The holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year. Families gather, travelers pack their bags, and people head out on road trips or flights to see loved ones. But with all that travel comes one unwelcome risk—bed bugs. These tiny hitchhikers don’t care whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or a friend’s guest room. If they find a way into your luggage, they can follow you home and cause a serious infestation. Understanding how to prevent this can save you stress, time, and money. Here’s how to travel smart this holiday season, with help from Positive Pest Management.
Why Bed Bugs Spread During the Holidays
Bed bugs are expert travelers. They can’t fly or jump, but they move easily by clinging to clothing, luggage, and personal items. During the holidays, travel activity skyrockets, creating more opportunities for them to spread from one place to another.
New York travelers are especially at risk because the city connects millions of people through airports, buses, trains, and hotels. Bed bugs can live in any location where people rest or store luggage—even high-end places. Once inside your belongings, they can hitch a ride home, hide in your bedroom, and quickly multiply.
At Positive Pest Management, we see a noticeable rise in bed bug calls after the holiday travel season. The good news? Most infestations are preventable with a few simple precautions.
How to Check Your Lodging for Bed Bugs
Whether you’re staying in a hotel, a short-term rental, or with relatives, a quick inspection can make a big difference. Bed bugs are small—about the size of an apple seed—but they leave signs behind. Here’s what to do before you unpack:
- Inspect the bed first. Pull back the sheets and check the seams, edges, and corners of the mattress and box spring. Look for small brownish-red spots (bed bug droppings) or tiny shed skins.
- Check the headboard and nightstands. Bed bugs like to hide close to where people sleep. Look in cracks, behind the headboard, and under furniture.
- Use a flashlight. Bed bugs are nocturnal and prefer dark spaces, so good lighting helps you spot them.
- Don’t place your luggage on the bed. Use a luggage rack or leave bags in the bathroom while inspecting the room.
If you find any suspicious signs, ask for a different room—or, if possible, switch hotels.
Smart Packing Tips to Prevent Bed Bug Hitchhikers
The way you pack can also protect you from bringing bed bugs home. Consider these easy travel hacks:
- Use hard-shell luggage. Bed bugs have a harder time clinging to smooth surfaces than to fabric suitcases.
- Pack clothes in sealable plastic bags. This limits where bed bugs can hide.
- Bring a portable flashlight. It’s handy for quick inspections, especially in dimly lit rooms.
- Avoid unpacking into drawers or closets. Keep your clothes in your suitcase to reduce contact with furniture.
When you return home, unpack carefully. Wash and dry all clothing—clean or not—on the highest heat setting the fabric allows. Bed bugs and their eggs can’t survive high heat, making this one of the best preventive steps you can take.
What to Do When You Return Home
Once you’re back in your New York home, a few smart actions can stop any potential bed bugs from settling in:
- Inspect your luggage. Before bringing bags inside, check seams, zippers, and pockets for bugs or eggs.
- Unpack in a laundry room or garage if possible. This keeps any stray insects out of your living space.
- Vacuum your luggage. Use the hose attachment to clean the inside and outside of your suitcase.
- Wash all clothes immediately. Heat kills bed bugs at all life stages, so run everything through the dryer for at least 30 minutes.
Even with precautions, it’s still possible for bed bugs to slip through. If you notice bites, blood spots on sheets, or a musty odor in your bedroom, call a pest control professional right away. Positive Pest Management specializes in thorough bed bug inspections and treatments for New York homes. Acting quickly can stop a small problem from turning into a major infestation.
Common Myths About Bed Bugs and Travel
Myth 1: Only dirty hotels have bed bugs.
False—bed bugs can show up anywhere people sleep, regardless of cleanliness or cost.
Myth 2: Bed bugs can’t survive in winter.
Wrong—while cold slows them down, bed bugs live indoors where it’s warm year-round.
Myth 3: You can get rid of them with bug spray.
Most over-the-counter sprays only kill bugs on contact and don’t reach hidden eggs. Professional treatment is the most reliable solution.
Stay Bed Bug-Free This Holiday Season
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, but they’re not unbeatable. A little awareness goes a long way. By inspecting your travel accommodations, packing smart, and cleaning thoroughly when you return, you can dramatically reduce your risk of bringing these pests home.
If you suspect bed bugs after traveling—or just want peace of mind—professional help is your best defense. Positive Pest Management offers trusted, effective bed bug inspections and treatments throughout New York City. Our experts know how to identify, eliminate, and prevent infestations so you can relax and enjoy the holiday season bed bug-free.
With the right precautions and professional support, you can travel confidently, knowing your home will stay safe, comfortable, and pest-free all winter long.
