Experts talk about the best places to store your luggage so you don't bring back creepy crawlers after your rental or hotel stay.
Eric Brown, a Pennsylvania-based board-certified entomologist and Terminix's experienced technical services manager, has 27 years of experience and has advice to follow when it comes to travel.
“I always recommend keeping everything in your suitcase as much as possible. Unpack only what you need,” Brown told FOX News Digital.
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“Personally, I keep toiletries on the bathroom counter, clothes that need to be hung in the closet, everything else in a suitcase, and the suitcase in the bathroom,” he adds. Ta.
For those looking to avoid bed bugs, a society-certified entomologist (not pictured) offered some travel tips. (St. Petersburg)
While bathtubs and showers may seem like unusual places to store items, Brown said there's a good reason why he puts his extra belongings in this particular spot.
Brown said she doesn't unpack her belongings in the bathroom, only leaving her suitcase there after unpacking important items.
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“Bed bugs prefer soft or textured materials, so they are less likely to be found on smooth, hard surfaces that are common in bathrooms, such as bathtubs,” Brown says.
Brown says it's best to store your suitcase somewhere with a smooth, hard surface, like a bathtub. (Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“If clothing is left inside the suitcase and placed on the floor, near the bed, or within range of potential bed bug hiding places, the suitcase and its contents are at risk for hitchhiking bed bugs. You may be exposed.”
Brown also suggested travelers store their luggage elsewhere in the bathroom, on a coffee table or desk.
Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not attracted to dirty things, Brown said. Therefore, the cleanliness of a luxury or budget hotel has no bearing on whether or not you will get bed bugs.
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“They are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, the warmth and smell of our bodies, not the cleanliness of our surroundings,” he said.
Bed bugs are attracted to “the carbon dioxide we exhale and the warmth and smell of our bodies, not the cleanliness of our surroundings,” Brown said. (St. Petersburg)
While you may want to unpack your bag on top of the luggage holder, it turns out that the straps under the suitcase holder hide transportable pests.
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Last month, Dr. Jason Shin, a Virginia-based primary care physician, published a PSA on social media asking people to be “lazy” and not open packages for up to 10 days to avoid the spread of bed bugs. did.
“Now, if you suitcase remains closed “If you let it rest for at least two weeks, bed bug eggs and larvae are likely to die from starvation and desiccation, so you now have a reason to be lazy like I was,” he said in the video.
After Singh's video went viral, Brown spoke to Fox News Digital about her concerns about bringing bed bugs home after traveling.
Mr Brown advised travelers not to bring potentially contagious suitcases into living spaces, and to store clothes outside the home before placing them in trash bags immediately. laundry room.
Read more tips below from Braun, who provided insight on tracking pests.
Where and how to find bed bugs
1. Mattress, box spring, headboard, bed frame
Brown recommends checking your sheets for “feces marks” or possible bed bug droppings. This can look like someone touched the surface of the fabric with a black marker.
“Carefully inspect the mattress and box spring for shedding or insects around seams, creases, edges, creases, tufts, zippers and tags. Lift the mattress and check the underside of the bed frame and slats, rails, and platforms. “Inspect the corners of the headboard for cracks, tears, edges, and intricate designs,” he said.
Brown warns hotel guests not to store clothing in dressers or drawers, as these are common areas for bed bugs. (St. Petersburg)
He also suggested pulling the headboard off the wall and looking behind the furniture.
2. Floor and baseboard covers
It's best to scan carpeted floors and baseboards under the bed, as well as the perimeter of the room.
3. Upholstered seats
Take a close look at any additional cushions in your hotel room, especially the folded edges along zippers, seams, and furniture gaps.
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Brown said you should check for removable lids on ottomans and stools.
If you are traveling soon, you may want to try storing your luggage in this unusual location to avoid bringing unwanted pests home. (St. Petersburg)
Carefully examine cushions, especially zipper areas, and check for seams, edges, and folds in crevices in furniture and along the inside of cushion covers on sofas and chairs. Don't forget the removable lids on ottomans and stools.
4. Nightstands and wall mounts
Just as Brown doesn't recommend storing clothes in drawers while traveling, she also recommends travelers check drawers and other cracks and crevices in furniture that could allow insects to enter their rooms. I am.
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“Open the book in your drawer and shake it. Look at the edges, the back, under the lamp, picture frames, alarm clocks, and other decorations and fixtures,” says Brown.
