When checking into a hotel room, it’s natural to feel excited and eager to settle in. However, before you start unpacking, there’s one crucial step you should take to protect yourself from unwanted travel companions: bedbugs.
These tiny pests are notorious for their ability to hitchhike into homes on luggage, clothing, and personal items. But there’s one simple way to reduce your risk of bringing bedbugs back home: storing your luggage in the bathtub.
It may seem like an unusual tip, but experts agree that the bathtub is the safest place to store your luggage in a hotel room. The reason is simple: bedbugs struggle to climb smooth surfaces, and bathrooms are typically cleaned more thoroughly than other areas of the room.
Entomologist Katelyn Kesheimer, PhD, recommends placing your luggage in the bathroom while you inspect the room for signs of bedbugs. “Once I know it’s clear, I bring my luggage out into the main room,” she says. “But I never put it on the bed, just in case.”
To further minimize your risk of encountering bedbugs, Orkin suggests using the acronym S.L.E.E.P.:
Survey the hotel room for signs of bedbugs, such as dark stains on bedding or furniture.
Lift and look in bedbug hiding spots, including mattresses, box springs, and behind baseboards.
Elevate luggage away from the bed and wall – the bathtub is a great option.
Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and once you return home.
Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for at least 20 minutes at the highest setting when you return home.
By taking these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of bringing bedbugs back home. Remember, bedbugs are masters at hiding and can survive for months without a blood meal.
So the next time you check into a hotel, don’t forget to store your luggage in the bathtub. It may seem like an unusual tip, but it could save you from the hassle and discomfort of dealing with bedbugs.
What are your favorite travel tips for avoiding bedbugs? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
