Welcome to Des Moines, Iowa! Whether you’re here for an event, visiting friends or family, or stopping for a rest on your way through, the last thing you want to take away with you is bed bugs. From an Airbnb to a hotel, no accommodation is too grand or humble for the presence of these nasty little pests. So let’s go over how to identify and protect yourself from these bloodsucking hitchhikers.

How to Check for Bed Bugs at an Airbnb

You’ve just checked into your Airbnb and are ready to settle in. If leaving luggage in the car or outside is not an option, immediately place your luggage in the bathroom. This is the least likely place for bed bugs to be hiding and you run the least risk of contamination while you inspect the place.

Glove up if possible: Bed bugs have not been found to spread disease like other bloodsucking pests, but gloves will help prevent contamination.
Inspect Mattresses and Bedding: Lift the sheets and check for small, reddish-brown bugs, tiny white eggs, or brownish-black fecal spots on the mattress, and box spring. Pay close attention to seams, folds, and crevices, especially near the head area.
Examine Headboards and Furniture: Bed bugs can hide in upholstered headboards, chairs, and couches. Look for signs of infestation, such as tiny bugs, eggs, or dark stains along the seams of all upholstered surfaces.
Use a Flashlight: Bed bugs are nocturnal, so turn the lights off and use a flashlight for better inspection conditions.

If you run an Airbnb, don’t hesitate to contact professional exterminators.

Signs of Bed Bugs at a Hotel

Not much different from an Airbnb, the aforementioned procedure is applicable here as well. Some extra signs to be aware of are:

Rust-colored spots: Bed Bugs feed exclusively on human blood and leave behind rust-colored stains in their wake.
Bite Patterns: Their bite is painless but causes an itchy welt that some people have an allergic reaction to. If you notice multiple red bug bites in a row wherever skin was exposed during your sleep (like ankles and calves), it’s likely bed bugs.

How to Prevent Home Invasion

Use Luggage Racks: Hotels provide these for just this purpose: use racks instead of placing luggage on the bed or floor. If at an Airbnb, keep luggage on a hard surface to discourage these pests.
Seal Your Luggage: When not in use, store your luggage in a large plastic bag to protect it from invasion.
Go With Hard Cover: Bed bugs love to hide in fabric suitcases, so if possible opt for luggage with a hard surface material. This will provide fewer access points and reduce your risk of unwanted guests.
Dry Then Wash: Put all fabrics in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes, then wash in high heat to sanitize. Applying high heat is essential to ensuring the eradication of any possible hitchhikers.

Pest Control You Can Count On

For nearly 35 years, the highly trained experts at Springer Professional Home Services have been dedicated to exceeding our customers’ expectations. Leave the bed bugs to the experts, and rest easy knowing your home is in good hands. If you suspect you may have a bed bug infestation or are seeking preventative pest control, don’t hesitate to contact us today!