Manage account
For your home
© 2025 Rentokil Initial plc and subject to the conditions in the legal statement.
Contact Us!
Pest Control for your business
Biting Insect Control for Commercial Premises
No one wants to deal with bed bugs on vacation or a business trip. Unfortunately, even clean, well-rated hotels can have them. These pests are small, hard to spot, and good at hiding near where people sleep. Knowing how to find out if a hotel has bed bugs can help you avoid bites, protect your belongings, and reduce the chance of bringing bugs back home.
If you’re wondering, “Does my hotel have bed bugs?”, there are a few easy checks you can do as soon as you arrive. You don’t need special tools, just a flashlight and a few minutes of your time. Read on to learn what to look for, where to check, and what to do if you see any signs of bed bugs.
Inspecting the mattress, furniture, and luggage
Before you unpack, take a few minutes to check your hotel room. Place your luggage on the luggage rack, away from the bed and walls. If there’s no rack, use a hard surface like a desk or the bathroom counter. Avoid placing your bag on the floor or any soft surfaces.
Where to check for bed bugs in a hotel
Bed bugs like to stay close to where people sleep, so first, inspect the bed area. Pull back the sheets and look along the seams of the mattress and box spring. Use your phone’s flashlight to help you see. Check the headboard and nearby furniture, like nightstands and chairs. Bed bugs hide in tight crevices, so look closely.
After checking the bed, look around the room. Open drawers, check under chair cushions, and shine a light behind wall art or mirrors. Don’t forget the edges of baseboards and curtain folds. These pests can hide in small gaps, so a careful inspection can help you spot them before they get into your luggage or clothing.
How to spot bed bug stains and droppings
To find out if a hotel has bed bugs, you need to look carefully for clues they leave behind and for live bugs.
Dark spots on sheets or mattresses may be droppings. You might also see reddish stains, shed skins, or tiny white eggs. In some cases, a musty smell may be present if the problem is bigger.
Using a flashlight to detect bed bugs
A flashlight helps you see into places that are dark or hidden. Shine it along seams in the mattress and under furniture. Check screw holes, fabric tags, and wood joints. Look closely around the luggage rack, inside drawers, and anywhere bugs could hide during the day.
What to do if you find bed bugs in your hotel
If you see signs of bed bugs, don’t unpack. Take pictures and report what you found to the hotel staff. Ask to move to a room that’s not next to, above, or below the one you’re in. If you’ve opened your bags, check your things carefully. Keep your luggage in the bathroom while you inspect; it’s the least likely place for bugs to hide.
How to avoid bringing bed bugs home
Bed bugs can travel with you even if you don’t see them. Keep your bag on a luggage rack or a hard surface. Seal dirty clothes in a plastic bag. When you return home, unpack directly into the washer and use hot water. Vacuum your suitcase, especially the seams and zippers, then store it away from bedrooms.
These steps can help reduce the risk, but they aren’t always enough. If you think you brought bed bugs home, our technicians can help.
Professional bed bug control services from Presto-X
We offer both residential and commercial bed bug control. From homes and apartments to hotels and hospitals, we work to limit disruption and help protect people, businesses, and reputations.
Whether you need a one-time inspection or ongoing service, we’ll support you with expert care and a reliable follow-up service where necessary.
Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid bringing bed bugs home from a hotel stay?
Use the luggage rack, check the room carefully for signs of bed bugs, and wash your clothes in hot water as soon as you return home.
For more information about bed bugs, see our bed bug guide.