4. Check Nearby Furniture
Take a quick look around nightstands and other furniture located close to the bed.
Check cracks, joints, edges, and other small spaces.
The purpose isn't to prove that the room is completely pest-free. You're simply looking for obvious evidence that would make you reconsider unpacking.
What Do Bed Bugs and Their Signs Look Like?
Adult bed bugs are small, flat insects with oval-shaped bodies. Their appearance can vary, particularly after feeding.
However, travelers shouldn't rely exclusively on finding a live insect. Other possible warning signs include:
- Small dark stains or spots
- Shed skins
- Tiny pale eggs or eggshells
- Blood spots on bedding
- Live insects around mattress seams or nearby hiding places
Keep in mind that individual marks or stains can have other explanations, so one unexplained spot doesn't automatically mean a room has bed bugs.
What If You Find Something Suspicious?
Don't unpack your belongings.
Keep your suitcase away from the bed and contact the hotel's front desk or management. Explain what you've found and ask about changing rooms.
If possible, photograph anything suspicious before leaving the room. This can help you clearly communicate the issue to hotel staff.
Simply moving to another room without informing management isn't ideal because hotel staff may need to investigate the situation.
Why Avoid Putting Your Suitcase on the Bed?
The bed may seem like the easiest place to open a suitcase, but it's better to avoid doing so before checking the room.
Bed bugs can be difficult to detect, even in rooms that appear spotless. Cleanliness alone doesn't guarantee that an accommodation is free of pests.
Keeping an uninspected suitcase away from the bed reduces unnecessary contact with the sleeping area.
After you've inspected the room, an elevated luggage rack can be a more convenient option—provided you've checked the rack first.
Is the Hotel Luggage Rack Safe to Use?
A luggage rack is often more practical than a bathtub, but it's still worth giving it a quick inspection.
Look at:
- Straps and fabric surfaces
- Joints and folds
- The underside
- Areas around hinges and connections
If everything looks normal, keeping your suitcase closed and elevated can help minimize contact with carpets and upholstered furniture.
Remember: The Bathtub Doesn't Kill Bed Bugs
This point is important.
Putting your suitcase in the bathtub does not kill bed bugs and doesn't guarantee that your luggage is protected.
The purpose is simply to keep your suitcase temporarily separated from the bed and other potential hiding areas while you inspect the room.
Once you've finished checking, move your luggage to a suitable location.
What About Your Clothes?
Try to avoid spreading clothing throughout the room.
Keep clean clothes inside your suitcase when possible, and don't leave garments lying on the floor.
For dirty laundry, consider using a washable laundry bag or sealed bag to keep it separated from clean clothing.
When leaving the hotel, keeping laundry contained can also make unpacking at home easier.
A Simple Hotel Arrival Routine
You can turn this into a quick habit whenever you travel.
1. Enter the room.
Keep your suitcase closed.
2. Temporarily place your luggage away from the bed.
The bathtub is one possible location.
3. Inspect the sleeping area.
Check mattress seams, the bed frame, headboard, and nearby furniture.
4. Look for signs.
Watch for insects, shed skins, eggs, or unusual spotting.
5. Unpack only after you're satisfied with the inspection.
Keep your luggage elevated and closed when practical.
The entire process can take only a few minutes.
What Should You Do With Your Suitcase After the Trip?
Your precautions can continue after you leave the hotel.
When you get home, consider unpacking somewhere other than your bed. Inspect your suitcase before storing it, paying particular attention to:
- Seams
- Pockets
- Folds
- Wheels
- Zippers and compartments
Wash and dry clothing according to its care instructions. Items that can safely tolerate high dryer temperatures may benefit from appropriate heat treatment.
There's no need to throw away your suitcase simply because you've stayed in a hotel. A careful inspection and sensible laundry routine are usually more practical steps.
Common Luggage Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple habits can reduce unnecessary exposure.
Don't Put Your Suitcase on the Bed
This is one of the easiest habits to change. Keep luggage away from the bed until you've inspected the room.
Don't Leave Clothes on the Floor
Keep clothing contained or elevated whenever possible.
Don't Leave Your Suitcase Open
Close your suitcase when you're not actively using it.
Don't Assume a Clean Room Can't Have Bed Bugs
Bed bugs aren't necessarily related to poor housekeeping. Even clean, well-maintained accommodations can encounter them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does putting luggage in the bathtub prevent bed bugs?
No. It doesn't guarantee protection. It simply gives you a temporary hard-surface location away from the bed while you inspect the room.
Is the bathtub better than the floor?
For a short inspection period, a bathtub can be a convenient option because it has a smooth, hard surface. The bigger goal is to avoid immediately placing your luggage on the bed or upholstered furniture.
Should I always put my suitcase in the bathtub?
Not necessarily. It's simply a cautious travel habit. If the hotel provides a suitable, elevated luggage rack, you can inspect it and use it instead.
What should I do if I find a bed bug?
Don't unpack. Contact hotel management or the front desk, explain what you've found, and ask about changing rooms.
Can bed bugs travel home in luggage?
Yes. Bed bugs can hitchhike in luggage, clothing, and other belongings. That's why inspecting your luggage and handling clothing carefully after traveling can be sensible precautions.
A Small Habit That Could Give You Peace of Mind
Putting your suitcase in the bathtub may seem strange at first, but the reasoning is simple.
You're not treating the bathtub as a magical bed-bug-proof zone. You're simply keeping your luggage away from the bed and other potentially vulnerable surfaces while you take a few minutes to inspect the room.
The next time you check into a hotel, consider leaving your suitcase closed and out of the way while you check the mattress, bed frame, headboard, and nearby furniture.
It takes only a few minutes, costs nothing, and can give you a little extra peace of mind before you settle in for the night.
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