Check your room when you arrive
- Put your luggage in the bathroom or on a hard luggage rack, not on the bed or carpet
- Pull back the sheets and check the mattress seams and corners for dark spots, shed skins or live bugs
- Look behind the headboard if it is easy to do so
- Check the seams of sofas and chairs
- If you find signs, ask for a different room, ideally not next to or directly above or below the first
During your stay
- Keep your case zipped and off the floor
- Hang clothes rather than putting them in drawers, or keep them in the case
- Do not leave clothes on the bed or floor
When you get home
- Unpack in a hard-floored area such as the kitchen or bathroom, not the bedroom
- Put all clothes straight into the washing machine and wash at 60°C, or tumble dry on high heat for 30 minutes
- Vacuum the suitcase, especially seams and pockets, and store it away from bedrooms, ideally in a sealed bag
- Check the case closely for bed bugs before putting it away
Second-hand furniture
Second-hand beds, sofas and bedside tables are another common source. Inspect them carefully before bringing them inside, and avoid furniture left on the street.
If you find bites after a trip
Check your bed using our bed bug checking guide. If you find signs, book a treatment early; small infestations are much easier to clear.
Questions and answers
Do bed bugs only live in cheap hotels?
No. Bed bugs are found in hotels of every standard. They arrive with guests' luggage.
Can bed bugs live in my suitcase?
Yes, they can hide in seams and pockets. Vacuum and inspect your case after travel.
Does washing kill bed bugs?
Washing at 60°C or tumble drying on high heat for at least 30 minutes kills all stages.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.