Why NYC Hotels Are Vulnerable
NYC’s high traveler turnover and dense lodging industry make it one of the top cities for bed bug reports each year. Even five-star hotels can experience infestations because bed bugs don’t discriminate—they move wherever people go. They can easily spread through luggage carts, housekeeping equipment, and shared laundry facilities between rooms and floors.
Quick fact: Bed bugs can survive for months without feeding, meaning even a recently vacated room could still be infested.
How to Check for Bed Bugs During Hotel Stays
Before unpacking, take five minutes to perform a quick visual inspection:
**Step-by-Step Hotel Room Check:**
- Pull back the bed sheets and check the mattress seams for dark stains or small bugs.
- Inspect the headboard, nightstand, and baseboards using your phone’s flashlight.
- Look behind wall art, alarm clocks, and near outlets—bed bugs hide in tight, dark spaces.
- Keep your luggage elevated—preferably on a metal rack or hard surface, never on the bed.
If you see anything suspicious, notify the front desk immediately and request a new room, ideally on a different floor.
How to Avoid Bringing Bed Bugs Home
- Store luggage away from beds and upholstered furniture.
- Pack clothing in sealed plastic bags before traveling.
- After your trip, wash and dry all clothing on high heat before unpacking.
- Inspect luggage seams and vacuum your suitcase before storing it.
- Consider using a portable heat treatment bag for luggage after travel.
What to Do If You Find Bed Bugs in a Hotel
✅ Take photos or videos for documentation.
✅ Alert hotel management immediately and request to change rooms or receive a refund.
✅ Keep all luggage sealed and avoid transferring it to new rooms until inspected.
✅ Once home, contact a professional NYC exterminator to inspect your belongings.
What Residents Should Know
Even NYC locals can face bed bug issues from visiting friends or relatives who stayed in infested hotels. Always encourage guests to inspect and treat luggage before entering your home.
If you rent or sublet your apartment to tourists, regularly inspect bedding and furniture between stays—early detection prevents complaints and protects your reputation.
Whether you’re a tourist or a lifelong New Yorker, vigilance is key. A few quick inspections and cleaning habits can save you the frustration and cost of a full infestation. If you suspect exposure or brought bed bugs home from a hotel, don’t wait—early treatment is the fastest route to peace of mind.
Call A1 Bed Bug Exterminator NYC today at (646) 503-0013 to schedule a discreet inspection and keep your home or rental bed-bug-free.
