Planning a getaway this summer? Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or anywhere in between, there’s nothing like a relaxing vacation. But before you get too comfortable, there's one travel risk you shouldn’t ignore—bed bugs.
According to Pest Control Technology, 1 in 7 U.S. travelers has encountered bed bugs while away from home. If you’d rather not be part of that statistic, a little knowledge and a quick inspection can go a long way in keeping these pests from hitching a ride back with you.
To help you travel with confidence, Harris Pest Control has put together the ultimate bed bug inspection checklist. These simple steps can help you spot problems early and avoid the hassle of an infestation at home.
Why You Should Inspect Every Room (Even the "Clean" Ones)
It’s easy to assume that a tidy, well-kept room means you’re in the clear. But one of the most persistent myths about bed bugs is that they only live in dirty places. The truth? Bed bugs don’t care how fancy or spotless the space is—they’re only after one thing: you.
From five-star resorts to roadside motels, any place where people sleep is fair game. If you truly want to protect yourself, take a few minutes to inspect every room in your hotel or rental, no matter how clean it looks.
Before You Step Inside: Be Prepared
A good inspection starts with a little preparation. Preparing before you even walk in the door helps reduce the risk of bed bugs finding your luggage—or worse, your home. Bed bugs are hitchhikers, and the fewer opportunities they have to latch on, the better.
Before you leave home, toss these items into your suitcase:
- A small flashlight (your smartphone will work just fine)
- A pair of gloves
- A few large plastic trash bags
- (Optional) A magnifying glass for a closer look
When you arrive, leave your luggage outside or in the bathroom (bed bugs are less likely to hide there). Give the room a quick once-over before unpacking anything.
The Ultimate Bed Bug Inspection Checklist
Step 1: Check the Bed (Start with the Headboard)
Beds are ground zero for bed bugs. They feed at night and hide nearby during the day, making mattresses, headboards, and bedding the most common places to find early signs of an infestation.
Here’s how to inspect properly:
- Remove the pillows and pull back the sheets
- Carefully inspect mattress seams, edges, and tags
- Look for live bugs, tiny white eggs, black spots (fecal stains), or shed skins
- Shine your flashlight into crevices around the headboard and bed frame
Step 2: Inspect the Box Spring and Bed Frame
Box springs and bed frames offer many tight hiding places for bed bugs. The more hidden and undisturbed the space, the more likely they are to hide there. Missing this step could mean overlooking a well-established infestation.
- Check around corners, joints, and screw holes
- Use your flashlight to peek into cracks in the wood or metal frame
- Repeat this process on all beds in the space—even ones you don’t plan to sleep in
Step 3: Examine Furniture and Upholstery
Bed bugs don’t just hang out in beds. Couches, chairs, and dressers can also be hiding spots.
- Inspect seams and folds in upholstered furniture
- Lift the couch cushions and look underneath
- Open drawers and check joints, cracks, and undersides
- Don’t forget the luggage rack—especially the fabric straps
Step 4: Look at Curtains, Wall Hangings, and Baseboards
Bed bugs can squeeze into tiny cracks and crevices and hide in unusual spots, so take a moment to check:
- Drapery folds and curtain hems
- Behind picture frames or artwork
- Along baseboards, outlets, and under wall trim (use your flashlight!)
Step 5: Handle Luggage Safely
If you didn’t spot any signs of bed bugs—great! Even if you find no visible signs of bed bugs, it’s still smart to limit the chances of them crawling into your luggage during your stay. Luggage safety is your last line of defense.
Once you’ve completed your inspection:
- Place your bags on a hard surface, luggage rack, or inside a large plastic bag
- Avoid placing clothes directly in drawers unless you’ve inspected them
- Consider using a bed bug-proof liner for your suitcase
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs
So what if you do see signs of bed bugs during your inspection?
- Take photos of the evidence
- Report the issue to the hotel staff or your rental host immediately
- Ask for a room far away from the infested one, or request a refund
- Don’t bring your luggage inside
- Stay calm—you’ve caught the problem early, and that’s a win
When You Get Home: Play It Safe
Even if your trip seemed bed bug-free, it’s smart to take a few precautions when you get home:
- Unpack directly into the washing machine, and wash/dry clothes on the highest heat setting
- Thoroughly vacuum and inspect your luggage before putting it away
- Use a garment steamer or bed bug spray for added peace of mind
Still Ended Up with Bed Bugs? Harris Pest Control Can Help.
Even the most careful traveler can accidentally bring bed bugs home. If you start noticing bites or spotting suspicious signs around your bed or furniture after a trip, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the easier it is to eliminate the problem.
At Harris Pest Control, we specialize in fast, discreet, and effective bed bug control in Florence, Myrtle Beach, and throughout the Pee Dee and Grand Strand areas. Our professional-grade heat treatments are trusted by both families and hospitality businesses and are eco-friendly, safe, and designed to eliminate bed bugs at every stage of their lifecycle.
Don’t let bed bugs ruin your return home—call Harris Pest Control today and sleep easy again.
