How likely is it to pick up bed bugs from a hotel?

How likely is it to pick up bed bugs from a hotel? Despite the statistics, the chance of encountering bedbugs in any given hotel room is “pretty darn unlikely,” said Michael Potter, a professor of entomology at the University of Kentucky. Here are some simple steps you can take to make sure you don't run into bedbugs on your trip.

How fast can bed bugs infest a hotel?

Bed bugs can move as fast as 5 feet per minute but can move from room to room within an hour or two. Within an hour bed bugs can move as much as 100 feet! Bed bugs can spread even quicker if they hitch a ride onto clothes or luggage.

Should I be worried about bed bugs at a hotel?

“It may surprise you that bed bugs are a common problem in hotels,” says Jordan Foster, Pest Management Expert at Fantastic Pest Control. “Infestations of bed bugs have nothing to do with sanitation or cleanliness. Bed bugs are not uncommon in hotels or motels of any star rating, from one-star to five-star.”

How do I protect myself from bed bugs in a hotel room?

Keep your stuff off the floor and the bed. Store suitcases on a luggage rack or other hard surface (away from the walls), and to be extra safe, carry along large trash bags to keep them in. Also pack your clothing and shoes in resealable plastic bags inside your suitcase, and keep them sealed when not in use.

What to do if I slept in a hotel with bed bugs?

Can bed bugs travel with you from hotel?

Unlike many pests, however, bed bugs rarely enter your home and take up residence by chance. Rather, bed bugs typically make their way into your home via clothing, suitcases, and other items following a vacation, business trip, or other occasion for travel.

Can you get bit by bed bugs at hotel and not bring them home?

Just because you think (or are even positive) the hotel had bed bugs does not necessarily mean that you brought them home with you. Granted, bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eradicate on your own, so it's a good idea to act as if you may have picked up a hitchhiking bed bug or two.

Which hotels have the most bed bugs?

How common is it to get bed bugs from a hotel?

Infestation rates are hard to estimate but some surveys suggest 10-20% of hotels may have a bed bug issue at any given time. Hotels with higher occupant turnover like airports tend to have more frequent issues.