Bed Bugs in Hotels: Does Where You’re Staying Have a Problem?

While much of the news about bed bugs in hotels has focused on New York City, the reality is that bed bugs are a real concern nationwide as infestations are being recorded in record numbers from coast to coast. The spread of bed bugs is due, in significant part, to the propensity for these insects to “hitchhike” on travelers or in their belongings as they move about the United States and beyond. 

In fact, hotels have become way stations in the bed bug transit system. Here are some startling statistics that may make you think more about the potential for bed bugs in hotels as you consider business and personal travel plans up ahead:

Facts on Bed Bugs in Hotels
A recent article on Best Travel Deal Tips noted the top ten U.S. cities with bed bug problems and revealed a number of interesting facts, including:

• The famous and luxurious Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City has been the subject of several lawsuits regarding alleged reports of hotel bed bugs.
• The Department of Public Health attributes the bed bug epidemic in Denver to the amount of tourists the city sees on a weekly basis.
• Cincinnati has the highest number of bed bug service calls in Ohio.

Avoiding Bed Bugs in Hotels 
Not only do you want to avoid sharing your vacation with bed bugs by staying at a hotel, motel, or inn that’s riddled with them, but you also do not want to unknowingly bring them home with you. This will further spread the bed bug infestations and can cost you a lot of time, effort and money trying to rid them from your residence. 

There are a variety of ways to check hotels in advance to discern if bed bugs are now, or have ever been, a problem at the location. Indeed, there are many online sources to check prior to booking to find out more about any reports of bed bugs where you are staying. These include BedBugRegistry.com, BedBugReports.com, TripAdvisor.com, and Raveable.com. Even sites like Yelp.com may include information from travelers on any bed bug problems. 

Would-be travelers can also call the hotel directly and ask what they have done to ensure that they do not have bed bugs. If they are reputable, they will be honest and provide accurate information. 

If you are already at a hotel and have not had time to do your research in advance, there are things that you can do to be proactive in protecting yourself: 

• Pack all suitcase items in Ziploc-style bags and leave the bags in the suitcase rather than using the hotel room closet or drawers. 
• Bring a flashlight and magnifying glass to inspect bed, bedding, baseboards, and upholstered furniture for dark stains, rice grain debris, or shells. 
• If you find anything, report it immediately to the hotel and ask for a different room or switch hotels. 
• Once home, unpack in a garage or outside of the home and immediately wash items in hot water and hot drying cycles. 

In Summary
Here is a summary of the main points from this blog post:

• Bed bugs in hotels and elsewhere continue to spread across the country.
• It’s important to conduct research before you book a hotel room by using many online sources as well as checking with the hotel.
• Take precautions if you have already booked by packing carefully with bags, bringing a flashlight and magnifying glass to conduct your own inspection, reporting any signs of bed bugs, and carefully unpacking once home.

About The Author

Jeremy Ecker has worked in the pest control industry for the past 17 years. The last 8 years was spent as a Vice President of one of the most well respected regional Pest Control Companies in New York. He is part of a NESDCA Certified Dog Team