Bed Bug Prevention Tips When Traveling: Stay Bite-Free on Your Next Trip

Traveling is exciting, but nothing ruins a vacation faster than bringing home unwanted souvenirs — like bed bugs. These tiny pests are expert hitchhikers, often hiding in luggage, hotel beds, or even ride shares. At Desert Shield Pest Control, we want to help Tucson residents and travelers protect themselves from infestations with these proven prevention tips.

Suspect Bedbugs? Give us a call!

Why Worry About Bed Bugs When Traveling?

Bed bugs can be found in hotels, motels, Airbnbs, airports, buses, and even high-end resorts. They don’t discriminate based on cleanliness — all they need is access to people and soft surfaces to hide in.

Once they get into your home, they’re incredibly hard to remove without professional help. That's why prevention is key.

Before You Travel: Pack Smart

• Use hard-shell luggage instead of soft fabric bags that bed bugs can easily hide in.

• Pack your clothes in sealed plastic bags or compression packing cubes to prevent exposure.

• Bring a small flashlight — it’ll help you inspect your room upon arrival.

Hotel Room Inspection Checklist

Before settling in:

✅ Pull back the sheets and inspect the mattress seams and headboard for reddish-brown stains, shed skins, or live bugs

.✅ Check behind framed pictures, furniture joints, and bedside tables.

✅ Avoid placing your luggage on the bed or carpet — use the luggage rack, and keep it away from the wall.

✅ Keep suitcases zipped and closed when not in use.

During Your Stay

• Store your suitcase off the floor and keep it zipped shut.

• Avoid putting clothing in drawers unless you’ve inspected them.

• If you see bites on your skin, notify hotel staff and ask to switch rooms — but not to one next door or directly above/below.

Coming Home: Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs with You

• Inspect your luggage outside or in the garage before bringing it into your home.

• Wash all clothes immediately in hot water and dry on high heat, even if you didn’t wear them.

• Vacuum your suitcase and store it in a sealed plastic bag or container.

Signs You May Have Picked Up Bed Bugs

After your trip, be on the lookout for:

• Small, itchy red bites, often in a line or cluster.

• Tiny blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases.

• Dark fecal spots along mattress seams or furniture.

• A musty, sweet odor in your room (a sign of a larger infestation).

What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs

If you think bed bugs have made it into your home, don’t wait. DIY methods rarely eliminate the entire problem. Call in a licensed pest professional like Desert Shield Pest Control. We offer safe, effective treatments and full inspections to stop bed bugs before they spread.

Traveling Shouldn't Come with Bites

Enjoy your trip — and keep it bed bug-free — by following these simple prevention steps. If you’re in the Tucson area and worried about bed bugs, contact Desert Shield Pest Control today for a free inspection and peace of mind.

📍 Serving Tucson, Vail, Rita Ranch, Sahuarita, Oro Valley, and surrounding areas.

📞 Call or text 520-850-3345🌐 www.desertshieldpc.com