Traveling is one of the most common ways bed bugs enter Arizona homes. These hitchhiking pests don't care whether you stayed at a budget motel or a five-star resort — they'll hitch a ride in your luggage just the same. The good news is that a few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk.

Why Hotels Are High-Risk for Bed Bugs

Hotels are perfect breeding grounds for bed bug spread. Hundreds of guests cycle through the same rooms, and it only takes one infested traveler to introduce bed bugs to a room. Once there, they hide in mattress seams, headboards, and furniture — waiting for the next guest.

High-risk locations include:

• Hotels and motels (all price ranges)
• Vacation rentals (Airbnb, VRBO)
• Hostels and dormitories
• Cruise ship cabins
• Overnight trains and buses

Step 1: Before You Even Unpack — Inspect the Room

The most important habit you can develop is inspecting your hotel room before you put anything down. Here's how:

Leave Your Luggage in the Bathroom First

The bathroom is the safest place to leave your bags while you inspect. Bed bugs almost never infest bathrooms because there's no food source (you don't sleep there).

Inspect the Mattress

Pull back the sheets and examine:

• Mattress seams — look for dark fecal spots, shed skins, or live bugs
• Mattress tags — a common hiding spot
• The area between the mattress and box spring

Use the flashlight on your phone for better visibility.

Check the Headboard

The headboard is one of the most common hiding spots in hotel rooms. If it's mounted to the wall, look along the edges and in any crevices. If it's freestanding, pull it away from the wall and check the back.

Inspect Nearby Furniture

Check the nightstand drawers, the seams of upholstered chairs, and the luggage rack. Pay attention to any dark spots or shed skins.

What to Do If You Find Evidence

If you find any signs of bed bugs, request a different room — ideally not adjacent to or directly above/below the original room (bed bugs can travel through walls). If the hotel can't accommodate you, consider finding a different property.

Step 2: Protect Your Luggage

Even if your room looks clean, taking precautions with your luggage adds an extra layer of protection.

Use a Hard-Sided Suitcase

Bed bugs can't grip smooth, hard surfaces as easily as fabric. A hard-sided suitcase is harder for them to infest.

Keep Luggage Off the Floor and Bed

Use the luggage rack (after inspecting it) or place your suitcase in the bathroom. Never put your luggage on the bed — it's the most infested surface in the room.

Use Luggage Liners or Bags

Placing your clothes in sealed plastic bags inside your suitcase prevents bed bugs from getting into your clothing even if they get into your luggage.

Step 3: When You Get Home

What you do when you return home is just as important as what you do at the hotel.

Don't Bring Luggage Into the Bedroom

Unpack in the garage, laundry room, or another room away from your bedroom. This prevents any hitchhikers from immediately accessing your bed.

Wash and Dry Everything Immediately

Wash all clothing — even items you didn't wear — in hot water and dry on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat above 120°F kills bed bugs at all life stages.

Inspect Your Luggage

Before storing your suitcase, inspect it thoroughly. Pay attention to seams, pockets, and wheels. Consider storing luggage in sealed plastic bags or in a garage or storage area rather than in your bedroom closet.

Vacuum Your Suitcase

Run a vacuum along all seams and in all pockets. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately in an outdoor trash can.

What About Vacation Rentals?

Vacation rentals like Airbnb and VRBO carry the same risks as hotels. Apply the same inspection protocol — and check the property's reviews for any mentions of bed bugs before booking.

Already Think You Brought Bed Bugs Home?

If you've returned from a trip and started noticing bites or other signs of bed bugs, act quickly. The sooner you address an infestation, the easier and less expensive it is to eliminate.

Pest Control Bros serves all of Maricopa County with fast response times and guaranteed chemical treatment. Call (520) 424-5244 for a free inspection — we can usually schedule within 24–48 hours.