Exploring a hotel room is part of the fun when you travel. Before you get too comfortable though, there is one simple step that can save you a lot of trouble. Put your luggage in the bathtub.
It may seem like an odd place to stash your suitcase. Travel experts say the tub is actually the safest place for your belongings if you want to avoid taking any unwanted pests back home.
Most people roll their suitcase onto the bed or the luggage stand the moment they walk in. You test out the pillow, check the minibar and look over the bathroom amenities. According to hygiene specialists, placing your bag on the bed or floor is one of the most common mistakes travelers make.
Instead, the hard surface of the bathtub should be your first stop. The reason is simple. Bedbugs.
A perfect hiding place for pests
Even clean and expensive hotels can have bedbugs. These little insects are known for sneaking into guests’ bags and traveling with them.
A pest control company called Orkin explains that bedbugs are excellent at catching a free ride. They move easily across rooms and climb into luggage left on soft furniture or the floor. Hotels are especially vulnerable because so many guests come and go every day. Once bedbugs settle in, they are very difficult to completely remove.
Bedbugs stick close to their food source. Humans. They hide in places where people rest such as mattresses, carpeting and padded chairs.
Why the bathtub helps
Bedbugs cannot climb smooth surfaces well. Bathrooms are also cleaned more often and more thoroughly than sleeping areas. That makes the tub a much safer temporary storage spot when you first check in.
Katelyn Kesheimer, an entomologist who spoke with Reader’s Digest, says she always puts her luggage in the bathroom while she checks the room for signs of bedbugs. She said that bathrooms are the least likely place to find them because people do not spend much time there compared with the bedroom.
How to remember what to look for
Orkin offers a simple guideline called S L E E P so you can avoid bringing pests home.
S. Look around the room for bedbug warning signs like dark stains on sheets, mattress seams and box springs. Know what bedbugs and their eggs look like.
L. Check hiding places such as the mattress, bed frame, furniture, behind headboards, pictures and even small cracks in the wall.
E. Keep your luggage raised and away from the bed and the wall. The bathtub is the best place.
E. Examine your suitcase before you repack and again when you arrive home.
P. As soon as you get home, put any dryer safe clothing in the dryer at the highest temperature for at least 20 minutes.
Protecting your stuff
Even if your room looks clean, experts say it is smart to add a few extra precautions.
Keep your suitcase in the bathtub throughout your stay. This helps prevent bedbugs from settling inside the pockets or seams.
Pack your clothes in resealable bags. Avoid using hotel drawers or closets. Living out of your suitcase helps lower the risk of bugs attaching to your clothing.
Store small items carefully. Bedbugs can hide in paper goods, toiletry bags or anything made of fabric. Be mindful of where you place your personal items.
These pests can survive longer than you might think. Kesheimer says they can live for months or even a year without feeding. If they end up in your bag, they can easily appear again once they have access to people.
A simple travel habit
Putting your suitcase in the bathtub may feel strange at first. It can make a big difference in preventing a stressful and expensive infestation later.
So during your next hotel stay, skip the bed and the luggage stand. Keep your suitcase in the tub until you are sure the room is clear.
Do you have your own tricks for avoiding bedbugs while traveling? Share your advice and pass this information along to help others keep their homes safe when they return from a trip.