Bed bugs can be a real problem in hotels.
It doesn't matter how frequently you travel -- you need to check your hotel room for them every time before you check in.
The good news is that it will only take you a few minutes to do a thorough inspection.
The purpose of this check is to look for bed bugs and any signs of of them.
Signs of bed bugs include red and brown stains that look like trails or spotting, molted skins and clusters of eggs.
One word of warning: don't lay on the floor or across the bed.
Keep your contact with the bed to a minimum until you feel you are in the clear.
You don't want to pick up bed bugs on your clothes.
Also, this is common sense but don't try to lift things that are too heavy for you.
Let's get started.
The Bed Start your inspection with the bed.
Pull the comforter, quilt and top sheet back.
Look for black marks (bed bug excrement) along the bedding.
Also look for other marks that look like blood.
Chances are you wont see much because linens are changed frequently.
Now pull back the bottom sheet and check the mattress cover for the same kind of marks.
Although the linens are changed frequently, the mattress cover is not, so you might see something there.
Next, pull back the mattress cover and check the mattress itself for stains.
Carefully check the seams and piping of the mattress (top and bottom) for bugs, molted skins and eggs.
Bed bugs love seams, cracks and crevices.
After this, check the box spring.
You probably won't be able to lift it so you'll have to crouch down.
Check the underside near the rails of the bed frame.
You will be looking for actual bugs.
Check carefully.
A flashlight and a mirror can help you inspect hard-to-reach areas.
Also check the bed frame including the headboard and the footboard.
A flashlight and mirror are a big help with this too.
Around the Bed Next look on, in and around the nightstand.
Pull out drawers and check them thoroughly, especially seams, cracks and holes.
Also check the lamp, clock radio, phone and anything else that is on or near the nightstand.
Also check any artwork or drapes near the bed.
Other Areas Work your way farther away from the bed and consider including window drapes, dressers and any other furniture such as couches.
To check couches, inspect the seams and pillows.
Turn over and inspect the cushions.
Look inside the couch if possible and inspect the frame and feet.
Do the same with any chairs.
Stay Safe If you do this check when you get into your hotel room, you can save yourself a lot of hassle.
Also, check again before you leave.
Sometimes you won't see anything the first day but you will see something later on.
If you pick up bed bugs before you leave, it is best to know before you get home so you can handle the situation accordingly.
It doesn't matter how frequently you travel -- you need to check your hotel room for them every time before you check in.
The good news is that it will only take you a few minutes to do a thorough inspection.
The purpose of this check is to look for bed bugs and any signs of of them.
Signs of bed bugs include red and brown stains that look like trails or spotting, molted skins and clusters of eggs.
One word of warning: don't lay on the floor or across the bed.
Keep your contact with the bed to a minimum until you feel you are in the clear.
You don't want to pick up bed bugs on your clothes.
Also, this is common sense but don't try to lift things that are too heavy for you.
Let's get started.
The Bed Start your inspection with the bed.
Pull the comforter, quilt and top sheet back.
Look for black marks (bed bug excrement) along the bedding.
Also look for other marks that look like blood.
Chances are you wont see much because linens are changed frequently.
Now pull back the bottom sheet and check the mattress cover for the same kind of marks.
Although the linens are changed frequently, the mattress cover is not, so you might see something there.
Next, pull back the mattress cover and check the mattress itself for stains.
Carefully check the seams and piping of the mattress (top and bottom) for bugs, molted skins and eggs.
Bed bugs love seams, cracks and crevices.
After this, check the box spring.
You probably won't be able to lift it so you'll have to crouch down.
Check the underside near the rails of the bed frame.
You will be looking for actual bugs.
Check carefully.
A flashlight and a mirror can help you inspect hard-to-reach areas.
Also check the bed frame including the headboard and the footboard.
A flashlight and mirror are a big help with this too.
Around the Bed Next look on, in and around the nightstand.
Pull out drawers and check them thoroughly, especially seams, cracks and holes.
Also check the lamp, clock radio, phone and anything else that is on or near the nightstand.
Also check any artwork or drapes near the bed.
Other Areas Work your way farther away from the bed and consider including window drapes, dressers and any other furniture such as couches.
To check couches, inspect the seams and pillows.
Turn over and inspect the cushions.
Look inside the couch if possible and inspect the frame and feet.
Do the same with any chairs.
Stay Safe If you do this check when you get into your hotel room, you can save yourself a lot of hassle.
Also, check again before you leave.
Sometimes you won't see anything the first day but you will see something later on.
If you pick up bed bugs before you leave, it is best to know before you get home so you can handle the situation accordingly.