms aren’t immune? Watch this quick video from PestWorld’s Bed Bugs Exposed series: 

How to Protect Your Luggage in Hotels from Bed Bugs 

The best defense begins before you leave home. Here’s how to pack smart and limit exposure: 

  • Use hard-sided luggage. Bed bugs are less likely to hide in smooth surfaces compared to soft fabric suitcases. 

  • Place clothes inside sealable plastic bags or packing cubes. 

  • Keep a bed bug checker flashlight handy to inspect your hotel room. 

  • Separate dirty and clean clothes while traveling. Bed bugs are drawn to body scent, so sealing dirty laundry reduces your risk. This advice is backed by the Alabama Department of Public Health. 

How to Check for Bed Bugs in a Hotel Room 

Before you unpack, inspect your hotel room carefully. A few minutes of diligence can help prevent a long-term problem. 

  • Pull back bed sheets and mattress covers. Look for black dots, reddish stains, or shed skins on mattresses, box springs, and the bed frame.

  • Use a flashlight to examine the mattress seams, headboard, bed frame, and nightstands. 

  • Don’t place luggage on the bed or carpet. Use the luggage rack or store it in the bathroom. Examine the luggage rack first.

Bed bugs typically hide within five feet of where people sleep and come out at night to feed. These behaviors are well-documented in entomological studies, including the findings shared in Doggett, Miller, and Lee’s 2017 review, which explains their adaptive survival strategies and the importance of early intervention. 

If you see any signs of infestation, alert hotel management and request a new room in a different part of the building. Bed bugs are room specific and just because one room has bed bugs does not mean every room does.

What to Do If Bed Bugs Follow You Home from a Hotel 

Even if you didn’t see bed bugs in the hotel, it’s smart to unpack with caution: 

  • Unload luggage in a garage or outside area. 

  • Immediately wash and dry all clothing on the highest heat setting — one of the most effective methods for eliminating bed bugs and eggs, per the EPA. 

  • Vacuum your suitcase thoroughly. Focus on zippers, seams, and folds. Remove the canister or remove the vacuum bag afterwards.

  • Consider storing luggage in a sealed container between trips. 

If you’re unsure or suspect early signs, reach out to Cook’s for a free home inspection. 

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs: Cook’s Has You Covered 

Despite your best efforts, you may still end up with bed bugs in your home. Signs include: 

  • Itchy red bites (often in clusters) 

  • Black specks or blood stains on sheets 

  • A musty odor near beds or sofas 

  • Sightings of bed bugs near mattress seams or baseboards 

If this happens, don’t panic — call Cook’s Pest Control. 

We begin with a detailed home inspection to assess activity and hiding spots. Then we design a custom treatment plan that targets bed bugs at every life stage. Unlike DIY sprays, our professional methods are backed by science and delivered with care. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that once bed bugs are established, they’re hard to eliminate and spread rapidly. Cook’s not only removes the problem, but we also help make sure you are prepared to prevent future infestations. 

Pest Control Today 

Bed bugs don’t have to ruin your trip or your homecoming. Whether you’re getting ready to leave or just arriving back, Cook’s Pest Control is here to help. 

Call us at 1-800-239-9898 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation. 

Cook’s Pest Control offers proven expertise and dependable service. From prevention to professional elimination, we’re your trusted partner in creating a pest-free home.