After a long day of travel, most people have the same routine when they finally reach their hotel room. They toss their bags on the bed, switch on every light they can find, and start settling in for what they hope will be a comfortable stay.
But some seasoned travelers have a very different habit. Before they unpack a single item or sit down on the furniture, they pause for a quick inspection of the room before turning on all the lights.
The reason? Bed bugs.
Most travel insiders say it’s worth taking a few minutes to inspect your room before getting comfortable, especially since spotting signs of an infestation early can save you from bringing unwanted hitchhikers home.
Why Some Travelers Keep the Room Dim at First
It may sound counterintuitive, but some travelers say a darker room can actually make certain signs easier to spot when using a flashlight or a smartphone’s light. Instead of flooding the room with bright overhead lighting, they use a focused beam of light to examine key areas where bed bugs tend to hide.
This isn’t about conducting a full forensic investigation. It’s simply a quick precaution that helps travelers check the places most likely to reveal whether there’s a problem.
Where Bed Bugs Usually Hide
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs don’t spend all their time crawling across mattresses. They often hide in mattress seams, box springs, headboards, upholstered furniture, and tiny cracks near the bed during the day.
Small dark spots, shed skins, tiny rust-colored stains, or the insects themselves can all be signs that further inspection is needed.
Related: 5 Warning Signs You Might Have Bed Bugs in Your Bed
Don’t Put Your Luggage on the Bed Right Away
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is placing their suitcase directly on the bed as soon as they enter the room. If bed bugs are present, luggage placed on soft surfaces can give them an easy opportunity to crawl inside.
Instead, many experienced travelers temporarily place their bags in the bathroom or on a hard surface while they perform a quick room check.
Check the Headboard Too
Many people inspect the mattress but forget about the headboard. Since bed bugs prefer hiding close to where people sleep, headboards can sometimes provide the perfect hiding place.
A quick look around the edges and mounting points can help reveal signs of activity that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Related: 10 Things That Keep Getting Stolen From Hotel Rooms
What to Do If You Spot Something Suspicious
If you think you’ve found evidence of bed bugs, avoid unpacking your belongings. Take photos of what you found and notify hotel management immediately so the situation can be documented.
Most reputable hotels will move guests to another room if there’s a concern. In many cases, they may also offer a refund or additional accommodations depending on the circumstances.
