The Step-By-Step Guide for Checking Your Hotel Room for Bed Bugs

There’s nothing quite like that sigh of relief when you finally drop your bags in your hotel room, until a nagging thought hits: What if there are bed bugs? While infestations aren't common, I think a quick 2-minute check is worth the peace of mind. You don't need special tools or pest-control training; you just need to know where to look.

This “better-safe-than-sorry” mindset isn't paranoia; it's smart travel etiquette, especially since bed bugs are “sneaky and can survive extreme temperatures,” according to Dr. Ron Harrison, Technical Services Director at Orkin. Because these pests have been found everywhere from luxury hotels to public transit, a brief scan of the room is the only way to truly feel at ease in your new space.

With that in mind, here’s our non-negotiable step-by-step guide for checking your hotel room for bed bugs before settling in.

Step 1: Keep Your Luggage Off the Bed

Before anything else, resist the urge to toss your suitcase onto the bed (it's dirty anyways). Place it in the bathroom, on a luggage rack (if available), or on a hard surface away from soft furnishings. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, and this one move significantly lowers your risk.

Step 2: Start With the Bed (Yes, Really)

Pull back the sheets and focus your attention on the mattress seams, corners, and piping. According to the CDC, look for tiny dark spots (often droppings), shed skins, or the bugs themselves; small, oval, and reddish-brown. Don’t forget to lift the mattress slightly and check the box spring, especially along the edges.

Step 3: Inspect the Headboard

Headboards are one of the most common hiding places, especially if they’re upholstered or attached to the wall. Use your phone’s flashlight and look along seams, cracks, and mounting points. This step often gets skipped, but it’s one of the most important if you want to rest easy.

Step 4: Check Nearby Furniture

Move outward from the bed. Inspect nightstands, dresser drawers, and upholstered chairs. Pull drawers out slightly and look at corners and joints. Bed bugs prefer tight, dark spaces close to where people sleep.

Step 5: Scan Curtains and Walls

Take a quick look at curtain seams, behind wall art, and around electrical outlets near the bed. You’re not tearing the room apart, just scanning areas where bugs could hide undisturbed.

Step 6: Trust Your Nose (Seriously)

Heavy infestations can sometimes produce a musty, sweet odor. While not always present, it’s another potential red flag if something smells “off” in an otherwise clean room.

What to Do If You Find Signs of Bed Bugs in Your Hotel Room

If you spot anything suspicious, don’t panic, and don’t unpack. Take photos, notify the front desk immediately, and request a room far from the original (not next door). Most hotels take this seriously and will accommodate you quickly.

Taking these few extra minutes at check-in ensures you can spend the rest of your vacation actually relaxing. A quick inspection is a small price to pay to avoid a major headache once you’re back home. After all, the best souvenir from a trip should be the memories, not unwanted passengers.

When you’re ready to plan your next getaway, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to map out a trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons.