Do Bed Bugs Travel Home with You After a Beach Trip?

As a family-owned company serving South Carolina’s coastal communities for over 45 years, we’ve seen how travel can unintentionally invite pests into homes. At Harris Pest Control, we frequently help families with bed bug control in Florence and Myrtle Beach, especially during and after the summer vacation season. While beach trips are a time to relax, they also increase the chances of bed bugs hitching a ride back with you.

Here’s how it happens, what to watch for, and how our team can help if you think bed bugs followed you home from your trip.

Why Summer Beach Trips Increase the Risk of Bed Bugs

Bed bugs don’t live in sand or seawater, but summer beach vacations create the perfect conditions for accidental exposure. Whether you're staying in a rental home, condo, or hotel, bed bugs can hide where travelers sleep—and then catch a ride home in your luggage.

Because South Carolina’s beaches are popular vacation destinations, the risk of picking up bed bugs is higher during peak travel months. Add in the increased movement of guests, shared laundry facilities, and stored luggage; you’ve got a high-transmission environment.

Common Places Bed Bugs Hide in Vacation Rentals

You don’t have to stay in a rundown motel to encounter bed bugs. Even clean, well-maintained beach rentals can have undetected issues.

These pests hide in small, dark areas close to where people sleep or store belongings. Some of the most common hiding spots include:

• Mattress seams, box springs, and bed frames
• Upholstered chairs and sofas
• Luggage racks, closet floors, and dresser drawers
• Curtain pleats or behind wall hangings

If you’re not sure what to look for, we always recommend doing a quick inspection when you arrive, especially during peak travel weeks like July 4th or Labor Day.

Signs to Look for Before Unpacking

Before settling into your rental, take a few minutes to inspect sleeping areas and furniture. Even if there are no visible bugs, these signs can indicate a potential issue:

• Reddish stains on sheets or pillowcases (crushed bugs)
• Tiny black dots that resemble pepper flakes (droppings)
• Light-colored shells or skins (shed during molting)
• A musty, sweet odor near the bed or baseboards

If you spot any of these signs of bed bugs, it’s a good idea to keep your bags zipped and off the floor and to alert the property manager.

How Bed Bugs Hitchhike Back to Your Home

Unlike many pests, bed bugs are not attracted to food or moisture. They’re drawn to warmth and carbon dioxide, which is why they live close to sleeping areas. Once in your rental, they can easily crawl into bags, soft-sided luggage, clothing, and beach towels.

Because they are small and flat, bed bugs can go undetected for days—or even weeks—after returning home. That’s why we often hear from customers throughout the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas who don’t realize they brought bed bugs home until they notice bites or find them in their bedroom.

How to Inspect Belongings After Your Beach Trip

Once your vacation is over, don’t rush to unpack your suitcase in the bedroom. Bed bugs are experts at hiding and can linger inside bags if not addressed quickly. Before bringing anything into your main living space, follow these steps:

• Unpack outside, or in a garage or laundry room if possible
• Inspect suitcase linings, seams, and pockets
• Shake out clothes and check toiletry bags or electronics cases
• Wash all clothing in hot water and dry on high heat—even if unworn

Early action can stop a small issue from becoming a full infestation.

What to Do If You Suspect You Brought Bed Bugs Home

If you notice bites, spots on your bedding, or see live bugs in your room after traveling, don’t panic—but don’t delay, either. The worst thing you can do is start moving bedding or furniture from room to room, which spreads the infestation.

Instead, give us a call. Our team is trained to perform detailed inspections to locate the source and extent of the problem, whether it’s in your luggage, mattress, or baseboards. We provide discreet and thorough bed bug control, backed by decades of hands-on experience.

Why Harris Pest Control Is the Local Choice for Bed Bug Control

Bed bugs are one of the most challenging pests to eliminate without professional help. At Harris Pest Control, we use industry-proven methods and tools to get the job done right, without relying on gimmicks or one-size-fits-all treatments.

When you contact us, you can expect:

• A detailed inspection of your home and belongings
• Customized treatment plans based on the level of infestation
• Non-invasive, family-conscious solutions with proven results
• Follow-up services to monitor and prevent reinfestation

You can learn more about our bed bug services by visiting our bed bug control page.

Prevent Future Bed Bug Problems After Travel

While no prevention method is foolproof, there are a few habits that can reduce your chances of bringing bed bugs home in the future:

• Use hard-sided luggage and avoid leaving it on beds or floors
• Store suitcases in the garage or a tiled entry when returning home
• Pack large plastic bags for dirty laundry to keep items contained
• Run a full wash and dry cycle on all travel clothing and bedding
• Schedule a preventative inspection if you travel frequently or stay in shared rentals

If you want extra peace of mind, our team is always available to inspect your home before or after your trip.

Schedule a Bed Bug Inspection in Florence or Myrtle Beach

If you’re worried about bed bugs after a beach vacation—or simply want a professional inspection—you can count on Harris Pest Control. We serve families throughout Florence, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding communities with honest advice and responsive service.

We understand how stressful bed bugs can be and are here to help you act quickly and effectively. Contact us today to request an inspection or ask about our bed bug control options tailored for South Carolina’s travel season.

Let us help you get back to what matters, without the baggage of pests.