How to check your hotel room for bed bugs

Updated on: May 13, 2026 

Quick overview

• Bed bugs are common in hotels, regardless of star rating
• Online registries can help, but always inspect the room yourself
• Know the signs: blood spots, dark marks, shed skins, live bugs
• If you find signs, don't unpack - notify the front desk right away
• Take precautions when you get home to avoid bringing them with you

If you’ll be traveling anytime soon, there’s one pest issue you’ll want to keep on your radar: bed bugs. Bed bugs in hotels are more common than most people realize. According to a 2018 survey by the National Pest Management Association, hotels and motels rank among the top three places where pest professionals report finding bed bugs. And unlike many pests, they don't discriminate by star rating; a five-star property can be just as easily affected as a budget motel. 

The good news is that a quick, methodical check when you arrive can go a long way. Bed bugs are small, but they leave behind clear signs if you know what to look for. Learning how to check for bed bugs in your hotel room can provide peace of mind and teach you how to avoid bed bugs for future travel.

Before you book: checking online reports 

Before you finalize a hotel booking, it's worth doing a quick search for recent guest reports. Sites like Bed Bug Reports allow you to search by hotel name or state for user-submitted sightings. You can also scan recent reviews on Google or TripAdvisor for any mentions of bed bugs, paying attention to patterns rather than isolated complaints.

Keep in mind that these databases rely on user submissions and aren't always up to date. A hotel with no reports isn't necessarily bed bug-free. Online research is a useful first step, but it's no substitute for checking the room yourself when you arrive.

How to check for bed bugs in a hotel room

Bed bugs can hide in the most inconspicuous places, and since they’re small, it’s important to know what you’re looking for when inspecting a hotel for bed bugs. (We also recommend searching with a flashlight – the one on your cell phone should do the trick!) Here are a few tips on how to check for bed bugs in your hotel room. 

1. Start with the mattress, as this is likely the most common place you’ll find bed bugs. Begin inspecting the sheets, mattress pad, mattress seams, mattress tags, and the box spring. 
2. After inspecting the mattress, examine the furniture and any frames hanging on the walls (yes, bed bugs can be found there, too!). This includes the headboard and behind nightstands. 
3. Another hot spot for bed bugs in hotels is the suitcase rack – who knows if someone else’s suitcase had bed bugs while sitting on the rack. You should keep your suitcase off the bed when conducting a bed bug inspection and leave it in the bathroom. You don’t want to risk bed bugs getting in your clothes or luggage!

Our infographic provides five additional steps on how to check for bed bugs and how to avoid bed bugs, offering you peace of mind for your future travels.

What to do if you find bed bugs in your hotel room

If you encounter bed bugs in hotels, use your best judgment when deciding what to do. You could ask for a new room at the hotel or leave the property altogether. The presence of bed bugs in one room may not mean that the entire hotel has a problem. Ask to speak to the manager to see if the property has had any previous bed bug issues. This may help you make your decision.

If you choose to stay, most hotels will re-book you into a new room immediately. Be sure to ask for a new room that is not on either side, above, or below the room with the bed bug problem, as these are the rooms where an infestation could most easily spread. 

How to avoid bringing bed bugs home after your stay

Even if you didn't spot any signs of bed bugs during your stay, it's worth taking a few precautions when you get home. Bed bugs are small enough to hide in seams and pockets without being noticed. 

Before you wash your clothes, place them in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes. It is possible for bed bugs to survive the washing machine, even with hot water, so drying them will eliminate any bed bugs that may have hitched a ride. Once dried, you can launder your clothes as usual. If you can’t fit all your clothes into one load, keep them inside a plastic bag until they can be washed. Additionally, dry cleaning will kill bugs on items that can’t go into the washer or dryer.  

Next, vacuum your suitcase. Go over the inside and outside of your bag, paying close attention to seams, pockets, and corners. When emptying the contents in your vacuum, dispose of the debris immediately in an airtight bag. After cleaning your suitcase, place it inside a large plastic bag, just in case you missed a bug and it lays eggs. Additionally, using a steamer or a hot iron on all folds and seams of luggage will kill bed bugs in all life stages.

Prevent bed bugs with Ehrlich

If you've come home from a trip and you're worried about bed bugs, Ehrlich's team can help you figure out what's going on. We'll carry out a thorough inspection to look for any signs of activity and talk you through the options if something is found, including how to prevent them from returning. Our bed bug control services cover both residential properties and commercial settings.

Get in touch to schedule a free inspection.