Did you find a bedbug in your luggage?

by Wynton
(Smith)

Did you find a bedbug in your luggage?

Vacations to international locations are becoming very popular. It is also common to return home and find some bedbugs in your luggage. Travelers must learn how to keep these critters out of their suitcases and clothing ensuring a bug free home.

Luggage liners surround suitcases preventing the bugs from entering the luggage. They are available in carry on and checked baggage sizes and a pillow encasement is also available. This guarantees no bedbugs come home with you via your pillow or someone else's luggage.

To check the quarters in which you will be sleeping for bedbugs, thoroughly inspect the mattress, blankets, bed frame, carpet and even picture frames for the bugs. They are little but are visible upon close inspection. To minimize bites while you sleep, make sure to sleep covered so no skin is exposed. If you do see bedbugs or are bitten by one, report it to the front desk of the hotel. If the hotel personnel is not willing to change your room or move you to another floor, make reservations at another hotel. If there is time before leaving for the trip, check hotel reviews online to see what other consumers have said about the hotels in the area.

Try to locate the safest one and even call ahead to inquire whether there are bedbugs present. Note that bedbugs are not only found in hotels but on cruise ships as well. The same precautions should be taken on any vacation. If there is luggage present, there is a chance there are bedbugs present.

If infestation is suspected, find a non-carpeted room, wipe down the floor and place luggage and clothing in plastic bags. The bugs cannot penetrate the bags and the bags will ensure safety until the luggage can be heated, frozen or laundered. Try to organize the clothing in the plastic bags before you get home. If there are bed bugs, they will travel and spread while laundry is being separated and sorted.


If bedbugs make the trip home with you and they are found in your luggage, immediately wash all clothing in the hottest possible water temperature. Also set the dryer at its hottest setting. The heat will kill any bedbugs that go through the laundering process. Be sure to check the label on your pillows to be sure they can be machine washed and dried.

The luggage should be thoroughly inspected and if bedbugs are present or suspected, immerse the suitcases and bags into hot soapy water. Since bedbugs can hide in tiny seams and cracks, use a scrub brush and wash each crease and zipper on the luggage. If you are not sure you brought bedbugs home with you, use bright white sheets and blankets on the bed. The bugs will be more visible to the naked eye and any blood or fecal matter from the bugs will be evident.

If bitten by bedbugs, research the bite and symptoms to ensure the proper treatment will be used. As with all bites, do not scratch the irritated area. This will lead to more germs getting into the wound and possibly causing infection. There are over the counter steroidal and non-steroidal creams that can be applied to reduce inflammation and help heal the bite. Oral antihistamines are also very helpful. Be sure to wash your hands with hot soapy water before treating and after.

If it is ultimately confirmed that bedbugs are sharing your bed, call a pest professional. There are currently no products sold that can effectively kill bedbugs. Most aerosols have to be sprayed directly onto the bugs in order to be effective and any wearable repellant will not affect the bug or his likening to your skin. Always check bedding, the floor underneath the bed, the end tables, the curtains and clothes for evidence of bedbugs. Your local pest control business will likely be able to assist in ridding of the bugs.