Since bed bugs like to hide in cracks and crevices, Dr. Pereira says you might have an easier time seeing signs that the nasty critters were there vs. actually having a bed bug sighting. Bed bugs will leave black fecal spots (basically dried, digested blood) around the places they’re hiding.
They’re usually found in close proximity to their food source, i.e., people, Curtis says, which is why they’re typically in beds, furniture, and carpeting. But they can also be lurking behind picture frames or around telephones. “Most people don’t know that they can thrive in lots of other high-traffic areas, like airplanes, subways, daycare centers, or theaters, too,” Curtis says. “The truth is, all they need is a place to hide—which could be the folds of your purse or under a subway seat—and people to feed on.“
But ultimately, bed bugs are most likely to be around your bed and, if you’re in a hotel, they’re likely hanging around the mattress or furniture. That’s why Curtis recommends thoroughly inspecting your hotel room for bed bugs before you unpack. First, put your luggage in the bathroom (it’s the most unlikely place that bed bugs would be). Then, pull the comforter and sheets back and checking for any signs of bed bugs (again, you’re looking for little black dots and the bugs themselves). “Lift and check underneath the mattress and box spring and at the top and bottom of the bed,” Curtis says. “These critters are small but visible to the naked eye, so a careful examination will reveal adult and nymph bed bugs, along with their eggs.”
Once you’ve checked out the bed, take a look over the other furniture in the room. You’re probably fine if you don’t see any signs of bed bugs, but Curtis still recommends storing your suitcase on a hard surface or luggage rack instead of a bed, couch, or fabric chair, to lower your odds that you’ll get hitchhiker bed bugs.
If you do spot bed bugs in your room, grab your stuff and tell the hotel staff immediately.
While it’s understandable that you may want to stay someplace else, Dr. Husen says you should be fine to stay in the same hotel, provided you get a room that’s not adjacent to the one that has bed bugs or across from it. “Your hotel should have a plan for dealing with these occurrences including potentially laundering items and inspecting your luggage before moving you to another room,” he says. Either you or the hotel (or both) should also check the new room for signs of bed bugs.
If you spot a bed bug in your home or develop bite marks—they're similar to ones from a mosquito or flea, but sometimes appear in straight lines—that’s a different story. Dr. Husen recommends calling a professional and treating the problem ASAP since the bugs multiply quickly. If you think bed bugs are on your sheets, comforter, or clothes, put them in the dryer on high heat. “The heat will help kill all life stages,” he explains.
