Bed Bugs

These little critters are on the rise in hotels both domestically and internationally. 
The following are some tips to recognize an infestation and will help you avoid bringing them home with you:

• Never place your luggage, clothes or other belongings on the bed. 
Bed bugs cannot climb metal or glass so it is best to use a metal luggage rack, and hang clothes in the closet. 
Using drawers is not recommended.

• Peel back the bed sheets and check the mattress running your fingers along the upper and lower seams. 
Make sure to check the mattress tag as bed bugs often hide there.

• Experts recommend examining the headboard, if possible. 
Check for tiny black spots (excrement) that are smaller than poppy seeds. 
You may also see translucent light brown skins or in the case of an infestation — live bugs.

• Check the bedside table.
 Look for signs of bed bugs in the drawers and along the wall on the side of the bed that is less likely to be disturbed by cleaning staff and guests.

• If you see powder in the drawers or on the headboard, it is likely the room has already been treated for bed bugs by an exterminator.

• If bed bugs are detected, inform hotel management.

• Moving to a different room may not resolve the problem. 
You should repeat the thorough inspection of any new or different room you are offered.

• When you pack to leave, inspect your luggage carefully first and inspect every item as you pack to help detect any bugs or their signs. 
Laundering most clothing items with typical hot water and detergent followed by drying on low heat for at least 20 minutes (or standard dry cleaning) should kill all bed bugs in or on such items. 
Sealing freshly-laundered items inside a plastic bag should help keep any more bed bugs from getting in those items later to hide (and be carried back with you).