8 STEPS TO ENSURE You do not take bed bugs home from a hotel stay

1.Check on the internet if any travel sites have comments on bed bugs and stay clear if you see more than 1 comment.

2. Pack clothes into oversized sealable plastic bags and leave them inside luggage during the trip, or hanging in the closet – never on the bed or floor.You can also use a suitcase encasement from The Allergy Guy to protect your luggage.

3. On arrival to your hotel room leave your luggage in the bathtub and perform a mini-inspection with a flashlight around the bed: peel back the bed sheets and check the mattress, running your fingers along the upper and lower seams. Make sure to check the mattress tag, as bed bugs often hide there. Check for blood stains and bed bug droppings as well, since they’re often the easiest to spot.

4. Check the head board and bedside table. Look for signs of bed bugs in the drawers and along the wall on the side of the bed that is less likely to be disturbed by cleaning staff and guests.

5. If bed bugs are detected, request another room. Be sure to inform hotel management. Just moving to a different room may not be the total answer. You should repeat the inspection of any new or different room you are offered.

6.Try and live out of your suitcase if possible and leave your suitcase on the rack. When you pack to leave, inspect your luggage carefully first, and inspect every item as you pack to help detect any bugs or their signs.

7. If you find bed bugs, have bites, or know that you’ve spent time in a room harbouring the bugsmake sure to inspect your clothing and suitcase.

8. After your trip re-inspect clothing and then put everything into the dryer on the highest setting possible for at least 30 minutes  Vacuum and dry steam luggage thoroughly.You can also use a suitcase encasement and take a blow dryer and dry for 20 minutes and make sure that all pockets and zippers are open so that the heat penetrates.