Planning a Winter Getaway? How to Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home

Holiday and winter travel is supposed to bring back memories, not pests. But between packed suitcases, busy schedules, and hopping from hotels to rentals to spare rooms, it’s surprisingly easy to bring home an unwanted souvenir: bed bugs.

Before you cringe, take a breath. Bed bugs aren’t a reflection of cleanliness, and they don’t care if you’re staying in a luxury hotel or cozy Airbnb. They’re expert hitchhikers that latch onto luggage, coats, and other personal items with ease, especially during peak holiday travel, when the risk of bringing bed bugs home is higher.

At Ford’s Hometown Services, we see a noticeable uptick in bed bug calls right after the holiday travel wraps up. The good news? A few simple habits before, during, and after your trip can lower your risk. Here’s how to protect yourself and make sure all you bring back from holiday travel are memories.

Tips to Limit Bed Bugs Before, During, and After Travel

Bed bugs are most often picked up while traveling. According to data from the National Pest Management Association, increased travel plays a major role in how bed bugs spread from hotels and rentals into homes. In fact, a recent survey from The Sleep Doctor reported that one in seven U.S. travelers (14%) experienced a bed bug encounter in the past year. And surprisingly, 20% of those sightings happened in five-star hotels.

Following a simple routine before you leave, when you check in, and as soon as you get home can dramatically reduce your risk. These steps are quick, practical, and easy to build into even the busiest travel schedule.

For additional ways to protect your home year-round, check out our bed bug prevention and control tips.

Before You Leave

A little preparation at home can go a long way in preventing bed bugs later. Some tips:

• Start with a clean suitcase (vacuum seams and pockets if it has been in storage).
• Use sealable bags or packing cubes to keep clothes contained.
• Skip placing luggage on the bed while packing.

Shifting where you pack and unpack is a big change for many people, but keeping bags off beds and upholstered furniture reduces risk, especially if you travel frequently or reuse suitcases year after year.

When You Check In

Hotels and rentals are the most common places travellers encounter bed bugs. Before unpacking, set your suitcase on a hard surface, such as the bathroom floor or a luggage rack. Do a quick inspection:

• Pull back the bed sheets and look closely at the mattress seams for small dark spots.
• Check around the headboard and nightstands.
• Take a quick look at any fabric furniture.

This quick scan takes less than five minutes and can save you weeks of stress in the future. If anything looks questionable, trust your gut and ask for a different room.

When You Get Home

The final (and most important) step happens once you walk through your front door. Don’t just leave suitcases on the floor; instead:

• Unpack directly into the washer, running clothes on high heat when possible.
• Inspect your suitcase before storing it.
• Use a handheld vacuum along the seams and pockets of your suitcase to help catch what you can’t see.

Top Bed Bug Questions, Answered by Pest Control Pros

Now you know what to do before, during, and after travel, but you likely have more questions. Here are answers to the most common bed bug questions our licensed technicians hear from homeowners:

Can bed bugs travel on clothing?

Answer: Yes, bed bugs can cling to clothing, but they most commonly hitchhike on luggage, bags, and personal items.

Do bed bugs mean a place is dirty?

Answer: No. Bed bugs are hitchhikers, not dirt-driven pests. Even clean, high-end hotels can have them.

How fast do bed bugs spread?

Answer: They move quickly through luggage and furniture, and a few bugs can become a large infestation in weeks.

What’s the best way to get rid of bed bugs?

Answer: Professional treatment using targeted chemical treatments is the most reliable and effective way to eliminate bed bugs and prevent infestation.