Flight Attendant Shares Expert Tips on How to Check for Bed Bugs in Your Hotel Room

With the recent surge in reports about bed bugs infesting various places, including luxury hotels in Paris, travelers are increasingly concerned about encountering these unwanted guests during their trips. To help you stay bed bug-free during your hotel stay, flight attendant Cari Curri, known as @cici.inthesky on TikTok, shares valuable advice on how to check for bed bugs in your accommodation.

Curri, who frequently stays in different locations due to her profession, emphasizes the importance of inspecting your hotel room or Airbnb for bed bugs. She even had an encounter with bed bugs in an Airbnb, making her vigilant about this issue.

Here are the key steps Curri recommends upon checking into your room:

• Bag Placement: Never place your bags on the bed or carpet, especially if it’s a fabric item. Keeping them on hard surfaces prevents potential contamination.
• Bedding Inspection: Lift up the bedding to mattress level, checking every corner and crease. Curri suggests doing this with the lights off, using your phone’s flashlight. Don’t forget to examine underneath the mattress and inspect any fabric headboards.
• Seating Consideration: Be cautious about fabric seating in the room. Avoid using it if possible.
• Luggage Rack: Check the luggage rack thoroughly, paying close attention to crevices where bed bugs may hide.
• If you do discover any signs of bed bugs or suspect their presence, Curri advises the following:
• Alert the Front Desk: Contact the hotel’s front desk immediately to report your concerns. Request another room and repeat the inspection process. Bed bugs are known for being elusive.
• Natural Repellents: Curri mentions that bed bugs dislike certain scents like tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lavender. You can create a spray using these oils and apply it to the exterior of your luggage as a repellent.
• Lemongrass Oil: Curri suggests using lemongrass oil as another potential repellent.

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking precautions after your trip to minimize the risk of bringing bed bugs home:

• Unpack Immediately: As soon as you return home, unpack your luggage, and put your clothing directly into the washing machine.
• Inspect Luggage: Take the time to thoroughly inspect your luggage for any signs of bed bugs.
• Immediate Drying: Dry your clothing immediately to kill any potential bed bugs.
• Storage: Store your luggage away from your bedroom, preferably in a basement or garage. Never store suitcases under your bed, as this can provide hiding spots for bed bugs.

By following these precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering bed bugs during your travels and prevent them from hitching a ride back home with you.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, apple.news