How to Avoid Getting Bed Bugs

Bed bugs have become a growing problem in many cities, including Denver, Colorado. These tiny pests can cause sleepless nights, itchy bites, and expensive treatments. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, staying in hotels, or even living locally, knowing how to avoid getting bed bugs is essential. This guide offers practical steps to protect yourself and your belongings from these unwelcome guests.

!Close-up view of a hotel bed with clean white sheets and no visible bed bugs

Check Your Hotel Room Carefully

When traveling, hotels are a common place where bed bugs can hitch a ride into your luggage. Before unpacking, inspect your room thoroughly:

• Examine the mattress seams and edges for small rust-colored spots or live bugs.

• Look behind headboards and picture frames where bed bugs often hide.

• Check the furniture joints and upholstery for signs of infestation.

• If you find any evidence, request a different room or consider changing hotels.

  
  

Taking these steps immediately can prevent bed bugs from spreading to your belongings.

Protect Your Luggage and Clothing

Bed bugs can easily cling to your suitcase or clothes. To reduce the risk:

• Use hard-shell luggage instead of fabric bags, as they are less penetrable.

• Keep your suitcase on a luggage rack or a hard surface, away from the bed or carpet.

• Pack clothes in sealed plastic bags to isolate them.

• When returning home, unpack directly into a washing machine and wash clothes in hot water.

• Vacuum your luggage thoroughly after each trip.

  
  

These habits help stop bed bugs from traveling with you.

!Eye-level view of a traveler placing a suitcase on a luggage rack in a hotel room

Maintain Cleanliness at Home and When Traveling

Bed bugs thrive in cluttered and dirty environments. Keeping your living space clean reduces hiding spots:

• Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture.

• Wash bedding and linens weekly in hot water.

• Inspect secondhand furniture carefully before bringing it inside.

• When staying in hotels, keep your belongings organized and off the floor.

• Use protective mattress and pillow covers designed to block bed bugs.

  
  

In Denver, Colorado, where bed bug reports have increased, these habits are especially important to prevent infestations.

Know the Signs and Act Quickly

Early detection is key to controlling bed bugs. Watch for:

• Small, itchy red bites on your skin, often in clusters.

• Rusty or dark spots on bedding, which are bed bug droppings.

• A sweet, musty odor in infested areas.

• Shed skins or tiny eggs near mattress seams.

  
  

If you suspect bed bugs, act immediately by isolating affected items and contacting a pest control professional. Delaying treatment can lead to a larger infestation that is harder to eliminate.

!High angle view of a mattress corner showing tiny bed bug droppings and shed skins

Additional Tips for Denver Travelers

Denver, Colorado, has seen a rise in bed bug cases, partly due to increased tourism and travel. To stay safe:

• Research hotels with good reviews regarding cleanliness and pest control.

• Avoid placing luggage on beds or upholstered furniture.

• Use portable bed bug interceptors under bed legs when possible.

• Consider carrying a small flashlight and magnifying glass for inspections.

• If staying long-term, request rooms on upper floors, as bed bugs often spread from lower levels.

  
  

By staying vigilant, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about bed bugs.