How to check your room for bed bugs and recognize them?

Bed bug droppings: how to recognize them?

Bed bugs around the world: what are the real statistics?

Bedbug bites: how to spot and recognize them?

When should you call in a professional?

Bed bugs while traveling: how to inspect your accommodation and avoid infestations?

Traveling is synonymous with discovery, relaxation, and enjoyment. However, one fear often arises: encountering bed bugs in a hotel, Airbnb, or hostel. These small insects, increasingly prevalent in Europe and tourist areas, can hide in mattresses, armchairs, luggage, and more, and discreetly make their way into your home upon your return.

The good news is that a few simple, calm steps are all it takes to inspect your accommodation in 30 to 60 seconds, without stress and without turning the whole room upside down. Here is a comprehensive, clear, and reassuring guide to traveling with peace of mind.

Why inspect your vacation rental for bed bugs?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are nocturnal insects that feed on human blood. They bite, move quickly through fabrics, and can cause:

severe itching,
allergic reactions in some people,
sleep disturbances,
an infestation in your home if they travel with you in your luggage.

Some global statistics

It is difficult to obtain reliable, verifiable, and comparable data for global statistics on hotels/accommodations infested with bed bugs because they are rarely available—or at least rarely published publicly. Nevertheless, here is what we do know:

In the United States: a survey conducted in 2024 shows that 1 in 7 travelers (14%) reported encountering bed bugs in accommodation over the past 12 months, across all types of establishments (3- to 5-star hotels, motels, vacation rentals, etc.).
In Australia: historical reports indicate a resurgence of infestations—in the 2000s, certain indicators suggest an explosion of the phenomenon, well before the recent global peaks.
In North America and Australia, the data converge on one point: pest control professionals have seen a sharp increase in infestations over the past 15 to 20 years, linked in particular to the increase in international travel and certain insecticide resistances.
In Europe: an ANSES survey indicates that approximately 1 in 5 hotels or vacation accommodations has already experienced a bed bug infestation.
In South America, health authorities and scientific studies confirm the presence of bed bugs in large cities and tourist areas, but there are still no precise public figures on the proportion of hotels or accommodations affected. Specialists refer instead to a “global resurgence” that now affects all continents.

In summary, bed bugs are now a global problem, found in all types of accommodation (from dormitories to 5-star hotels). The key is not to panic, but to adopt a simple and calm inspection routine every time you travel.

Learn more about bed bugs around the world

When should you inspect your room when traveling?

It is recommended that you carry out a quick inspection:

When you arrive, before putting down your suitcase or unpacking your clothes, place your belongings on:

a luggage rack,
a table,
or the bathroom floor (tiled surfaces are less conducive).
You can then begin inspecting your hotel room for bed bugs.
After several nights, if you notice itching, spots, or unusual behavior, don’t hesitate to check again.

Also, carry out another inspection when changing rooms or in the event of high guest turnover.

If you notice any suspicious stains, use a bed bug detection app. Learn more

Priority areas to be inspected

Area to Inspect	Typical Signs
Mattress / seams / box spring	Black spots (droppings), white eggs (≈1 mm), translucent shed skins, live bed bugs
Headboard / bed frame	Cracks, screws, crevices, dark stains
Sofa / armchairs	Seams, folds, under cushions
Curtains / thick textiles	Hems, folds, attachment points
Personal luggage	Seams, pockets, zippers, linings

How can you protect your luggage from bed bugs while traveling?

Protecting your luggage effectively is one of the simplest ways to avoid bringing bed bugs home with you. The good news is that it doesn’t require any special equipment and is mainly based on a few easy habits to adopt on a daily basis, whether you’re staying in a hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or with a friend or family member.

Use airtight bags for clothing

Store your clothes in zippered bags or large freezer bags. This creates a physical barrier against bedbugs and prevents them from getting into your clothes. It’s one of the most reliable ways to travel with peace of mind, especially in hostels or on long journeys.

Keep the suitcase closed when not in use.

An open suitcase is an ideal hiding place for bed bugs. Remember to always close your luggage, even if you are only leaving it unattended for a few minutes. This greatly reduces the risk of insects settling in discreetly.

Place the suitcase on a luggage rack (never on the ground).

Metal luggage racks are travelers’ best friends: they are high up, smooth, and much more difficult for bedbugs to colonize. Avoid the floor, carpets, and especially beds as much as possible.

Isolate dirty clothes in a plastic bag.

Bed bugs are particularly attracted to worn clothing. To prevent them from finding refuge there, place all your dirty clothes in a sealed plastic bag until you are ready to wash them. When you return, wash everything at 60°C if possible.

Do not leave clothes or towels lying on the bed.

The bed is the main place where bedbugs gather. Leaving your clothes on the duvet or pillows increases the risk of insects settling there. Instead, use a hanger, chair, or corner of the bathroom, which are less attractive surfaces for pests.

What should you do if you find a suspicious sign of bed bugs during your stay?

Stay calm: One isolated sign does not necessarily mean infestation.
Isolate your luggage: Place it in the bathroom or in a plastic bag.
Notify the front desk or Airbnb host: Ask for a new room in another area of the establishment.
Take photos of the sign: For proof or analysis.
When you return home: Wash your clothes at 60°C and steam clean or vacuum your suitcase.

Mistakes to avoid:

Putting your suitcase on the bed
Ignoring a suspicious sign
Relying on essential oils or ultrasound (ineffective)
Sleeping in a suspicious room

Useful tools for inspecting bed bugs

Flashlight: Essential for viewing dark areas.
Magnifying glass: Very useful for locating eggs and molted skin.
Double-sided tape: Can discreetly trap bed bugs.
Bed bug-proof mattress cover: Reduces possible hiding places and facilitates detection.
AI identification app: An app can analyze a suspicious stain from a photo and provide an initial assessment (a tool for reassurance, not a professional diagnosis).

Identification app for bed bugs?

This is a mobile app that uses artificial intelligence to analyze a photo (stain, insect, suspicious mark) and indicate whether it resembles a bedbug, excrement, or something else common.

What should you do if you find a suspicious stain?

The most important rule: stay calm.
A single stain does not mean infestation.

For a simple protocol to follow, see our comprehensive guide:
→ “What to do if in doubt?”

You will learn:

How to analyze a stain,
How to check areas at risk,
When to call in a professional.

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Questions – Bed bugs while traveling

Do bed bugs jump?

No. Unlike other insects such as fleas, bed bugs do not jump or fly. They move only by crawling, but they can do so quickly when looking for a hiding place or food source. Their ability to squeeze into very small cracks explains why they hide so easily in the seams, folds, or crevices of furniture.

Can bed bugs cause diseases?

No. To date, no scientific studies have shown that bed bugs transmit diseases to humans. The main risk is related to skin reactions: itching, inflammation, or irritation caused by bites. In some cases, excessive scratching can lead to secondary infection, but it is not the bug itself that is responsible—only the skin’s reaction.

How to treat a bedbug bite?

Treatment is simple and mainly aims to relieve discomfort:

Wash the area with soap and water to reduce bacteria and soothe the skin.
Apply a soothing cream (such as a calming cream, aloe vera gel, or calendula cream).
In case of a strong reaction or severe itching, an antihistamine or a mild corticosteroid cream may be recommended (ask a pharmacist for advice).

The bites usually disappear within a few days.

Are bed bugs visible to the naked eye?

Yes, bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, but their small size and tendency to hide can make them difficult to spot.

What do they look like?

Size: Adult bed bugs measure 4 to 7 mm (about the size of an apple seed).
Color: Reddish to brown after feeding on blood, lighter (yellowish) when fasting.
Shape: Oval and flat (like a lentil), wingless.
Nymphs (young): Smaller (1 to 4 mm), translucent or yellowish, almost invisible on a light-colored sheet.