5 Easy tricks to Spot Bed Bug When Staying in Hotels or Airbnb with Kids.
Traveling with kids is always a beautiful adventure—but waking up to find your child covered in red, itchy bites is every parent’s nightmare. Unfortunately, bed bugs are more common in hotels and Airbnb units than we’d like to think. These tiny pests are expert hiders, and they don’t just live in cheap motels—they can show up even in clean, well-rated places.
The good news? You don’t have to wait for the bites to appear to know if a room has bed bugs. In this blog, we’ll share 5 simple tricks to detect bed bugs early—before they make your family’s trip miserable. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a must-have travel essential to prevent and eliminate bed bugs while keeping your child safe.
Why You Should Check for Bed Bugs—Especially When Traveling with Kids
Bed bugs don’t spread disease, but their bites can cause:
- Red, itchy welts
- Allergic reactions
- Sleep disruption
- Emotional stress, especially in children
Young children are particularly vulnerable due to their sensitive skin and inability to communicate discomfort clearly. Many parents only discover bed bugs after they notice bites on their child the next morning. By then, it’s too late.
Prevention starts with awareness. Here’s how to check for signs of bed bugs the moment you enter your hotel or Airbnb room.
5 Easy tricks to Spot Bed Bug When Staying in Hotels or Airbnb with Kids.
These simple checks take just a few minutes but can save you days of discomfort and worry.
1. Don’t Unpack Immediately – Inspect First
Before settling in:
- Leave your luggage on a hard surface (bathroom floor or desk), not the bed or fabric chair.
- Avoid putting bags directly on the bed or carpet.
Bed bugs can crawl into your luggage quickly. Protect your belongings while you do your inspection.
2. Check the Mattress Seams and Headboard
The most common hiding place? The bed itself.
Use your phone torch or a small flashlight and look closely at:
- Mattress seams, especially at corners
- Edges of the mattress and box spring
- Under the mattress tags
- Behind the headboard (if removable or visible)
Look for:
- Tiny black dots (bed bug droppings)
- Small reddish-brown stains
- Shedded skins (bed bugs molt)
- Live bugs (flat, oval, reddish-brown about 4-5mm long)
Tip: Use a credit card or room key to scrape along mattress seams—this may help uncover hidden bugs.
3. Inspect Sofa Cushions, Curtains & Fabric Chairs
Bed bugs don’t only stay in beds—they can hide in any upholstered furniture.
Pay attention to:
- Seams and folds of fabric chairs
- Behind and under sofa cushions
- Curtains, especially at the bottom
- Edges of rugs and carpets
Again, look for similar signs: black dots, stains, shed skins, or live bugs.
4. Examine the Bed Frame and Nightstand
Hard surfaces close to sleeping areas are also favorite hiding spots.
Check:
- Joints and screw holes in the bed frame
- Behind and under the nightstand
- Cracks or gaps in wooden furniture
You may spot bed bugs tucked away in small crevices—especially near the bed.
5. Sniff the Air – Yes, Really
Some people describe the scent of a bed bug-infested room as:
- Sweet, musty, or “buggy” smell
- Similar to old locker room towels or overripe raspberries
While this method isn’t foolproof, a strong, unpleasant odor may be a subtle red flag—especially if paired with visual signs.
What to Do If You Spot Bed Bug Signs
- Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either.
- Take clear photos or videos of the evidence.
- Notify hotel or Airbnb host immediately and request a room change or refund.
- Avoid using the same room’s furniture, and don’t unpack until you relocate.
- Wash all clothing with hot water as soon as possible—even those you didn’t wear.
Preventive Protection: Don’t Travel Without BerryC Naturalle Bed Bug & Mite Spray
Even when you don’t see obvious signs, bed bugs can still be hiding out of sight. That’s why preventive protection is essential—especially when traveling with babies or young children.
BerryC Naturalle Bed Bug & Mite Spray is a parent-approved solution to protect your loved ones during travel.
Why Parents Trust BerryC Naturalle Bed Bug & Mite Spray:
- ✅ Dual Action – Not just repels, but also kills bed bugs and dust mites
- ✅ Tested & Proven Formula – Backed by third-party lab validation
- ✅ Safe for Baby & Skin – Gentle yet powerful; safe to spray on bedding and fabrics
- ✅ Natural Ingredients – With Neem Oil, Lavender, and Eucalyptus Extract
- ✅ Compact & Travel-Friendly – 100ml bottle fits easily in your bag or carry-on
- ✅ Easy to Use – Just spray on:
- Hotel bed and pillows
- Sofa and cushions
- Luggage and backpacks
- Curtains and carpets
💡 Pro Tip: Spray daily on high-contact areas during your stay—don’t wait until bites appear.
Conclusion
A relaxing trip can turn stressful in an instant when bed bugs are involved—especially with children in tow. But with a few quick checks and the right preparation, you can avoid unwanted surprises and protect your family’s comfort.
Before you settle into any hotel or Airbnb:
- Do a simple room inspection
- Avoid placing bags on fabric surfaces
- Stay alert for signs of bed bugs
And for peace of mind, keep BerryC Naturalle Bed Bug & Mite Spray in your travel kit. It’s your invisible shield against hidden threats—and a must-have for any parent who travels with kids.
Your child’s comfort and safety come first—make sure you’re always one step ahead.
