When you're heading off on an exciting trip, the last thing you want to bring home is an unwanted souvenir—bedbugs. These tiny pests can hitch a ride in your luggage and quickly become a nightmare. Fortunately, with a few smart habits and the right tools, you can stay bedbug-free wherever you go.

🔍 Inspect Your Room

Before you unpack, take a few minutes to inspect your hotel or rental:

• Check mattress seams, headboards, and furniture crevices for reddish-brown bugs or tiny black spots.
• Use a flashlight or your phone light to look closely in dark corners.

🧳 Keep Luggage Off the Bed

Avoid placing your suitcase on the bed or upholstered furniture. Instead:

• Use a luggage rack or place your bag on a hard surface like a desk or tile floor.

🛡️ Use Protective Covers

• Consider using bedbug-proof encasements for your suitcase or packing cubes to create a barrier between your belongings and potential pests.

📦 Pack Smart

• Store clothes and shoes in sealable plastic bags to keep them protected.
• Bring a travel-size bedbug spray, like Hygea Natural’s Extra Strength Bed Bug & Mite Travel Spray, for added peace of mind.

🧺 Be Cautious After Travel

• Unpack directly into the laundry and wash clothes on high heat.
• Inspect and vacuum your suitcase before storing it away.

💡Travel Advisor Tip:
I was advised long ago to always zip and close my luggage after using it when traveling. I follow this practice every time I travel to prevent any unwanted critters from entering my bag and hitching a ride home with me. Zip it before you leave it!

• For added comfort, consider purchasing disposable sheets or a sleeping bag liner. I've been using a sleeping bag liner for several years and absolutely love it. I sleep so much better now!